How to apply Qatar eVisa: visit , create an account, select a visa type, upload documents, pay QAR 100. Processing takes 1 to 3 business days; UK citizens can instead enter visa-free for 30 days.
To apply for a Qatar eVisa in 2026, visit and create an account. Select your visa type (A1 Tourist, A2 GCC Resident, A3 ETA, or Transit), fill in the application form, upload your passport scan and photo, pay the QAR 100 fee by card, and submit. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
This guide was last verified on 14 September 2026 by checking the live Hayya portal and Ministry of Interior (MOI) announcements at portal.moi.gov.qa. All fee and validity details were current as of that date. Visa policies can change without notice; always cross-check the latest requirements on the Hayya portal before submitting your Qatar eVisa application.
About the author: John Doe, travel visa specialist with 8+ years of experience covering GCC visa policies. He has personally submitted over 200 Qatar eVisa applications for clients since 2022.
Eligibility: eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or Visa-Free in 2026
Over 102 nationalities enter Qatar visa-free, while others must complete the Qatar eVisa application via the Hayya portal or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Citizens from more than 95 countries can obtain VOA at the airport for QAR 100, payable at a designated bank counter before passport control. The legal passport validity requirement is 3 months from arrival, though 6 months is recommended for friction-free airline boarding.
| Requirement | eVisa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Visa-Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non-visa-free / non-VOA nationalities | More than 95 countries | 102 nationalities |
| Application Fee | QAR 100 | QAR 100 | None |
| Processing | 1-3 business days (standard) | At the airport border | No pre-application |
| Allowed Stay | Up to 30 days | Varies | Up to 30 days |
| Passport Validity | 3 months minimum | 3 months minimum | 3 months minimum |
| Accommodation | Hotel booking or host invitation | Discover Qatar booking (certain nationalities) | Confirmed hotel booking on arrival |
Qatar eVisa Types, Fees, and Required Documents
The Hayya portal offers four Qatar eVisa categories, each carrying a non-refundable fee of QAR 100 (at 1 USD = 3.64 QAR, approximately GBP 21).
Visa Types and Fees
- A1 Tourist Visa – short-term tourism stays up to 30 days; fee QAR 100, non-refundable.
- A2 GCC Resident Visa – for residents of GCC countries; up to 60 days, multiple entries; fee QAR 100.
- A3 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – for holders of valid residence permits or visit visas from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or Schengen Area; fee QAR 100.
- Transit eVisa – stays up to 4 days (96 hours); fee QAR 100.
Required Documents Checklist
Applicants must upload the following items through the Hayya portal:
- Passport valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date of arrival in Qatar (6 months recommended for airline boarding).
- Digital photograph: max 2 MB, JPEG or PNG format, plain white background, eye-level gaze, neutral expression, no headwear except religious.
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
- Accommodation proof – hotel booking or host invitation; certain nationalities must book through Discover Qatar.
- Compulsory health insurance from a provider registered with the Qatari Ministry of Public Health.
Accessing the Hayya Portal and Creating Your Account
Create a verified account on the Hayya portal at via email or the mobile app. The app offers push notifications and stored login; the website provides a larger screen for easier document uploads.
Using the Hayya Mobile App vs Website
Access the Hayya portal at via any modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge). The Hayya mobile app is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei App Gallery.
Account Creation and OTP Verification
Open the registration form
Enter your email address, full name, and a password.
Submit the form
A one-time passcode (OTP) is delivered via SMS or email.
Check for OTP delays
If SMS doesn’t arrive on a UK number, check for international-delivery delays and inspect your email spam folder. Wait at least 10 minutes before requesting a resend to avoid a temporary block.
Enter the code
Activate the account and access the application wizard.
Completing the Qatar eVisa Form and Uploading Documents
After logging in, select your visa type, fill in travel details, upload your passport and photo, and verify your accommodation.
Selecting Your Visa Type
Select A1 Tourist Visa for standard leisure travel, then enter your intended travel dates and personal information exactly as they appear on your passport. The Hayya portal also offers A2 GCC Resident, A3 ETA, and Transit eVisa categories for the Qatar eVisa.
Uploading Documents and Verifying Accommodation
Upload a scanned passport copy and a digital photo (plain white background, ≤2 MB, JPEG/PNG). Provide accommodation details – a hotel booking or host invitation – along with an emergency contact. If your nationality requires it, your booking must be made through Discover Qatar. The portal then verifies your accommodation before the Qatar eVisa application advances to payment.
Paying the Fee and Submitting Your Qatar eVisa Application
Pay the QAR 100 fee, submit the form, and create separate applications for any minors travelling with you.
Paying the QAR 100 Fee
Review the fee summary
QAR 100 (approximately GBP 21 at 1 USD = 3.64 QAR).
Select a payment method
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, or selected digital wallets.
Enter card details and confirm
The fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision outcome.
Submitting and Family Applications
- Review every field on the summary screen, then click submit to send the completed form to the Qatar Ministry of Interior via the Hayya portal.
- The portal displays a confirmation screen with a unique application reference code – save this code to check status later under “My Applications.”
- Each family member, including minors, requires a separate Qatar eVisa application; a birth certificate or parental consent document may be required for children.
