Qatar eVisa requirements in 2026 include a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed hotel booking, return flight itinerary, and a QAR 100 (~£21) fee paid via the Hayya platform at. Full British Citizens may alternatively enter visa-free on arrival for up to 30 days at no cost. Standard eVisa processing takes 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation.
Applicants must provide a digital photograph with a white background, a scanned passport bio-page, and an onward ticket. The Hayya platform at serves as the sole application portal for all eVisa categories, including tourist, business, and family visits.
Requirements vary by nationality and traveler type. GCC residents and holders of valid Western visas have distinct application pathways, while all visitors staying longer than 30 days must obtain mandatory health insurance from a Ministry of Public Health registered provider.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Qatar?
Full British Citizens get a free 30-day visa waiver on arrival; BNO and British Overseas passport holders must apply for a Hayya eVisa in advance.
Full British Citizens vs. Other British Passport Holders
The Qatar eVisa requirements distinguish three British passport categories. Full British Citizens obtain a fee-free visa waiver on arrival, valid for up to 30 days with single or multiple entries. British National (Overseas) and British Overseas passport holders must secure a Hayya eVisa before departure at a cost of QAR 100 (~£21). Dual nationals travelling on a non-British passport must carry a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode when returning to the UK.
✅ Full British Citizen: Free visa waiver on arrival, 30 days, single/multiple entry.
⚠️ BNO / British Overseas: Hayya eVisa required in advance (QAR 100).
⚠️ Dual national: Carry British passport or Certificate of Entitlement.
Beyond British travellers, Qatar grants visa-free entry to 102 nationalities. The Qatar eVisa requirements apply primarily to citizens of countries outside that eligibility list.
General Passport and Document Requirements for a Qatar eVisa
General requirements: passport valid 6 months from arrival, 2 blank visa pages, digital photo, confirmed hotel booking, return ticket, and valid email address.
| Traveler Type | Pathway | Minimum Passport Validity |
|---|---|---|
| British Citizen (tourist) | VOA / Hayya eVisa | 6 months (safe rule per gov.uk) |
| VOA-eligible nationalities | Visa on Arrival | 3 months per |
| GCC Resident | Hayya A2 | Valid at time of arrival |
Universal Documents (All Applicants)
- Passport bio-page scan (JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB)
- Digital photo (white background, 400×600 px, no glasses)
- Confirmed hotel booking or accommodation proof
- Return or onward flight itinerary
- Valid email address
Additional Documents by Traveler Type
- Business: invitation letter from Qatari company
- Family visitors: sponsorship letter + host’s QID copy
- GCC residents (A2): valid Iqama valid 3 months, all professions eligible
- Western visa holders (A3): copy of visa with 30 days remaining
- Financial proof: bank statement showing ~QAR 5,000 recommended
- Unaccompanied minors: birth certificate, parental consent form if one parent absent, child’s own passport
Nationals of Iran, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Ukraine must book accommodation through Discover Qatar before travel.
Photo and Upload Specifications for the Hayya Portal
- Photo: white background, JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB
- Passport scan: full bio-page, all corners visible, max 5 MB
How to Apply for a Qatar eVisa via the Hayya Platform
Visit, create an account, complete the form, upload documents, and pay QAR 100 (~£21) by card. Processing takes 1-3 business days. For a detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step application guide.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Visit and create an account
Register on the Hayya platform to begin your application.
Select visa type
Choose tourist, business, or family visit.
Complete the online application form
Fill in all required personal and travel details.
Upload passport bio-page scan
JPEG/PNG, max 5 MB, all corners visible.
Upload digital photograph
White background, 400×600 px, no glasses.
Upload supporting documents
Hotel booking confirmation and return ticket.
Review all entered information
Check every field for accuracy before proceeding.
Pay QAR 100
Via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Submit the application
Finalise and send your eVisa request.
Track status
Pending → Pending Accommodation Verification → Pending Payment → Approved.
eVisa Processing Time and Fee Payment
Processing takes 1-3 business days (estimated, not officially published by Qatar authorities). Apply at least two weeks before travel to account for peak-season delays. The QAR 100 fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused; a QAR 100 cancellation fee applies on visa rejection per Discover Qatar.
Qatar eVisa Conditions and Entry Requirements by Traveler Type
Qatar tourist eVisa: up to 30 days, air/land/sea entry; GCC residents and Western visa holders need Hayya A2/A3 permits.
Entry must occur within 30 to 90 days of issuance, with permitted ports including Hamad International Airport, Abu Samra land border, and Doha Port. Transit passengers of any nationality may remain in the airport transit area for up to 24 hours without a visa; Qatar Airways passengers with layovers of 5 to 96 hours can obtain a free transit visa.
| Traveler Type | Hayya Category | Key Condition | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCC resident | A2 | Iqama valid ≥ 3 months; all professions eligible | QAR 100 |
| Western visa holder | A3 (ETA) | Valid Schengen/US/UK/AU/NZ/CA visa with ≥ 30 days remaining | QAR 100 |
| GCC citizen companion | A4 | Must be accompanied by sponsor or sponsor’s first/second degree family member | QAR 100 |
| GCC citizen | Visa-free | National ID card accepted in lieu of passport | Free |
Hayya A2 for GCC Residents
The Qatar eVisa requirements for A2 applicants demand a valid GCC residency permit (Iqama) issued by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, valid for at least 3 months. All professions are eligible, though applicants should enter their exact profession on the live Hayya portal for real-time validation. The passport need only be valid at the time of arrival.
