What Qatar’s Hayya portal is and how it helps visitors get visas and entry permits

Qatar’s Hayya platform is the country’s official digital system for visitor entry and e‑visa processing. Originally launched to handle entry permits for people attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it has since become a central hub for multiple types of travel authorisations and visa services. The platform is run by Qatar Tourism and links visa applications with travel and event access in a single online gateway.

How the Hayya platform works

The Hayya system allows travellers from around the world to apply for visas and related entry documentation online. Users can apply through the Hayya website or mobile app, upload documents, pay fees if required, and receive approvals electronically.

This digital approach aims to make arrivals into Qatar smoother and reduce processing delays at borders, especially during busy periods with major events.


Hayya’s role has expanded beyond its original purpose. It now serves as a comprehensive e‑visa portal for tourism, business visits, and other travel needs. By combining visa processing with event access, the platform helps manage visitor inflows and supports Qatar’s tourism goals.

Types of visas on Hayya

The platform offers several visa categories, each designed for specific traveller groups:

• Tourist Visa (A1): For people visiting Qatar for leisure, sightseeing, and tourism.
• GCC Resident Visa (A2): For residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. This visa now allows a stay of up to two months and multiple entries during the validity period.
• Visa with ETA (A3): Electronic Travel Authorization for travellers who meet certain criteria, allowing faster online approval.
• Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4): For family members or companions of GCC citizens travelling to Qatar.
• Hayya Visa Waiver for US Citizens (F1): Lets qualified US nationals enter without prior visa arrangements.
  

Why the Hayya platform matters

Qatar uses the Hayya platform to make travel easier and to support its broader tourism and events strategy. The system reduces administrative steps, helps coordinate entry during peak travel times, and encourages more visitors to explore the country’s attractions. It also plays a part in supporting major international events by tying visitor visas to event access.

Overall, Hayya represents Qatar’s shift toward digital travel facilitation, aiming to improve the experience for visitors and strengthen the country’s position as a global destination for tourism, culture, and business.