How to Apply for Qatar ETA Visa Online: Hayya A3 Visa (2025)

With Qatar’s World class attraction and its cultural heritage,an ETA visa is your key to seamless entry. Travelling to Qatar has now become more convenient and easy by the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for Schengen countries like US,UK, Canada, Australia,New zealand etc.Hayya A3 VISA Stands out as the best option among other visa categories in Qatar.

This visa is commonly used for short term visits, tourism and business. ETA visa, also known as Hayya A3 visa provides single entry for 30 days which can be further extended to  additional 30 days if necessary.Discover about the Hayya A1 Entry Visa—click here for details

This comprehensive guide will help you how to apply for a Qatar ETA visa  with simple and easy steps and the essential requirements needed for the visa.

Understanding: what is the Hayya A3 Visa?

Hayya A3 visa is an electronic authorization that allows the visitors who hold residence permit or visit visa from Schengen countries like UK,US, Canada & new zealand. The application is done online and the approval is linked with the email of the visitor.  ETA visa allows the stay of 30 days or till the passport expiry, whatever comes first.the tour can be extended for another 30 days upon request.

Qatar ETA program was introduced in September 2017 as a part of Qatar’s effort to enhance the country’s tourism and showcase the true essence of Qatar to the World. The initiative aligned with the country’s vision to make itself a Global hub and  especially significant  for the preparations of the grand event of FIFA Football World Cup which was held in 2022 in a very grand way.

The ETA program simplifies the process of visa application for the visitors from Schengen countries without the hassle of going to the embassy. Now, the ETA visa can be applied simply online by going to the Hayya portal. You can upload the required documents online and apply for the A3 visa.

Key features of the Qatar ETA Visa:

Let’s explore some of the key features of ETA visa for Qatar.

• ETA visa is applied online through Hayya Portal before travel.
• It is a Single entry visa.
• ETA visa is Available for different purposes like tourism, family visa, business meetings  etc.
• A3 visa is Valid for 30 days.
• It can be extended for another 30 days upon request.

Eligibility Criteria for Hayya A3 Visa

To Qualify for  your Hayya Visa application, you must fulfil the following requirements:

Passport validity:

 Passports must be valid for at least 3 months from the desired date of entrance.

Visa or Residence permit:

You must hold a valid residence permit or visa from the Schengen countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia or New zealand  if you are willing to apply for an ETA (A3) Visa.

Proof of Accommodation:

You should present valid proof of Accommodation such as hotel booking details in case of staying at hotel or invitation letter from friends or family.

Return or Onward Ticket:

You must have a return or onward flight ticket.

Health insurance:

As per MOPH guidelines, visitors must have health insurance if planning to stay for more than 30 days.

Documents Required for Application

You will be asked to provide the following documents when applying for an ETA visa.

• Passport scanned copy
• Personal passport sized  photograph
• An online booking reservation

If flying with Qatar airways, flight details are not mandatory

Provide flight confirmation if flying with another  airline

• Accommodation details

Hotel booking proof ( if staying at hotel)

Copies of the host’s passport and a valid Qatari ID are included with the invitation letter from the host (if staying with family or friends).

• Proof of sufficient funds
• Residence permit or visa from schengen country

In some cases, you need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of investment  worth at least $8000
• Evidence of annual earning above $8000

Travel history to Qatar or other countries.

Advanced Document Validation Features

The Hayya portal employs Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to automatically extract and validate details from uploaded passports and visas. Ensure your scanned documents are high resolution (at least 300 DPI) and in JPEG or PDF format. Avoid shadows or glare that could obscure critical information in the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ).

How To Apply For Qatar Visa With ETA (A3) Online

Follow the steps given below for applying QATAR ETA visa online:

Step 1 : Go to Hayya official website

Go to website www.hayya.qa

Step 2: click on “my Hayya”

You can locate “my Hayya” on the top right of the home page. You can click on “apply for Hayya” at the centre of the page alternatively.

Step3: Sign up & Login

If you are a first time user at the Hayya website you need to sign up at the website. You have to enter your information and provide a valid email address & set up a password. The system will ask you to enter the OTP ( one time password) sent to your email. Enter the OTP and your account is created.

