Book your flight to explore the Souq of Doha with Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) travel with peace of mind.
Qatar is also known as the Middle East Gem with a vibrant cultural heritage and a blend of modern marvels that makes it one of the famous travel destinations attracting millions of tourists.
However, the strict visa policies of Qatar were the major obstacles that finally came to an end with this Visa policy.
No need to worry, in this ultimate Guide you will walk through every detail from Visa approval to visa validity for a stress-free and dreamy trip to Qatar.
For full details about Qatar visa check, please refer to our comprehensive article.
Understanding Hayya Tourist Visa (A1)
Travelling to Qatar has been made easy but why should you care about that specific visa?
A Hayya tourist visa is a non-transferable and non-refundable single-entry visit, basically a Golden ticket to enter Qatar for any purpose from business, exploring cultural, lavish airports, experiencing history through museums, traditional meals, and vast and enormous deserts.
The visa of this A1 category is available to all nationalities with a passport who want to travel to Qatar except the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council Nationals) countries with visa-free entry.
But this visa validity is the turning point in how much you can stay and enjoy the dreamy lands of Qatar.
Key Requirements For Hayya Tourist Visa
To ensure a smooth entry into Qatar and a stress-free stay and exit from Qatar Hayya tourist Visa is the only key to unlocking all the adventures.
To ensure a smooth entry into Qatar and a stress-free stay and exit from Qatar Hayya tourist Visa is the only key to unlocking all the adventures.
Let’s divide it into easy requirements that you need to make your dreamy tour into reality.
Key Requirements
Valid Passport
- Your passport must be valid for 3 months or more during your 30-day stay in Qatar.
- It must be in MRZ (Machine readable zone ) for easy scanning and processing at the airport.
Recent Passport -Size Photographs
- Must have recent passport-size photographs for identification and documentation.
- Upload recent and clear photographs for online verification.
Hayya Entry Permit
- A Hayya entry permit is an electronic visa that you can access online from the Hayya portal.
- It is necessary for completing forms and online verification
Health Insurance
- To ensure your hassle-free tour you must have health insurance that meets Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health’s guidelines.
Application Fee
- The application fee for the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is QAR 100 except for GCC countries with visa-free entry.
- Note that the entry visa fee for the visa is non -transferable and non -refundable.
Proof Of Accommodation
- Proof of accommodation is necessary for a A1 visa approval like your hotel reservation or invitation from friends or family.
- Must submit proof of friends or family residency for a stress-free tour.
Return and Exit Ticket Proof
- Return and Exit Ticket proof to ensure your legal stay and exit from Qatar.
Purpose Of Stay
- Specify your purpose for staying at Qatar business, a short trip, visiting family or friends.
- This is essential for legal documentation and smooth visa processing.
Visa Processing Time
- Hayya tourist visa processing time typically takes 7 to 10 days.
- The Processing time varies according to application volume.
Latest updates regarding Hayya tourist visas
Qatar is among those countries in the world that is making every possible effort to attract visitors to Qatar, and in this regard, it is making it easier to obtain visa facilities.
In this context, the Hayya portal has introduced several updates to streamline and simplify the visa process. These include the introduction of new visa categories, namely A1, A2, and A3, which will apply to different travelers based on nationality, residence status, and specific visa requirements.
If we talk about the categories, the A1 category is available for those nationalities that are not eligible for Qatar’s On-Arrival Visa or free visa entry.
The A2 category is for GCC residents, allowing them access to an e-visa regardless of their profession.
The A3 category is for existing visa holders and residents in the US, UK, Schengen, and similar regions.”
Qatar residents can now host up to five guests through the platform by adding guests to the “Family & Friends” list on Hayya, provided they have registered their address on Metrash2.
Understanding Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) Validity
The validity of any visa is one of the crucial steps to avoid legal troubles that can overshadow the excitement of your trip.
The Hayya a1 tourist visa is valid for 30 days from your date of entry to exit after the validity period, you must have to leave the lands of Qatar or apply for an alternative if you wish to stay longer.
From visa issuance to entry time frame is also very crucial you have to enter Qatar within 30 days if you are unable to do this then you have to apply for the visa again let’s say you get into Qatar boundary on 15th January then you have to exit the country before 15th February without violation of legal guidelines otherwise your entry get denied and you can get yourself into ban list of Qatari authorities.
