Hayya A1 Qatar Visa: Requirements, Fees & Application Guide

Planning a trip to Qatar? The Hayya A1 Qatar Visa is an official electronic tourist visa that allows international travelers to enter Qatar for tourism, family visits, cultural events, or short business trips. This visa has an easy online application system, a low fee and an option of staying. Get to know how to apply and necessary documents, its validity, and important updates in order to make your Qatar travel experience easy and hassle-free in 2025.

Find complete details about the Hayya A1 Visa for Qatar

What is the Hayya A1 Visa?

The Hayya A1 Visa, or Qatar Tourist Visa, is an electronic travel permit that enables foreigners to visit Qatar for tourism, leisure, family visits, and short business meetings (no employment permitted). The Hayya platform, originally launched for the FIFA World Cup 2022, now serves as Qatar’s official online system for tourist and event visa applications.

The Hayya A1 Visa generally allows a 30-day stay in Qatar, and some nationalities may be eligible to extend it once for another 30 days, subject to approval by the Ministry of Interior. The entire Hayya application process is completed online, with no need to visit embassies or consulates.

Who is eligible for the Qatar A1 Visa?

The Hayya A1 Visa is available to nationals from most countries worldwide, with a few specific exceptions and special conditions:

General eligibility:

• Eligibility for A1 depends on nationality and current policy updates. Always verify on the Hayya portal before applying
• Open to tourists, who visit Qatar at tourist, leisure, cultural or business meetings
• It is accessible to all people, both families and solo travelers

Exceptions / Visa-free cases:

• Citizens of GCC member states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE) can enter Qatar visa-free and do not need the Hayya A1 Visa. However, GCC residents of other nationalities must apply through the Hayya platform.
• Over 100 nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival under Qatar’s current agreements. The exact list may change, so always verify on the official Hayya or Visit Qatar websites.

Mandatory requirements for eligibility:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from entry date
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or host address in Qatar)
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Sufficient financial means to cover stay in Qatar
• Applicants must comply with Qatar’s entry and security regulations; a background check may be required in specific cases

Special note: Some nationalities may be required to book accommodation through the official Discover Qatar website, depending on entry policy updates. Travelers should verify this during the application process.

Essential requirements and documents for Hayya A1 visa

To successfully apply for the Hayya A1 Visa, you must prepare the following documents and meet these requirements:

Mandatory documents:

• Valid passport: Should be valid at least during 6 months of your entry into Qatar and have at least two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photo: Recent photo (not older than 2 years), color, plain white background, sharp focus, and clear features on the face (maximum 2 MB).
• Accommodation evidence: Hotel reservation, rent contract, or invitations letter of Qatar resident (not all nationalities can book directly, instead they should use Discover Qatar) confirmed. 
• Return/Onward travel ticket: A confirmed flight ticket, which indicates that departure is within the visa validity duration, in Qatar.
• Filled application form: Filled using the Hayya Portal with correct personal, travelling and contact details.

Financial requirements:

• Proof of sufficient funds may be requested in some cases, such as recent bank statements or a sponsorship letter showing you can cover your stay.
• The Hayya A1 Visa costs QAR 100 (about USD 27), payable online by debit or credit card through the Hayya Portal

Additional requirements:

• Health insurance is mandatory for stays longer than 30 days and strongly recommended for shorter visits, in line with the Ministry of Public Health’s guidelines.
• Contact information: Valid phone number and emergency contact details
• A police clearance certificate is generally not required for the Hayya A1 Visa, unless specifically requested for security verification.

