The Qatar Tourism authorities have recently announced the relaunch of the Hayya Platform to provide a unified visa application process for travelers visiting Qatar. This online platform is available for all visa-required visitors, allowing them to apply for a Qatar eVisa conveniently and easily from anywhere in the world. The platform can be accessed via a web browser or smartphone app.

Qatar introduced an online visa platform in 2017, which allowed all nationalities except Israelis and Palestinians to apply for an electronic tourist visa. The Hayya platform was then used extensively leading up to the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, where international football fans could quickly obtain a travel permit online to attend the event.

With the relaunch of the Hayya platform, travelers can enjoy a streamlined and more efficient visa application process. This is part of Qatar's continued efforts to enhance its tourism sector and attract more visitors from around the world. The platform is easy to use, with clear instructions and guidance provided throughout the application process.

Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior of Qatar has announced that the validity of approved Hayya Cards will be extended until 2024. This decision was made to allow holders to have an extended stay in the country. This is great news for travelers who wish to spend more time exploring Qatar and its attractions.

The relaunch of the Hayya platform is a significant step towards making the visa application process more straightforward and accessible for visitors to Qatar. With the convenience of online applications and the extended validity of approved Hayya Cards, travelers can now plan their trips with ease and enjoy a more comfortable stay in the Gulf country.

Visa-Required Visitors Can Apply Online: Qatar's Relaunched Hayya Platform

The Hayya platform, recently relaunched by Qatar tourism authorities, aims to unify visa processes for all foreign visitors, including GCC residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens. The platform is accessible through web browsers and smartphone apps, allowing eligible visitors to apply for a Qatar eVisa conveniently from anywhere in the world. Here are the details of the visitors eligible to apply and other features of the platform:

Eligible Visitors:

• Category A1: Qatar visa-required nationalities not eligible for a visa on arrival
• Category A2: GCC residents of any profession
• Category A3: Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the US, or any Schengen country.

Health Insurance Requirement:

• Most applicants need to have valid health insurance to apply through the platform
• Category A3 is exempt from this requirement if the intended stay is up to 30 days

E-Gate Use at Hamad International Airport:

• Qatar visas obtained through the platform are enabled for e-gate use at Hamad International Airport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry on arrival

Pre-Registration for Entry through Abu Samra Land Border:

• Travelers entering Qatar through the Abu Samra land border with a vehicle can pre-register online through the platform to expedite entry

Helpful Features:

• The platform offers a range of helpful new features for travelers, including maps and advice on how to navigate public transportation, helping them plan their trip to Qatar.

In summary, the newly relaunched Hayya platform in Qatar unifies the visa application process for all foreign visitors, including GCC residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens. The platform offers a convenient way to apply for a Qatar eVisa, with eligible visitors divided into three categories. Additionally, the platform includes several helpful features, such as e-gate use at Hamad International Airport and pre-registration for entry through the Abu Samra land border, making travel to Qatar more comfortable and streamlined.

Qatar Revives Hayya Visa Application Platform for Streamlined Process

The relaunch of the Hayya Platform in Qatar has been hailed as an extension of the sustainable legacy of the FIFA World Cup by Saeed Ali Al Kuwari, the CEO of the platform. The goal of the platform is to attract over 6 million yearly visitors to Qatar by 2030, in line with the national tourism goal. At a press conference to announce the relaunch, Akbar Al Baker, the Chairman of Qatar Tourism, noted that Qatar's visa policy is already the most open of all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and the 8th most open worldwide.

According to Al Baker, the latest developments will further cement Qatar's position as a leading tourism destination and provide the opportunity for even more travelers to experience the country's unique touristic offering. He further added that this would not only provide a valuable contribution to Qatar's economy but also help create countless employment opportunities across the country.

The number of tourism arrivals to Qatar has been steadily increasing in recent months. By the end of March 2023, the number of arrivals had already reached 1.16 million, which is a record for this quarter. This indicates a positive trend towards Qatar's tourism industry, which is expected to continue with the relaunch of the Hayya platform.

The Hayya platform is expected to offer a convenient and hassle-free way for eligible visitors to apply for a Qatar eVisa, which will further boost tourism in the country. With the added features of e-gate use at Hamad International Airport and pre-registration for entry through the Abu Samra land border, travelers can expect a smoother and more comfortable entry into Qatar.

The relaunch of the Hayya platform in Qatar is expected to contribute significantly to the country's tourism industry and help achieve the national tourism goal of attracting over 6 million yearly visitors by 2030. The platform is expected to provide a convenient and hassle-free way for eligible visitors to apply for a Qatar eVisa, making travel to the country more accessible and attractive.