Now you can login to your Hayya account by email and password.

Step 4: click on “Apply for Hayya”

Click on “apply for Hayya button” at the centre of the page

Step 5:select Hayya Visit Category

From the drop down menu, select “Visa with ETA (A3)”

Step6: select visit purpose

You can choose from a number or purposes given in the drop down menu such as leisure, shopping, heritage tourism, friends visit, weddings, business meetings, sports events etc.

Or

You can select others to specify your particular purpose to travel.

Step 7: upload your personal photo

Select “I have reviewed the instructions to upload my Personal Photo and Passport” and click on “Browse personal photos”

Please make sure your photo meets the given  instructions like light background etc.

Step 8: upload your scanned passport

Click on “ browse for the first page” and upload only the first page of your passport. Passport’s  Machine readable Zone ( MRZ must be clear)

Click on “save”.

You can enter your data manually if it is not detected automatically.

Click on “validate user”.

If your “validate user” option is inactive after automatic data extraction, you can select the passport type as “normal”.

It is mandatory for you to enter your first & last name. If you do not have a last name, you can enter your father’s name as last name. For that purpose you must upload the picture of the last page of your passport along with the first page to verify your father’s information.

(middle names, third Latin names, fourth Latin names are optional)

step 9: Residency Information

Choose your :

Country of birth

Country of residence

Any other nationality you had in history( make sure to declare), if you have, select the country.

Step 10:  upload visa/residency card

Upload your valid schengen visa/resident card such as UK,US, Canada, Australia etc and enter “Save”

Step 11: Accommodation type

If you are planning to stay in Qatar with your family and friends, they must have added your details as their hosts officially. Otherwise you can select “other accommodation” and enter the accommodation name.

Step 11: contact number

Enter your phone number and emergency contact number.

Now  hit on “review & submit.”

Step 12: pay your visa fee

After entering all the given information on your visa application, now is the time to pay your visa fee.

Once your application is reviewed and approved. You will receive a payment link on your email address. Visa fee should be paid through credit/debit card.

Once your application is processed and accepted, your hayya entry permit will be sent to your given email address.

If you find apps more easy to use, you can also access your Hayya permit through the “Hayya with me” mobile app.

Documents Needed For Travel Using ETA Visa

There are following documents you must have when travelling to Qatar using ETA visa;

1. Passport
2. Hayya Entry Permit
3. Return Tickets
4. Health insurance
5. Accommodation details
6. Resident card

Exciting News! As of 2024, you do not need to show COVID 19 certificate  at the airport before entering Qatar.

Digital Signature and Encryption Standards

All communication between the applicant and the Hayya portal is secured using TLS 1.2 encryption. Digital signatures verify the authenticity of uploaded documents, ensuring data integrity during the application process.

Customs Regulations:

ETA visa allows:

• Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco
• If you are non muslim you can carry 2 litres of alcoholic beverages with you.
• Gifts for family and friends: up to value of 3000 Qatari Riyals
• Pornographic materials, pork products, and weapons are strictly prohibited.

Hayya ETA Visa Processing Time

Qatar’s electronic travel authorization typically processes applications within 24-48 hours but some applications may take up to 3 weeks for approval.

To ensure timely processing . it is advised to apply at least a month before  your expected  travel date.

Hayya ETA Visa fees:

Qatar ETA Visa Validity

Qatar ETA visa is valid for 3o days  from the entry date.

Entry permits are valid for 30 days after the date of issue. So it is mandatory for the visitors to enter Qatar within those 3 days.

Extending Your Qatar ETA Visa

You may be able to extend your Qatar ETA visa by following steps:

Visit MOI ( Ministry of interior) website or office.

Submit an extension application

Pay the fee for visa extension ( approx. $50)

Provide the details of updated accommodation 

Wait for the approval (2-3 business days)

It’s best to apply for the extension or a new visa well before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying,

For more details or assistance, you can contact the Qatar Visa Service or your local Qatari consulate to inquire about the possibilities for an extension.