Document format guidelines:

• All uploads must be in clear, high-quality scanned format (JPEG or PDF)
• Passport data page must be fully visible and legible
• Photos must meet passport-style specifications without filters or alterations

Hayya A1 Visa: Required documents and application conditions

How to apply for Qatar A1 visa online

Applying for the Hayya A1 Visa is a straightforward online process through Qatar's official Hayya Portal. Follow these simple steps:

Step-by-step application process:

• Access the Hayya portal: Visit www.hayya.qa and click "My Hayya" in the top-right corner or "Start the Hayya Journey" button
• Create your account: Click "Sign Up," enter your email address, and verify using the OTP (One-Time Password) code sent to your email
• Log in and start application: Sign in with your credentials and click "Apply for Hayya" on your dashboard
• Select visa type: Choose "Tourist Entry Visa (A1)" from the visa category dropdown menu
• Specify purpose of visit: Select your travel purpose (leisure, cultural tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends/family)
• Upload documents: Submit a recent passport-sized photograph (max 2 MB) and clear scan of your passport's data page
• Enter personal details (and previous nationalities if requested): Fill in your full name, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, and previous nationalities
• Provide accommodation details: Enter hotel booking confirmation or your Qatar host's address (some nationalities exempt)
• Add contact information: Provide local and emergency contact numbers for immigration purposes
• Review and submit: Double-check all information for accuracy and submit your application
• Pay visa fee: follow the payment link or in-portal payment instructions provided in your Hayya account/email
• Receive entry permit: Your Hayya A1 entry permit will arrive by email and appear in the Hayya mobile app

Validity and fees for Hayya A1 Visa

Understanding the validity period and associated costs helps you plan your Qatar trip effectively.

Validity period:

• The entry permit is usually valid for several weeks from the date of approval, allowing travelers to enter Qatar before the permit expires. Always check the validity period stated on your approved visa
• Stay duration: 30 days from your date of entry into Qatar
• Extension option: Can be extended once for an additional 30 days (total 60 days maximum)
• Entry requirement: You must enter Qatar within 90 days of visa issuance or the permit expires

Visa fees breakdown:

• Standard application fee: QAR 100 (approximately USD 27)
• Extension fee is usually around QAR 100 (about USD 27), though the amount may vary depending on updates from the Ministry of Interior.
• Payment method: Online payment via debit or credit card through Hayya Portal
• Refund policy: Non-refundable, even if visa application is rejected

Fee exemptions:

• 102+ countries enjoy visa-free entry to Qatar without paying the QAR 100 fee
• GCC nationals enter Qatar completely free without any visa requirements
• Citizens from eligible countries including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, Japan, Singapore, and many others

Processing time:

• Processing time usually ranges from 1 to 5 working days, though it may take longer during peak travel periods.
• Fast approval: Some applications approved within 3-5 days with correct documentation
• Peak season delays: Processing may take longer during high-demand travel periods

Cost effectiveness: At just QAR 100, the Hayya A1 Visa is one of the most affordable tourist visas in the Middle East region, making Qatar accessible for budget-conscious travelers.

Qatar Hayya A1 visa: Validity period, fees, and key details

How to get the Hayya A1 Visa extension

If you need to stay longer than 30 days in Qatar, extending your Hayya A1 Visa is simple and can be done online.

Eligibility for extension:

• The Hayya A1 Visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days, allowing a total stay of up to 60 days in Qatar
• Not all nationalities qualify for extension; check eligibility first

Online extension process:

• Log in to Hayya Portal: Visit www.hayya.qa and sign in using your registered account credentials
• Navigate to visa services: Go to "My Applications" section and locate your current Hayya A1 Visa
• Select extension option: Click "Extend Visa" or find the visa extension service section
• Review requirements: Ensure you still have valid accommodation proof and sufficient funds
• Submit extension request: Fill out the extension form with updated travel details
• Pay extension fee: Complete online payment of QAR 100-200 for the 30-day extension
• Wait for approval: Processing typically takes 2-5 business days
• Receive updated permit: Extended visa will be sent via email and updated in the Hayya app

Alternative extension method:

• Visit a Ministry of Interior (MOI) Visa Extension Center in Qatar
• Bring your passport, accommodation proof, and health insurance (if required)
• Pay the extension fee (usually QAR 200) at the center
• Receive approval and confirmation on-site or through the MOI portal

