How to Get a Qatar Hayya Card? (2025 Updated Complete Guide)
The Hayya Card is now essential for anyone traveling to Qatar. Introduced during the FIFA World Cup 2022, it has become a mandatory digital permit for tourists, event visitors, and business travelers. It serves as your visa, event pass, transport ticket, and ID. It is actually all in one. Since 2024, all visitor visas must be processed through the Hayya platform.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for the Hayya Card, the documents you’ll need, available visa types, and all the latest 2025 updates making your trip to Qatar smooth and easy.
What is a Hayya Card?
The Hayya Card is a smart digital entry permit and personal ID introduced by Qatar’s government to simplify the travel and tourism process. Originally designed for FIFA World Cup 2022 attendees, it has now become a permanent requirement for most international visitors heading to Qatar.
The Hayya Card combines your visa, event access pass, public transport pass, and digital identity into a single digital document. Starting from January 2024, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior officially mandated that all visa applications for tourists, event participants, and visitors must go through the Hayya platform. Without it, you cannot legally enter Qatar unless you are from a visa-exempt country. The validity of the visa can be checked through Qatar Visa Check.
Whether you’re visiting for a sports event, leisure, family reunion, or business trip, the Hayya Card ensures your journey is organized, safer, and much more efficient.
How to Apply for a Qatar Hayya Card?
Applying for the Hayya Card is a straightforward online process that you can complete in just a few simple steps. Qatar has focused heavily on making the process smooth for visitors, requiring only essential documents and simple online submissions.
Visit the Official Hayya Qatar Website
To begin your application, head over to the official Hayya platform by visiting www.hayya.qa or by downloading the Hayya to Qatar app available for Android and iOS users. The platform is designed to handle both visa applications and Hayya ID management.
Click “Start the Hayya Journey”
On the home screen of the website or app, you will find a prominent button labeled “Start Hayya Journey.” Click on it to proceed to the visa application page, where you can select the type of visa you are applying for.
Create or Sign In to Your Account
If you are a new user, you will need to create a Hayya account by providing your email address and setting a secure password. If you already have an account, you can directly sign in and access the application portal.
Begin Your Application
Once inside your dashboard, you will find the option to “Apply for Visa.” Click it to start filling in your personal information including your name, nationality, passport number, and other basic details.
Choose Your Application Category
You will be asked to select the relevant visa type that matches your purpose of visit, whether it is for tourism, business, visiting family, or attending events. The categories are explained in the next sections.
Upload Your Passport-Size Photo
Make sure to upload a clear passport-sized photograph on a white background. Blurred, dark, or improperly cropped photos are likely to be rejected.
Upload Your Passport Information
A full-color scanned copy of your passport will be required. Ensure the passport is valid for at least 3 more months from your date of intended travel.
Provide Residency Details
Clearly mention your current country of residence and whether you hold a residence permit (especially important for GCC applicants).
Specify Accommodation Details
You must upload proof of your accommodation, whether it’s a hotel booking, apartment rental, or an invitation letter from a host in Qatar. This step is mandatory to move forward.
Enter Your Contact Information
Provide your active mobile number and email address where you can receive timely updates regarding your application status.
Receive Your Hayya Entry Permit
Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your Hayya Entry Permit digitally, accessible via your email and Hayya App. You must carry it with you during your journey.
Requirements to Apply for a Hayya Card in Qatar (Latest 2025 Rules)
Qatar has updated its entry requirements to make traveling smooth and organized. Here’s what you will need to complete your Hayya Card application successfully:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Qatar.
Passport-Size Photo
- A recent passport-size photograph is required.
- It should have a white background, be clear, and taken within the last 6 months.
Accommodation Confirmation
You must provide proof of accommodation through one of the following:
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Rental agreement
- Invitation letter from a host living in Qatar
Residence Permit (for GCC Residents)
If you are a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) resident, you must upload a copy of your valid GCC Residence Permit.
Visa Fee (if applicable)
- Some Hayya visa categories require a fee.
- The typical cost ranges between QAR 100–200.
Return Flight Ticket
You need to provide proof of a booked return or onward flight ticket.
Health Insurance
- Mandatory visitor health insurance approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior is required.
- Insurance cost typically ranges between QAR 50–100.
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NOTE: From February 2023, travel health insurance became mandatory for all visitors (Ministry of Public Health – Qatar).
Common Errors with Hayya Card Application and How to Fix Them
Some common errors may occur during application process of Hayya card, which are as follows:
Document Upload Error
- Problem: Uploading blurry, incorrect, or oversized passport photos or document files.
- Solution:
- Make sure your passport copy and photo are clear, in color, and meet the size and format requirements (usually JPEG or PDF, under 2 MB).
- Follow photo guidelines: white background, face centered, no shadows.
Passport Details Mismatch
- Problem: Passport number, name, nationality, or expiration date entered differently from the passport document.
- Solution:
- Double-check that the data you entered exactly matches your passport.
- Even small spelling mistakes cause rejection.
Accommodation Proof Missing or Invalid
- Problem: No valid hotel booking or host invitation uploaded.
- Solution:
- Book an approved hotel from the Hayya Portal accommodation list.
- If staying with friends or family, they must register you as a guest through their Hayya account.
Email Verification Problems
- Problem: Not receiving the verification email or link not working.
- Solution:
- Check your spam or junk folder.
- Make sure you entered the correct email address.
- If needed, try resending the verification email.
Payment Failure
- Problem: Payment for the visa fee fails during checkout.
- Solution:
- Use an internationally accepted credit/debit card.
- Try a different card or browser.
- Ensure that international transactions are enabled on your card.