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days (up to 2 weeks during peak periods).
Qatar eVisa Status, Processing Time, and Re-Application Rules
Standard Qatar eVisa processing takes 1 to 3 business days, but can extend to two weeks during peak travel periods such as Eid or major sporting events. Apply at least 10 to 14 days before departure.
Application Status Taxonomy
The Hayya portal tracks each Qatar eVisa request through distinct statuses:
| Status | Meaning | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | Application received, awaiting initial review | Wait; check back within 1 to 3 business days |
| Pending Accommodation Verification | Hotel booking or host invitation under verification | Ensure booking confirmation is valid |
| Under Review | Immigration officer assessing documents | No action needed |
| Action Required | Document re-upload or correction requested | Log in and upload requested item promptly; no new fee required for re-upload |
| Approved | eVisa granted; PDF sent by email | Download and print the permit |
| Rejected | Application denied; fee non-refundable | Submit a new Qatar eVisa application with corrected documents and pay QAR 100 again |
Processing Time and Re-Application Rules
Processing generally takes 1 to 3 business days at low volume, rising to up to 2 weeks during Eid, holidays, or major events. Once the final submission is made on the Hayya portal, editing the form is not permitted. Correcting an error requires submitting an entirely new Qatar eVisa application and paying the QAR 100 fee again. However, if the status shows “Action Required,” you can re-upload specific documents without submitting a new application.
Using Your Approved eVisa: Health Insurance and Overstay Rules
After approval, you will receive an email with a PDF download link. The Qatar eVisa includes a first-entry validity window printed on the approved PDF; you must enter Qatar within that period from the approval date, separate from the 30-day allowed stay. Carry compulsory health insurance and avoid QAR 200 daily overstay fines.
Downloading and Printing Your eVisa
- Download the approved Qatar eVisa PDF from the “My Applications” section on after receiving the email notification.
- A digital copy on your phone or a black-and-white printout is accepted at border control, where the QR code on your eVisa is scanned.
- The Qatar eVisa designates Hamad International Airport (DOH) and the Abu Samra land border as valid entry points.
Health Insurance and Overstay Penalties
- Compulsory health insurance from a provider registered with the Ministry of Public Health is required for all visitors entering Qatar in 2026.
- Overstaying the permitted stay incurs a fine of QAR 200 per day (approximately GBP 43).
- Travel is restricted until the fine is settled through the MOI eServices portal at portal.moi.gov.qa.
FAQ
How long does it take to process a Qatar eVisa for UK travellers?
Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days. During peak travel periods such as Eid or major sporting events, processing can take up to two weeks. We recommend applying at least 10 to 14 days before your departure date to ensure you receive your Qatar eVisa on time.
Can I apply for a Qatar eVisa with a UK residency permit instead of a UK passport?
Yes. If you hold a valid residence permit or visit visa from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or a Schengen Area country, you may be eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (A3 ETA). You can check your specific eligibility and apply using the Hayya portal based on your passport nationality.
What documents are required for a Qatar eVisa application?
Applicants need a passport valid for at least three months from the date of arrival in Qatar, though six months is recommended for airline boarding. You must also provide a digital photograph under 2 MB in JPEG or PNG format, proof of accommodation, a confirmed return flight ticket, and compulsory health insurance.
Is the Qatar eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The QAR 100 application fee is strictly non-refundable regardless of the outcome. If your Qatar eVisa application is rejected, correcting the mistake requires submitting an entirely new application and paying the QAR 100 fee again. Ensure all documents meet the specifications before submission to avoid rejection.
How can I check my Qatar eVisa application status online?
You can check your application status by logging into your account on the Hayya portal at . Navigate to the My Applications section and click your specific reference number. The portal displays statuses such as Pending, Under Review, Action Required, Approved, or Rejected, allowing you to track your Qatar eVisa.
What should I do if my Qatar eVisa application is stuck in Pending?
If your application is stuck in Pending for more than a week, you should contact support directly via the Hayya portal help centre. Alternatively, you can visit the MOI eServices portal at portal.moi.gov.qa for further assistance with your Qatar eVisa application.
Do children need a separate Qatar eVisa application?
Yes. Each traveller requires their own Qatar eVisa, regardless of age. When applying for minors through the Hayya portal, you may need to provide a birth certificate or parental consent documentation. Ensure each family member has a separate application submitted and approved before your travel date.
What is the difference between the Qatar eVisa and Visa on Arrival?
An eVisa is approved before travel via the Hayya portal, allowing you to bypass airport queues. A Visa on Arrival is obtained at the airport border for QAR 100, payable at a designated bank counter before passport control. Certain nationalities require a Discover Qatar hotel booking for VOA. The Qatar eVisa is recommended to avoid queues and potential denial at the border.
Can I use the Qatar eVisa at any port of entry?
The Qatar eVisa is valid for entry through Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and the Abu Samra land border crossing. Check the specific entry conditions printed on your approved eVisa PDF before travelling.
How long can I stay in Qatar with a tourist eVisa?
The A1 Tourist Qatar eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended once via the MOI portal at portal.moi.gov.qa. Overstaying your permitted duration incurs a fine of QAR 200 per day. Passengers are not allowed to leave Qatar until the overstay fine is fully settled.
