The Qatar eVisa for GCC residents (visa code A2) allows non-GCC nationals living in Gulf Cooperation Council countries to enter Qatar. Applications are completed online via the Hayya platform for a QAR 100 fee. Processing takes up to two weeks, requiring a valid passport and GCC residency permit.
GCC residents can apply for Qatar’s A2 eVisa online via the Hayya portal at. The fee is QAR 100, processing takes up to two weeks, and you need a valid passport, GCC residence permit, accommodation proof, and health insurance to apply.
Last updated: 14 September 2026. Verify current requirements on the Hayya portal and Ministry of Interior portal (portal.moi.gov.qa). This guide was prepared by a UK-based travel journalist who holds a GCC residency permit and has applied for the A2 visa personally.
Eligibility & Required Documents
The A2 Qatar eVisa for GCC residents is for non-GCC nationals with a valid GCC residency permit, not for GCC citizens who enter visa-free. Per Ministry of Interior guidelines, the permit must be valid for at least three months from the date of travel, and the profession listed must match the applicant’s actual profession. The Hayya platform also issues the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, code A3) for holders of valid Schengen, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visas or residency, but A2 is the correct permit type for GCC residents.
| Document | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid 3 months from date of arrival in Qatar. Airlines may independently require 6 months; confirm with your carrier. |
| GCC Residency Permit | Valid 3 months from date of travel; profession must match actual profession. |
| Digital Photo | JPEG or PNG; ~600×600 px; light/white background; face centred. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation; certain nationalities must book via Discover Qatar. |
| Return / Onward Ticket | Confirmed ticket leaving Qatar. |
| Emergency Contact | Name + phone number (hotel or local contact acceptable). |
| Health Insurance | Compulsory; from MOH-accredited provider; ~QAR 50 per month. |
Each family member needs a separate Qatar eVisa for GCC residents application on the Hayya platform with their own documents, even if sharing the same GCC residency permit. GCC member states are: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.
Application Process & Processing Time
Go to the Hayya platform and select A2 (GCC Residents)
Visit the Hayya portal and choose the A2 visa category for GCC residents.
Create a Hayya account
Register using your email and phone number.
Fill in the application form
Provide personal details, passport data, and GCC residency permit information.
Upload required documents
Passport scan, GCC permit scan, digital photo, accommodation proof, and return ticket.
Enter emergency contact details
Provide name and phone number (hotel or local contact acceptable).
Pay the QAR 100 fee online
Payment by credit or debit card (non-refundable, approximately £22).
Submit the application
Receive a confirmation email after submission.
Statuses: Pending -> Pending Accommodation Verification -> Pending Payment -> Approved. The Qatar eVisa for GCC residents processing takes 5-7 working days (up to 2 weeks). Apply at least 3 weeks before departure. Track your Qatar eVisa for GCC residents via “Track your E-Visa” on or the Hayya mobile app (iOS, Android, Huawei AppGallery). For visa on arrival payments at Hamad International Airport, only card payments are accepted at the immigration counter; cash is accepted at a designated bank counter before passport control with a surcharge.
Stay Duration, Validity & Important Rules
The A2 Qatar eVisa for GCC residents permits a 30-day stay, is valid for 90 days from issuance, and is single-entry only. Leaving Qatar invalidates the visa and a new application is required for re-entry. Extension is possible at a Ministry of Interior office within Qatar for an additional fee, but is not guaranteed.
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Validity from Issuance | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 (GCC Residents) | 30 days | 90 days | Single-entry |
| Criteria | eVisa (A2) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | QAR 100 | QAR 100 |
| Where to apply | Online | Hamad International Airport |
| Pre-approval | Yes, before travel | No, decision at border |
| Processing wait | Up to 2 weeks pre-trip | Queue at immigration |
| Payment method | Card online | Card at counter (no cash at counter) |
| Documents | All uploaded digitally | Physical documents at airport |
| Hotel requirement | Standard accommodation proof | Some nationalities: Discover Qatar mandatory booking |
| Recommendation | Preferred for certainty | Last-minute option only |
Health insurance from a Ministry of Public Health-accredited provider is compulsory for the Qatar eVisa for GCC residents; approximate cost is ~QAR 50 per month. Citizens of Iran, India, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Thailand may need to book accommodation through Discover Qatar before applying; note that Discover Qatar charges a QAR 100 cancellation fee on visa rejection. Overstaying incurs daily fines; unpaid fines block departure at Hamad International Airport. Settle them at the Ministry of Interior office at the airport before your flight. Qatar is a conservative country; modest dress is expected in public areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do GCC citizens need a Qatar eVisa?
No. Citizens of GCC states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar) enter Qatar visa-free with a passport or national ID. The A2 Qatar eVisa for GCC residents is strictly for non-GCC nationals holding a valid GCC residency permit.
How long does it take to process the Qatar eVisa for GCC residents?
The Qatar eVisa for GCC residents processing: up to 2 weeks (5-7 days typical). Apply 3 weeks before departure.
How long can I stay in Qatar on an A2 eVisa?
Maximum 30 days from date of entry. The visa is valid for 90 days from issuance and allows single entry only.
Is the Qatar eVisa for GCC residents single or multiple entry?
Single-entry. Leaving Qatar invalidates the visa, and you must submit a new application on the Hayya platform to re-enter.
What is the fee for the Qatar eVisa?
Fee: QAR 100, non-refundable, paid online by card.
Is health insurance mandatory for entering Qatar?
Yes. Health insurance from a MOH-accredited provider is compulsory; approximate cost is ~QAR 50 per month.
What happens if I overstay my Qatar eVisa?
Daily financial penalties apply. Unpaid fines block departure at Hamad International Airport; settle at the MOI office before your flight.
Can my family travel on my A2 eVisa application?
No. Each family member, including spouse and children, must submit a separate A2 application on the Hayya platform.