Technical Errors (Portal Crash, Slow Loading)
- Problem: Hayya website/app freezes, crashes, or shows unknown errors.
- Solution:
- Clear your browser cache or try a different browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
- Try using the Hayya App instead of the website.
- Attempt during non-peak hours (Qatar time midnight to 6 AM).
Application Under Review for Long Time
- Problem: No response for more than 10–14 days.
- Solution:
- Contact Hayya Support by email or phone.
- Email: info@hayya.qa
- Hayya Hotline (Qatar): +974 4441 2022
- Be polite and send your Application Number, Passport Copy, and Reference Number if available.
Quick Checklist Before Submitting the Documents Again for Hayya Card
- Clear Passport Scan
- Correct Personal Details
- Valid Hotel Booking / Host Invitation
- Clear Passport-Style Photo
- International Card Ready for Payment
- Verified Email Address
- Tip:
- If your application status says “Pending” but no email or update comes in 10 days always contact Hayya support directly. They usually reply within 24–48 hours.
New Qatar Hayya Visa Categories (Real-Time 2025 Updates)
Qatar now offers multiple visa categories under the Hayya system. Each one is tailored for different types of visitors:
- Tourist Entry Visa (A1): For general tourists visiting for leisure.
- GCC Resident Entry Visa (A2): For expatriates living in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman).
- Visa with ETA (A3): Electronic Travel Authorization for eligible countries.
- Entry Visa for Companion of a GCC Citizen (A4): For family members traveling with GCC citizens.
- Hayya With Me (C): Limited invitation-based visa for friends and family, subject to availability.
Important Update for 2025:
The “Hayya With Me” program has become restricted to selected countries due to new immigration agreements.
Benefits of Qatar Hayya Visa
The Hayya Card offers a wide range of benefits that make traveling to Qatar much more enjoyable:
- Event and Festival Access: Seamless access to sporting events, exhibitions, concerts, and other public events in Qatar.
- Free Public Transport: Enjoy unlimited metro, tram, and bus travel during event periods, saving money and time.
- Priority Immigration Processing: Fast-track lanes at Hamad International Airport and land borders.
- Accommodation Linking: Connect your hotel or host stay directly with immigration records.
- Regional Travel Discounts: Some Hayya Card holders are eligible for visa-free or easier travel to neighboring countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Validity of the Hayya Card in 2025
The validity of a Hayya Card depends on the type of visa issued and the purpose of your visit. Qatar has recently introduced updates to encourage longer stays and promote tourism throughout 2025.
Single-Entry Hayya Visa
Description:
- A single-entry Hayya visa allows visitors to enter Qatar once and stay until the end of their approved visa period.
Validity Period:
- Typically valid for up to 30 days from the date of entry.
- Can be extended once for an additional 30 days, depending on eligibility.
Important Note:
You cannot re-enter Qatar on the same Hayya Card once you exit.
Multi-Entry Hayya With Me Visa
Description:
- The Hayya With Me visa category offers multiple entries into Qatar during the visa’s validity period.
Validity Period:
- Initially valid for up to 90 days.
- Travelers can enter and exit Qatar multiple times without reapplying.
Target Audience:
Primarily intended for those invited by Hayya Card holders or for extended tourism and business visits.
Automatic Visa Extensions During Major Events
Special Extension Policies:
Qatar often provides automatic visa extensions during major national or international events, such as:
- FIFA World Cup-related activities
- Qatar National Day (December 18)
- Major tourism festivals like Shop Qatar and Doha Expo 2025.
These extensions allow visitors to stay longer without reapplication.
2025 Real-Time Update: Extended Validity Announced
- In March 2025, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and the Hayya Platform officially announced:
Certain Hayya visas have been extended until December 31, 2025, to support Qatar’s “Year of Tourism” initiative and attract international visitors beyond major events. - Who Benefits:
- Visitors who applied for tourism, business, or family-related Hayya visas.
- Particularly applicable to visas issued between January 2024 and June 2025.
- Purpose of Extension:
- To boost Qatar’s goal of attracting 6 million international tourists by the end of 2025.
- To align with global events like Doha Expo 2025 and AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2027 preparations.
In March 2025, Qatar announced that certain Hayya visas are extended till December 31, 2025, to promote year-long tourism.
Hayya Card Costs and Approval Time
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Quick Tip:
It’s strongly advised to apply at least 15 days before your planned flight to avoid last-minute issues.
How to Track Your Hayya Card Application
Once you submit your application, you can easily track the status:
- Log in to your Hayya account on the website or app.
- Navigate to “Track Application.”
- Check for updates like “Submitted,” “In Review,” “Approved,” or “Correction Needed.”
- Notifications will also be sent to your registered email.
If there is an error, follow the correction instructions sent to you immediately.
How to Get a Digital or Physical Hayya Card
After your Hayya application is approved, it is very easy to get the Hayya card:
- Your Digital Hayya Card will be available in the app for easy access.
- If you prefer a physical printed Hayya Card, you can collect one after arriving in Qatar at special Hayya Service Centers located at airports, fan zones, and public offices.
Both forms (digital or physical) are valid for all official purposes inside Qatar.
Final Words
The Qatar Hayya Card has completely changed how tourists, families, and business visitors enter and experience Qatar.
Thanks to the Hayya platform, getting your visa, entry permit, and event access is now faster, safer, and more organized.
With multiple categories available, a wide range of benefits, and a fully digital system, the Hayya Card is the key to a smooth, stress-free Qatar visit in 2025.
Start your journey by applying early at www.hayya.qa and enjoy everything Qatar has to offer, from stunning architecture to world-class events.