Eligible Countries for Qatar ETA Visa

Qatar ETA Visa vs. Tourist Visa: What’s the Difference?

 Both can let you enter in Qatar but there is a one main thing that can differentiate both of them is;

How Qatar’s ETA Visa Makes Traveler’s Experience Seamless?

ETA visa is designed in a simplest way to streamline your visa process( if you  have a valid resident card from schengen countries). Take a look how:

Online Convenience:

Apply for your visa directly from your device, without the hassle of going to embassies.

Swift Approvals:

Accelerate your travel plans by receiving your visa within days 

Hassle-Free Exploration:

Enjoy the historical landscapes of Qatar without worrying about extra paperwork and documentation.

Important information you Need to Know

• Make sure to make an ETA application before 30 days as Hayya Entry permit is valid for 30 days.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months before the date of entry in Qatar.
• Each adult of the family must apply separately on the  Hayya Portal . the children under 18 years of age can be considered as dependents under their guardian’s application. They can apply separately as well.
• 10 dependents ( under the age of 18) can be added on the guardian’s application.
• Dependents must have valid residency of schengen countries.
• Working under the ETA visa is strictly not allowed in Qatar. 
• Respect local laws and tradition during your stay in Qatar.
• Carry a print out of your ETA visa approval with you.
• Keep your proof of accommodation and return ticket with you.
• Do not overstay.

Benefits of Using the Hayya A3 Visa

The Hayya A3 visa has numerous benefits, making it a good alternative for eligible travelers. For starters, the application process is fully online, which saves time and effort as compared to traditional visa procedures that involve embassy visits. Second, processing times are reduced, with choices for speed and super rush processing for urgent travel needs. Furthermore, the expenses are typically cheaper than for other visa kinds, making it both convenient and cost-effective.

This visa also makes access easier for travelers with valid residencies or visas from Schengen nations such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. It is intended for seamless, hassle-free visits, whether for tourism, business, or family reasons.

Real-Time Application Tracking

The Hayya portal provides a unique tracking ID for each application. Use this ID to monitor your application’s status in real-time. Notifications are sent via email and the mobile app at every stage, from submission to final approval.

Common Errors to avoid

The Hayya A3 visa application process is simple, however minor mistakes could result in delays or denials. Uploading illegible or incorrectly scanned documents is a common error. Make sure the MRZ on your passport is visible and that any pictures you take adhere to the guidelines.

Entering inaccurate personal information, such as names that don’t match or dates that don’t match your passport, is another frequent mistake. Lastly, confirm that the details of your accommodations match those on your reservation or invitation. Take your time filling out the application because even the smallest information count.

How to Respond If Your Application Is Turned Down

Rejection frequently involves correcting minor issues, so it’s not the end of the journey. Incomplete paperwork, expired visas, or inconsistencies in the information supplied are typical causes.

Go over your rejection email’s comments carefully before reapplying. Make any necessary corrections, upload the most recent versions of the papers, and resubmit the application. Contact the Hayya support staff if you require any clarification or help. Never forget that perseverance is rewarded.

Visa Rejection Codes and Their Meanings

Applicants may receive specific rejection codes via email. Understanding these codes can expedite the reapplication process:

• RC101: Document not legible or missing.
• RC102: Passport validity insufficient.
• RC103: Visa or residence card details mismatch.
• RC104: Accommodation proof not valid.
• RC105: Duplicate application detected.

FAQs

What is an A3 visa in Qatar?

Hayya A3 visa is an electronic authorization that allows the visitors who hold residence permit or visit visa from Schengen countries like UK,US, Canada & new zealand. The application is done online and the approval is linked with the email of the visitor.  ETA visa allows the stay of 30 days or till the passport expiry, whatever comes first.the tour can be extended for another 30 days upon request.

How long does an A3 Qatar visa take?

Qatar’s electronic travel authorization typically processes applications within 24-48 hours but some applications may take up to 3 weeks for approval.

How long is the Hayya A3 visa valid for?

ETA visa allows the stay of 30 days or till the passport expiry, whatever comes first.the tour can be extended for another 30 days upon request.