Qatar Hayya Card

How to Get a Qatar Hayya Card? (2026 Updated Complete Guide)

In 2026, the Hayya platform in Qatar has evolved into a central digital gateway for tourist and visitor entry permits, originally established as the Fan ID for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Hayya Card now serves as a digital entry permit, functioning as a visa, identification, and proof of accommodation for international visitors. While over 100 nationalities benefit from visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, travelers from visa-required countries must apply online for permits like the A1 Tourist Visa, which costs QAR 100 and takes 10-21 days to process. Understanding the Hayya Card application is crucial for those visiting Qatar for tourism, events, or sports in 2026.

Read Also: Qatar Visa Extension: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

2026 में, कतर में हया प्लेटफॉर्म टूरिस्ट और विज़िटर एंट्री परमिट के लिए एक सेंट्रल डिजिटल गेटवे बन गया है, जिसे शुरू में 2022 FIFA वर्ल्ड कप के लिए फैन ID के तौर पर बनाया गया था। हया कार्ड अब एक डिजिटल एंट्री परमिट के तौर पर काम करता है, जो इंटरनेशनल विज़िटर्स के लिए वीज़ा, पहचान और रहने की जगह के सबूत के तौर पर काम करता है। जहाँ 100 से ज़्यादा देशों को वीज़ा-फ़्री एंट्री या वीज़ा-ऑन-अराइवल का फ़ायदा मिलता है, वहीं वीज़ा-ज़रूरी देशों के यात्रियों को A1 टूरिस्ट वीज़ा जैसे परमिट के लिए ऑनलाइन अप्लाई करना होगा, जिसकी कीमत QAR 100 है और इसे प्रोसेस होने में 10-21 दिन लगते हैं। 2026 में टूरिज़्म, इवेंट्स या स्पोर्ट्स के लिए कतर आने वालों के लिए हया कार्ड एप्लीकेशन को समझना बहुत ज़रूरी है।

What is the Hayya Card in 2026?

The Hayya Card is a digital travel authorization issued through the official Hayya platform (hayya.qa). It combines:

• Entry visa/permit
• Personal identification
• Proof of accommodation verification
• Access to app features like event tickets, transport info, and more

Physical printed cards are no longer issued or required—everything is digital via the “Hayya to Qatar” mobile app. For visa-free eligible nationalities, no advance Hayya application is needed, but some may still use it for convenience.

Who Needs a Hayya Entry Permit?

When planning your visit to Qatar, it’s important to understand the different visa requirements based on your nationality:

• Visa-Required Nationalities: Individuals from certain countries must apply for a Hayya A1 (Tourist) visa or other relevant categories in advance of their arrival.
• Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility: Travelers from over 100 countries can obtain a visa-on-arrival at the airport, which is often free of charge. However, to avoid long queues, it is advisable to pre-apply through Hayya. Notably, travelers from specific countries, such as India and Pakistan, must have hotel bookings through Discover Qatar to qualify for this option.
• Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and several other nations, including many Western countries, can enter Qatar without the need for a Hayya visa.
• GCC Residents: Residents of GCC countries can apply for the A2 category via Hayya. This category was updated in late 2025 to allow for multiple entries and extended stays.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your eligibility, always visit visitqatar.com or hayya.qa before your trip.

Types of Hayya Visas in 2026

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Qatar Hayya Card

Set Up a Hayya Account 

• Visit the official Hayya website or download the Hayya to Qatar application on Android or iOS.  
• Register using your email address and create a password.  
• Verify your email to activate your account.  

Choose Your Visa/Entry Category

• After logging in, select the visa category that suits your needs:  
• Tourist Entry Visa (the most common option)  
• GCC Resident Entry Visa  
• Hayya With Me (invite family or friends with a valid voucher)  
• Each category may have distinct requirements — make your choice wisely.  

Upload Necessary Documents  

You will need to provide:  

A scan of your valid passport  

• Must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from your arrival date.  
• In JPG/JPEG format, ≤2 MB; MRZ code must be clear.  

A passport-style photo  

• 30 × 40 mm; JPG/JPEG; with a plain light background; face should be centered.  

Proof of accommodation  

• Either a hotel booking confirmation or details of a family/friend who is hosting you in Qatar.  
• Hosts are also required to register on the Hayya platform.  

