The Hayya platform is Qatar’s digital entry permit system, replacing traditional embassy visa processes with a single online application. UK passport holders can enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days without applying for Hayya. For longer stays or specific visa categories, the Hayya visa costs QAR 100 and is typically approved within 24-72 hours.
What Is the Hayya Platform?
The Hayya platform is Qatar’s all-in-one digital e-visa system, launched for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and now the permanent entry permit for all visitor categories.
The Hayya platform was originally launched for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is now the MOI’s permanent, single digital workflow replacing all embassy visa processes for non-visa-free nationals (from more than 95 eligible countries, up to 102 per Qatar Tourism as of 2026). The platform covers application, approval, and QR-code-based e-gate clearance at arrival.
Upcoming 2026 events driving Hayya visa Qatar applications include the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (September 28), Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix (November 27-29), and IRONMAN 70.3 Doha.
Last verified: September 2026. Fee and processing information sourced from the Ministry of Interior portal (portal.moi.gov.qa) and Visit Qatar .
Do UK Travellers Need a Hayya Visa?
UK passport holders enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days without a Hayya visa; longer stays or work purposes require Hayya.
- Tourist stay ≤30 days: visa-free, no Hayya needed
- Business conference attendance: visa-free for ≤30 days if not receiving Qatari income
- Family visit >30 days: Hayya required
- Work contract or study programme: Hayya required (specific category)
Common UK traveller mistakes: assuming visa-free covers work scenarios, forgetting passport validity (minimum 3 months from date of arrival per MOI), and not having accommodation proof ready. Check current FCDO travel advice for Qatar before departure.
Hayya Visa Types for Qatar
Qatar’s Hayya platform offers four core entry permit types plus dedicated business and US-citizen streams.
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose | Stay Duration | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | A1 | Tourism & leisure | Up to 30 days | Single & multiple |
| GCC Resident Visa | A2 | GCC residents regardless of nationality | Up to 30 days | Single & multiple |
| Visa with ETA | A3 | Nationals/residents of specific countries | Up to 30 days | Single & multiple |
| Companion of GCC Citizen | A4 | Companions of GCC citizens | Up to 30 days | Single & multiple |
| US Citizen Stream | F1 | US passport holders (visa-free record) | Up to 30 days | Multiple |
The Hayya visa Qatar is valid for entry within 30-90 days from issuance. Business categories include Conference & Events, Official, Transit (aviation industry), and Private Event visas for organisers, officials, and guests of exclusive events.
Required Documents for a Hayya Visa Application
A Hayya visa application requires a passport with at least 3 months‘ validity, a biometric photo, confirmed accommodation, and a return flight itinerary.
- Valid passport: minimum 3 months validity from date of entry (per MOI)
- Biometric photograph: white background, 600×600 px, JPEG or PNG, max 2 MB
- Confirmed accommodation booking: hotel voucher or host invitation letter
- Return or onward flight itinerary
- Travel insurance: compulsory, registered with the Ministry of Public Health
- Credit/debit card: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express
Common rejection reasons: photo not meeting specifications, passport validity under 3 months, missing accommodation proof, and name mismatch between passport and application form. For certain nationalities (e.g., Iran), booking through Discover Qatar is mandated by MOI.
How to Apply for a Hayya Visa Online
To apply for a Hayya visa Qatar, create an account at , select your visa type, upload documents, pay QAR 100, and track the application status.
Create an account
Register with email verification (~2 minutes).
Select your visa type
Choose A1, A2, A3, A4, or a business category.
Complete personal details
Enter information matching your passport exactly.
Upload passport scan and biometric photo
White background, 600×600 px, JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB.
Upload accommodation confirmation
For certain nationalities, booking via Discover Qatar is mandatory per MOI.
Pay the QAR 100 fee (~£22)
Via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Submit and receive confirmation
Get a confirmation email with your reference number.
The application moves through six stages: Pending, Pending Accommodation Verification, Pending voucher upload, Pending Payment, Under Review, and Approved. If pending beyond 72 hours, contact Hayya support via or the HIA Field Support Desk. Do not submit a duplicate application.