Entry Date Vs Visa Issuance Date: Don’t Get Confused
Understanding the difference between Entry Date and Visa issuance is very important. Most of the tourists get confused between them and get caught by the authorities.
It is easier than you think the issuance date is when Qatari Authorities approve your application and grant you a visa. This is like a permit. The entry date is actually when you enter the boundary of Qatar from where your 30-day journey starts.
To avoid any complications you must double check your entry and exit date for a smooth and secure journey.
How to apply Qatar tourist visa(Hayya A1)
If you make up your mind to visit Qatar on Haya tourist visa, you can apply for this visa online through the Hayya portal. Follow these steps to apply visa
Official portal
Go to the official Hayya portal and sign up for your account here.
Select “apply for Hayya”
After signing in to your account, select “apply for Hayya”
Login/Register:
If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.
If you’re a new user, click on Sign Up and provide the necessary information to create an account.
“Start the Hayya journey” option
You can get this option on the top right side of portal. Click on this option to start your application
- Now select from given options of “flying to qatar” or driving to Qatar
- Select your Nationality
- Answer all the questions and then confirm the details
- If you are a GCC resident, you may be asked about your sponsor
- You will be shown available visa category
- From given categories select “apply for A1 visa”
Application sections:
You are provided with the application details. There are two sections in the application. Section A is for personal information, where you need to upload a copy of your personal photo ID and passport. Section B requires you to provide hotel booking and hotel information.
Select Category
Select “A1 tourist visa” from drop down menu.
Tell your purpose of Visit
From the drop down menu, you may choose the purpose of your Qatar visit. you may choose any option based on your specifications.
Upload Photo
After going to the personal information section, you will be asked to upload your personal photo. The photo file must be in JPG format and the allowed maximum size is 2 MB .
Upload front page of your passport
There is a place for identification documents where you need to upload the front page of your passport and select the type of passport. The options include normal, royal, private, diplomatic, travel document type, formal service passport, and mission passport.
After doing all this, your data will be automatically extracted.
Provide your residency information
you are given two options: “Country of Birth” and “Country of Residency”.
Select the options based on your details. If you have held any previous nationality, please declare it
Accommodation details
If you are not staying with your family or friends in Qatar, you will tick the “Other Accommodation” option, and in the “Accommodation Name” section, you will write the name of the accommodation.
However, if you are staying with your family or friends, Your information should have already been entered by your host in Qatar.
Contact information
Add contact numbers in the given sections.
After adding your contact details, click on review and submit button.
Fee payment
you can pay the fees using a debit or credit card. The Qatar Visa fee is QR 1OO. When your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email for payment with a payment link. By clicking on that link, you can pay your fees.
If you fall under the exam category, then you will not receive a payment request.
After this, your visa application will be processed, and as soon as the visa is processed, your Hayya entry permit will be sent to your email.
You can access your Hayya entry Permit through the Hayya to Qatar Mobile App.
How to Check Your Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) Validity
Don’t tangle your travel freedom, overstaying can lead to legal restrictions or even deportation. Always ensure legal exit to keep your travel record clean with the best memories, not guilt.
To ensure this you must check your Hayya Tourist visa (A1) validity by following these steps through the Hayya portal.
Step By Step Guide
Visit the Hayya Portal
Sign-up or Log in to your account on the Hayya official website.
Visa Verification
Navigate to the “My Hayya” section, where you can view your visa information.
Verify Visa Validity
The visa’s issuing date, entrance date, and validity duration are all listed here. Before you depart, double-check these dates to confirm that everything is in order.
Hayya visa application processing time
The processing period for a Hayya A1 Tourist Visa to Qatar can vary, however it usually takes a few business days after submitting the application. However, depending on the number of applicants and the conditions, processing times may vary.
Can minors and dependents travel on the Hayya A1 Qatar visa?
Dependents who are part of a family or traveling with guardians can also be included under the A1 visa as long as each individual fulfills the visa conditions.
Common Mistakes with the Validity of the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1)
Even well-laid plans can go wrong. Here are some tips for avoiding the most frequent errors made by travellers when using their Hayya entry permit.
Common Errors and Solutions to Prevent Them
Confusing Dates :
There is a difference between the date of entry and the visa issuance date. Make sure you verify again that your entry is within the 30 days permitted.