Information about your return flight ticket (needed for many categories)  

• Frequently required upon arrival.  

Health insurance policy (a new requirement for visitors)  

• Must cover your stay and be from an approved provider.  

Pay Visa Fees (if necessary)  

• Most Hayya visa types involve a fee of around QAR 100. Certain nationalities may qualify for an exemption, and Hayya With Me usually requires a valid voucher instead of a fee. 

Read Also: Qatar Visa Fee

Submit and Monitor Your Application  

After you submit your application:  

• You will receive an email confirming your submission.  
• Utilize the portal/app to check the status — “Pending,” “Approved,” or “Correction Needed.”  

Processing Time & Approval

• Most applications are typically handled within 2 to 5 days.  

• Processing times may increase during peak seasons or events — submit your application early.  

• If you are asked for additional documents or corrections, please respond promptly.

After Approval: Digital Hayya Card & Permit

Once your application is approved, you will receive two important documents:

• Hayya Entry Permit: This document is typically sent to you as a PDF and serves as your travel visa for entry into the country.
• Digital Hayya Card: You can find your card by opening the Hayya app, where it will be available as a valid travel document upon arrival and for various services in Qatar.

It’s important to note that physical cards are no longer required—most travelers will only need the digital version.

Using Your Hayya Card to Enter Qatar

At the airport or land border:  

• Display your Hayya Entry Permit (either digital or printed).  
• Present your passport with the corresponding details.  
• Offer your return flight ticket and insurance documentation (if needed).  
• Keep your accommodation confirmation documents handy.  

Required Documents

• Valid passport (copy and photo)
• Current passport-sized photograph
• Proof of accommodation
• Round-trip ticket
• Health insurance (if necessary)
• For minors: Birth certificate or parental consent

Tips for Smooth Approval and Entry

• Submit your applications early, particularly during the winter and event seasons.  
• Utilize high-quality scans instead of selfies.  
• Only secure non-refundable flights once you have received approval.  
• Get the app for easy access to your digital permit.  
• At the airport, if you qualify, use e-gates for quicker entry.  
• For extensions, request through Hayya before your current permit expires (QAR 100 fee).

Conclusion

In 2026, the Qatar Hayya Card continues to serve as the official digital entry point for tourists and visitors arriving in Qatar. It acts as a visa, entry authorization, and accommodation verification, all managed online via the Hayya platform or mobile application. While numerous nationalities benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, travelers from countries requiring a visa must submit their applications in advance—typically for the A1 Tourist Visa. By applying early, uploading the correct documentation, and utilizing the Hayya app, visitors can ensure a seamless approval process and stress-free entry into Qatar.

2026 में, कतर हया कार्ड कतर आने वाले टूरिस्ट और विज़िटर्स के लिए ऑफिशियल डिजिटल एंट्री पॉइंट के तौर पर काम करना जारी रखेगा। यह वीज़ा, एंट्री ऑथराइज़ेशन और रहने की जगह के वेरिफिकेशन का काम करता है, जिसे हया प्लेटफॉर्म या मोबाइल एप्लिकेशन के ज़रिए ऑनलाइन मैनेज किया जाता है। जबकि कई देशों के लोगों को वीज़ा-फ्री या वीज़ा-ऑन-अराइवल एक्सेस का फ़ायदा मिलता है, वीज़ा की ज़रूरत वाले देशों के यात्रियों को अपनी एप्लीकेशन पहले से जमा करनी होती है—आमतौर पर A1 टूरिस्ट वीज़ा के लिए। जल्दी अप्लाई करके, सही डॉक्यूमेंट अपलोड करके और हया ऐप का इस्तेमाल करके, विज़िटर्स एक आसान अप्रूवल प्रोसेस और कतर में बिना टेंशन के एंट्री पक्का कर सकते हैं।

FAQ’s

Is the Hayya Card mandatory for all travelers to Qatar in 2026?
No visa-free and many visa-on-arrival nationalities need advance applications, but visa-required travelers must obtain a Hayya entry permit.

How long does it take to get a Hayya Tourist Visa (A1)?
Processing typically takes 2 to 5 days, but it may take 10 to 21 days during peak travel seasons.

Do I need a physical Hayya Card?
No, the Hayya Card is entirely digital and accessible through the Hayya to Qatar app; physical cards are no longer issued.