Hayya Visa Fees, Processing Time & Duration of Stay
The standard Hayya e-visa fee is QAR 100 (~£22); processing takes 24-72 hours; the tourist visa permits stays of up to 30 days.
| Fee Type | Amount (QAR) | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Hayya e-visa application fee | QAR 100 | At submission |
| Visa cancellation fee (post-approval) | QAR 100 | If visa is revoked |
| Visa on arrival (eligible nationalities) | QAR 100 | At airport |
| Visa-free entry (UK & 95+ nationalities) | Free | N/A |
Apply at least 1 week before departure. The Hayya visa Qatar is valid for entry within 30-90 days from issuance. All visa types (A1-A4, F1) permit stays of up to 30 days. Qatar visa rules change frequently; always check FCDO travel advice before booking.
Using the Hayya Mobile App
The Hayya mobile app stores the digital visa and provides an offline QR code for e-gate clearance at immigration.
The Hayya app, available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery, stores your Hayya visa Qatar digital entry permit, generates a cached offline QR code for e-gate clearance without an internet connection, and provides real-time status tracking plus a standalone Hayya ID credential. Log in with your Hayya account credentials and the approved visa syncs automatically. If the app does not display your approved visa, log out and back in, or clear the app cache.
Hayya Visa Support, Extensions & Overstaying
Hayya visa support is available through and the Field Support Desk at Hamad International Airport; A1 holders can apply for a 30-day extension at MOI service centres.
In-country support: visit the Hayya Portal Contact page (, “Contact Us”) for application queries or the HIA Field Support Desk (arrivals area) for e-visa number retrieval when it doesn’t appear in the MOI system.
A1 tourist visa holders may apply for a 30-day extension at MOI service centres within Qatar (fee payable at the centre). Overstaying incurs financial fines set by the MOI and voids any future visa-free privileges; apply before the current visa expires.
Travellers driving from Saudi Arabia must pre-register via the Hayya Move portal and obtain mandatory electronic vehicle insurance through the Qatar Unified Bureau before crossing the Abu Samra border.
Hayya Visa Qatar: FAQ
Do I need a Hayya visa to visit Qatar from the UK in 2026?
UK passport holders can enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days without a Hayya visa. For stays exceeding 30 days, work, or study purposes, a Hayya visa is required via.
How long does the Hayya visa application take to be approved?
Most applications are processed within 24-72 hours. MOI reserves the right to extend the review period for additional verification. Apply at least one week before departure.
How much does the Hayya visa cost?
The standard Hayya e-visa fee is QAR 100 (~£22 GBP). A QAR 100 cancellation fee applies if a visa is revoked after approval.
How long can I stay in Qatar with a Hayya visa?
The standard Hayya tourist visa (A1) permits a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions of up to an additional 30 days can be applied for at MOI service centres within Qatar.
What documents do I need for the Hayya visa application?
A valid passport (minimum 3 months validity from arrival), a biometric photo (white background, 600×600 px, JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB), confirmed accommodation booking, return flight itinerary, and travel insurance registered with the Ministry of Public Health.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Qatar instead of applying for Hayya?
Yes, nationals of more than 95 countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Qatar entry points for QAR 100. However, applying through Hayya in advance is recommended for faster e-gate clearance.
What is the difference between a Hayya visa and a Qatar e-visa?
The Hayya platform is Qatar’s current and permanent digital entry permit system, having replaced the previous e-visa portal. Both are functionally the same system, with Hayya being the updated name and platform.
How do I check my Hayya visa status online?
Log in to or open the Hayya mobile app, navigate to “My Applications,” and view your current status (Pending, Pending Accommodation Verification, Pending Payment, or Approved).
What happens if my Hayya visa application is rejected?
A QAR 100 cancellation fee applies. Review the rejection reason (typically incomplete documents, photo specification failure, or passport validity issue), correct the error, and submit a new application.
Can children travel to Qatar on a parent’s Hayya visa?
Each traveller, including minors, requires their own Hayya entry permit. A parent or guardian must create and manage the application on behalf of minors who do not have their own email address.