Ignoring Visa Details:
Legal complications can be avoided with a fast check on the Hayya portal.
Possibility of Extensions:
This is a single-entry visa and it cannot be renewed. Keep that in mind.
Qatar Tourist Visa Cost
A Qatar Tourist Visa is priced at QAR 100 (approximately USD 27) for each applicant. However, certain nationalities are eligible for visa exemptions and do not require this visa.
Extending your Stay in Qatar: Is it possible?
Many travelers fell in love with the air and lands of Qatar. This could be you as well. You must be wondering if extensions are possible with the tourist visa , unfortunately not because of strict rules and regulations.
This is completely a non-transferable single-entry visa .
But there are alternatives that you can choose other than a work visa or if you have a close family member that can sponsor you then you can stay in Qatar for more than 6 months.
Alternatively, you can leave Qatar after 30 days and reapply for a new tourist visa.
Consequences of Overstaying without Validity
Important Tip
Did you know that 70 % of people overstay without visa validity and get themselves into very strict penalties?
You would never imagine that a small omission can lead you to fines, jail time, or serious trouble of deportation.
Daily fines
Qatari authorities Imposed daily fines of about 200 QAR per day after validity. This gradually increases with the intensity of the issue and days after validity.
Legal issues
This can lead to legal problems if fines are not paid, can take you to jail, or ban you from the Qatar boundary permanently completely restricting your future entry.
Deportation
In the Hayya tourist visa guidelines it is mentioned that if you overstay even a day after the valid 30 days your entry would be banned and you would be deported from the lands of Qatar.
Future entry risk
To avoid future entry risk and a clean travel record avoid overstay otherwise your entry gets banned and you would be completely prohibited from Qatar territory.
Difficulty with sponsorship
If you’re on a work visa or in the future you want to apply for a work visa then you need a sponsorship which requires a clean travel record so avoiding overstay is very beneficial for your future.
How to extend Qatar Hayya A1 tourist visa
You can extend your visa conveniently by applying online through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal.
To extend your visa on the MOI portal:
- Enter your visa or passport number.
- Select your nationality from the dropdown.
- Complete the reCAPTCHA.
- Click “Extend” to finalize the process.
Discover Qatar: Exciting Winter Packages and Festivals Await GCC Travelers!
Qatar is rapidly becoming a top tourist destination, especially for GCC travelers, thanks to new initiatives by Visit Qatar that offer special packages, events, and festivals this winter. Building on the success of FIFA 2022, Qatar continues to invest in infrastructure and tourism, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. With its welcoming visa policies and rich cultural experiences, Qatar is positioning itself as an ideal travel spot, offering both modern amenities and authentic Qatari hospitality.For more updates about Qatar winter tourism , especially for GCC residents, please read here.
Conclusion
Securing a Hayya Tourist Visa is a gateway to set yourself free in the adventurous land of Qatar to explore the vibrant culture and lavish destinations of Qatar.
This is one of the most popular options for travelers but one misstep can turn your dream trip into a traumatic memory. So it is very important to understand the requirements that must be met to understand the Hayya tourist visa validity. All of this can be possible if you meet the legal guidelines of a Hayya tourist visa .
Don’t let incomplete paperwork destroy your memorable trip, start preparing before the issuance of visa. All you need is to check the validity of the Hayya Tourist visa (A1) to avoid legal complications.
Qatar is always ready to welcome you with the right visa in hand.
FAQs
What is A1 category in Hayya?
The Hayya A1 category is a tourist visa for travelers who require a visa to enter Qatar. It mandates a valid passport (three-month minimum), proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and health insurance for stays over 30 days. The application fee is QAR 100 (USD 27).
How long is a Hayya Tourist Visa valid?
A Hayya Tourist Visa generally allows a stay in Qatar for up to 30 days from the date of arrival. Extensions may be available by applying through Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) online portal.
How much is the A1 visa fee for Hayya?
The A1 visa fee for the Hayya Tourist Visa is QAR 100, which is approximately USD 27.
What is the age limit for A1 visa in Qatar?
The Hayya A1 visa doesn’t have a specific age restriction, meaning travelers of any age can apply. However, minors might need to apply with a parent or guardian’s assistance.