Important extension conditions:

• Apply at least 5-7 days before your current visa expires
• Overstay penalties apply at QAR 200 per day if visa expires before extension; rates are set by MOI and may change—check the latest schedule before travel
• Only one extension allowed per Hayya A1 Visa (no multiple extensions)
• Extension approval is not guaranteed; eligibility varies by nationality

Common mistakes to avoid and travel tips

Ensure a smooth Hayya A1 Visa application and Qatar travel experience by avoiding these common errors and following expert tips:

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Wrong or missing documents: Check all the necessary documents (passport, photos, accommodation evidence) are up-to-date, correct and of the required standards.
• Insufficient passport validity: Your passport must also be valid not only 3 months but also 6 months prior to entering the country.
• Last minute applications: You should apply at least 2-3 weeks prior to what you want to be traveling on so that you are not caught up with delays or flights being canceled.
• Missing application forms: Check all fields of applications either where information is not supplied or not accurate before submitting the form.
• Disregard accommodation evidence: Upload valid hotel bookings or host confirmation; certain nationalities have to be booked via Discover Qatar in particular.
• Incorrect visa type: Select the right visa type according to the purpose of your travels; pay attention to Qatar ETA Visa (A3) in case you can get it.
• Bad uploads: upload clear, high-resolution scans; otherwise, you will be rejected.

Essential travel tips:

• Print several copies: Have printed copies of your Hayya Entry Permit as well as copies on the phone.
• Apply promptly: Make applications on week days so that it can be processed quickly as opposed to weekends and holidays.
• Check visa status: Your application status can be checked regularly via the Hayya Portal or MOI Visa Inquiry System.
• We have contact support when required: You can find it using Hayya live chat, calling +974 4441 2022, or emailing [email protected].
• Money and credit cards: Qatar is a modern country, but still, it is better to have both local currency (QAR) and foreign credit cards.
• Get Hayya app: Get the official Hayya mobile app to access your visa and travel information easily.

Common Hayya A1 visa mistakes to avoid and travel tips

FAQs about the Qatar A1 Visa

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Qatar's Hayya A1 Tourist Visa to help clarify your travel plans.

Can I extend my A1 Qatar visa more than once?

No, Hayya A1 Visa can be extended once only with an extra 30 days, and your stay in Qatar will be not more than 60 days. This one and only extension is allowed. In case you require more than 60 days, you should leave Qatar and apply again to have a new visa when returning in future or seek other visa alternatives like long term residence visa, work visa sponsored by a Qatari organization.

Is health insurance mandatory for a Hayya A1 visa?

Applicants of Hayya A1 Visa intending to remain less than 30 days are not obliged to have health insurance. But it is highly advisable to the Qatar immigration authorities to cover unforeseen medical bills in the course of your visit. According to some of the latest updates, health insurance will be a progressively necessary requirement, and it is better to get the coverage that should comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar to have a stress-free vacation and avoid possible expenses related to medical services.

How does the Hayya Card relate to the A1 visa?

The Hayya Card was originally introduced during the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a mandatory digital pass combining your entry permit, event access, and transportation card. After the World Cup, Qatar continued the Hayya platform for general tourism. The Hayya A1 Visa is now the tourist visa issued through this same platform. You no longer need a physical Hayya Card to enter Qatar—you simply apply for the Hayya A1 Visa, and your digital entry permit serves as your authorization.

In conclusion

The Hayya A1 Visa is a convenient and affordable electronic visa that allows travelers to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days, extendable once to 60 days, for just QAR 100. The simple process of application using the Hayya Portal does away with visits to the embassy and the hassles of paperwork. You will be able to make your approval smooth by avoiding typical pitfalls, making the right documentation, and applying a minimum of two weeks prior to the actual approval. The Hayya A1 Visa is the best way to enjoy the state of Qatar, whether it is the modern skyline, cultural heritage, or world-class attractions.