Hayya A3 for Western Visa Holders
The A3 entry permit functions as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian visas or residence permits. The held visa must have at least 30 days of remaining validity. The fee is QAR 100 via the Hayya platform.
Transit and Visa-Free Entry Conditions
Transit passengers can stay 24h visa-free regardless of nationality. Qatar Airways passengers with 5-96h layovers get a free transit visa. GCC citizens enjoy visa-free entry using their national ID card, while 102 nationalities are eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry under standard conditions.
After Approval: Extensions, Health Rules, and Customs Restrictions
Holders may extend their stay by an additional 30 days through the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI), provided the application is submitted before the initial 30-day period expires. Overstay fines must be paid before departure from Qatar.
Extending Your Stay in Qatar
Extensions are processed via the MOI portal or in person at an immigration office. The additional 30 days are granted upon approval, with an extension fee set by the MOI.
Health, Insurance, and Vaccination Requirements
Mandatory health insurance applies for stays exceeding 30 days, costing QAR 50 (~£10.50) per person, per month from a Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)-registered provider, purchased before travel. Diplomatic travelers, GCC citizens, and stays of 30 days or fewer are exempt. A polio vaccination certificate is required for arrivals from Afghanistan or Pakistan; a yellow fever certificate is required for arrivals from risk countries.
Customs and Prohibited Items
E-cigarettes and vapes are fully banned from import with no exceptions, including related liquids and electronic shisha pipes. Currency declaration is mandatory for amounts exceeding QAR 50,000 (~£10,500), covering precious metals and stones. For medication import guidance, contact the Embassy of the State of Qatar in London at
South Audley Street, London, W1K 1NB, telephone 020 7493 2200, email [email protected].
Qatar eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which Option Is Right for You?
The free Visa on Arrival suits spontaneous UK citizen trips with instant processing; the QAR 100 Hayya eVisa provides pre-approval certainty and broader eligibility for all nationalities.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Hayya eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (UK citizens); QAR 100 for paid VOA nationalities | QAR 100 (~£21) |
| Processing | Instant at airport | 1-3 business days (estimated) |
| Eligible nationalities | 102 countries (incl. UK) | All countries worldwide |
| Stay duration | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Extension | +30 days via MOI | +30 days via MOI |
| Pre-approval guarantee | No | Yes |
Full British Citizens travelling spontaneously benefit from VOA at no cost. The Qatar eVisa requirements recommend the Hayya pathway for planned trips, non-UK nationals, and BNO or British Overseas passport holders who must obtain entry approval in advance.
FAQ: Qatar eVisa Requirements
What are the general requirements for a Qatar eVisa in 2026?
General Qatar eVisa requirements include a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, a digital photograph with a white background, confirmed hotel booking, and a return flight itinerary. Applicants must pay a QAR 100 fee via the Hayya platform. Additional documents may apply depending on the traveler type, such as GCC residency permits or valid Western visas.
How long does the Qatar eVisa application take to process?
The standard processing time for a Qatar eVisa is typically 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation. This timeframe is estimated and not officially published by Qatar authorities. Applicants are advised to submit their Hayya application at least two weeks before their intended travel date to account for potential delays during peak travel periods.
Can I extend my Qatar eVisa or visa on arrival?
Extension of +30 days via MOI is possible for both Qatar eVisa and visa on arrival holders. The extension must be applied for before the initial 30-day period expires. An extension fee applies, and the process can be completed online through the MOI portal or in person at an immigration office.
What happens if I overstay my Qatar visa?
Overstaying a Qatar eVisa or visa on arrival results in a fine that varies by the duration of the overstay. This fine must be paid before leaving Qatar. Travelers should apply for a 30-day extension via the Ministry of Interior before their initial visa expires to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with Qatari immigration laws.
What documents do I need to upload on the Hayya platform?
For a Qatar eVisa, you must upload a scanned passport bio-page, a digital passport-style photograph with a white background, a confirmed hotel booking, and a return flight itinerary. GCC residents must upload their valid residency permit, while holders of Western visas must provide a copy of their valid visa with at least 30 days remaining.
Is health insurance mandatory for Qatar eVisa holders?
Yes, mandatory health insurance is required for all visitors staying in Qatar for more than 30 days. The cost is QAR 50 per person, per month, and it must be purchased from a Ministry of Public Health registered provider before travel. Stays of 30 days or fewer, diplomatic travelers, and GCC citizens are exempt from this requirement.
Can I apply for a Qatar eVisa if I hold a valid Schengen visa?
Yes, holders of a valid Schengen visa can apply for a Qatar eVisa through the Hayya A3 Electronic Travel Authorization pathway. The held Schengen visa must have at least 30 days of remaining validity. This entry permit costs QAR 100 and allows stays for tourism or business purposes for up to 30 days.
Which border crossings accept the Qatar eVisa?
The Qatar eVisa is accepted at multiple ports of entry, including Hamad International Airport for air travel, the Abu Samra land border crossing with Saudi Arabia, and Doha Port for sea arrivals. Travelers should ensure their entry point is open and operational before finalizing their travel itinerary to Qatar.
Do I need a separate eVisa for my child travelling to Qatar?
Yes, a separate Qatar eVisa application is required for each child traveling to Qatar. Parents must upload the child’s own passport, a birth certificate, and a parental consent form if one parent is absent. The same QAR 100 fee and standard document requirements apply to minor applicants using the Hayya platform.
What is the Qatar eVisa fee and which payment methods are accepted?
The Qatar eVisa application fee is QAR 100, which is approximately 21 GBP. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Accepted payment methods on the Hayya platform include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not confirmed, so card payment is recommended.
