Menu
qatarvisacheck

Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1): Everything You Need to Know

by

Are you planning a trip to Qatar? The Hayya A1 tourist visa might be just what you need! This guide will tell you all about this new visa and how to get it.

use our Qatar visa check Tool to find out the status of your Qatar visa.

What is the Hayya A1 Visa?

The Hayya A1 visa is a new type of tourist visa for Qatar. It was first used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Now, Qatar has decided to keep using it to make it easier for people to visit the country.

Key Features of the Hayya A1 Visa:

  • It’s good for multiple entries into Qatar
  • You can stay for up to 30 days
  • You can extend it for another 30 days if you want to stay longer
  • It’s valid for 12 months from when it’s issued

Who Can Apply?

The Hayya A1 visa is open to people from many countries. If you’re not sure if your country is on the list, you can check the official Qatar visa website.

How to Apply for the Hayya A1 Visa

Applying for the Hayya A1 visa is pretty easy. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go to the official website: Visit the Qatar Portal at www.qatarportal.gov.qa
  2. Create an account: You’ll need to make a new account if you don’t have one already
  3. Fill out the application form: Make sure you give all the information they ask for
  4. Upload documents: You’ll need to provide:
    • A clear, color photo of yourself
    • A scan of your passport
    • Proof of where you’ll be staying in Qatar
    • Your flight details
  5. Pay the fee: The visa costs about $27 USD
  6. Wait for approval: It usually takes 1-3 days to get your visa approved

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned trip
  • Double-check all your information before you submit it
  • Have a clear plan for where you’ll stay in Qatar

What Can You Do with the Hayya A1 Visa?

The Hayya A1 visa lets you do a lot in Qatar:

  • Explore the country as a tourist
  • Attend events and festivals
  • Visit friends or family who live in Qatar
  • Look for work opportunities (but you can’t actually work on this visa)

Places to Visit in Qatar

Qatar has lots of cool places to see:

  1. Doha Corniche: A long waterfront promenade with great views of the city
  2. Souq Waqif: An old market where you can buy traditional goods and try local food
  3. Museum of Islamic Art: A beautiful building with amazing art from the Islamic world
  4. The Pearl-Qatar: An artificial island with fancy shops and restaurants
  5. Katara Cultural Village: A place to learn about Qatar’s history and culture
  6. Al Zubarah Fort: An old fort that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site
  7. Aspire Park: A big park in Doha where you can relax and have fun

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Weather: Qatar is very hot most of the year. The best time to visit is from November to April when it’s cooler.
  • Dress Code: Qatar is a Muslim country. It’s best to dress modestly, especially in public places.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but many people speak English too.
  • Money: The currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
  • Transportation: Taxis and Uber are common in cities. There’s also a good bus system in Doha.

Safety in Qatar

Qatar is generally a safe country for tourists. But it’s always good to be careful:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in busy places
  • Respect local laws and customs
  • Don’t drink alcohol in public places
  • Be careful when crossing roads, especially in busy areas

Extending Your Stay

If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can extend your visa for another 30 days. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Ministry of Interior website
  2. Fill out the extension form
  3. Pay the extension fee (about $27 USD)
  4. Wait for approval (usually takes 1-2 days)

Working in Qatar

The Hayya A1 visa is for tourists only. You can’t work with this visa. If you want to work in Qatar, you’ll need a different kind of visa and a job offer from a Qatari company.

Healthcare in Qatar

Qatar has good hospitals and clinics. But healthcare can be expensive for visitors. It’s a good idea to get travel insurance before your trip.

Food in Qatar

Qatar has lots of yummy food to try:

  • Machbous: A spicy rice dish with meat or seafood
  • Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings with date syrup
  • Balaleet: A breakfast dish with sweet noodles and eggs
  • Karak: A popular tea with milk and spices

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

To be respectful in Qatar:

  • Do greet people with “As-salaam-alaikum” (peace be upon you)
  • Don’t eat or drink in public during Ramadan (if you visit during that time)
  • Do ask permission before taking photos of people
  • Don’t show public displays of affection
  • Do remove your shoes before entering someone’s home

click to read: Qatar Visa Print: A Complete Visa Print Guide

Shopping in Qatar

Qatar has great shopping options:

  • Malls: Visit places like City Center Doha or Villaggio Mall for modern shopping
  • Souqs: Traditional markets like Souq Waqif for unique gifts and souvenirs
  • The Pearl-Qatar: For high-end designer stores

Remember, bargaining is common in souqs but not in malls.

Sports and Activities in Qatar

Qatar loves sports! You can:

  • Watch a football match at one of the World Cup stadiums
  • Try desert activities like dune bashing or camel riding
  • Go kayaking in the mangroves near Al Thakira
  • Visit the Aspire Zone for various sports facilities

Day Trips from Doha

If you want to explore outside the city:

  1. Sealine Beach: A beautiful beach about an hour from Doha
  2. Purple Island: A natural area great for birdwatching
  3. Dahl Al Misfir: A unique underground cave
  4. Film City: An abandoned movie set in the desert

Using Public Transportation

Qatar has a good public transport system:

  • Metro: The Doha Metro is new and efficient
  • Buses: Cover many areas of the city and beyond
  • Taxis: Available but can be expensive

Best Time to Visit Qatar

The best months to visit Qatar are:

  • November to April: The weather is cooler and more comfortable
  • May to October: Very hot, but you might find better deals on hotels

Staying Connected

To stay in touch while in Qatar:

  • Buy a local SIM card at the airport or in phone shops
  • Most hotels and many cafes offer free Wi-Fi
  • Public Wi-Fi is available in some areas of Doha

Learning Basic Arabic

Knowing a few Arabic words can be helpful:

  • Marhaba: Hello
  • Shukran: Thank you
  • Ma’a salama: Goodbye
  • Min fadlak: Please (to a man)
  • Min fadlik: Please (to a woman)

Emergencies in Qatar

In case of emergency:

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 999
  • Fire: 999

It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your phone before you travel.

Leaving Qatar

When it’s time to go home:

  • Make sure you haven’t overstayed your visa
  • Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours before international flights)
  • Keep your Hayya card until you’ve left the country

Final Tips for Your Qatar Trip

  1. Respect local customs: Qatar is a Muslim country with its own traditions
  2. Stay hydrated: It’s very hot, so drink plenty of water
  3. Try local experiences: Don’t just stick to tourist spots
  4. Keep important documents safe: Always have a copy of your passport and visa
  5. Be open-minded: Qatar is a mix of old and new, traditional and modern

The Hayya A1 visa makes visiting Qatar easier than ever. With this guide, you’re all set for an amazing trip to this unique country. Enjoy your visit to Qatar!

1 thought on “Qatar Tourist Visa (Hayya A1): Everything You Need to Know”

  1. Pingback: Qatar Visa Cancellation and Exit Permit Requirements in 2024 -

Leave a Comment