Qatar ETA Visa [Hayya A3]: Application & Requirements

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the various visa options available for your upcoming trip to Qatar? With so many different types of visas, such as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa, also known as the A3 visa, it’s easy to feel confused and unsure about which one is right for you.

You might find yourself wondering, “How do I go about applying for a Qatar visa online?” or “What are the requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a Qatar visa?”

Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this confusion. Many travelers find themselves in the same situation, seeking clarity and guidance on navigating the Qatar visa application process.

That’s precisely why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand and simplify the process of applying for your Qatar visa online. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different visa options, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for your Qatar visa with ease.

What is a Qatar ETA Visa?

A Qatar ETA visa or Qatar A3 Visa is an electronic travel authorization that grants eligible travelers permission to enter and stay in Qatar for a specific duration. The ETA system was launched in September 2017 to facilitate seamless travel to Qatar for citizens of all nationalities who hold valid residence permits or visas from select countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The ETA visa application process is entirely online, making it convenient and accessible for travelers worldwide. By obtaining an ETA, visitors can explore the rich culture, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality of Qatar without the need for a traditional embassy-issued visa.

Qatar ETA Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Qatar ETA visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Nationality

The ETA visa is available to nationals of all countries who hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following:

• Schengen countries
• United States of America (USA)
• United Kingdom (UK)
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

Passport Validity

The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry into Qatar.

Accommodation

Visitors must have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay in Qatar. This can be either “Family and Friends Hosting” or “Other Accommodation” such as a hotel booking.

Return Flight

Applicants must have a confirmed return flight ticket.

Health Insurance

If the visitor intends to stay in Qatar for more than 30 days, they must have health insurance that complies with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).

It’s important to note that even if you are eligible for a visa on arrival in Qatar, you can still opt to apply for an ETA visa through the Hayya portal for added convenience.

Documents Needed For Travel Using ETA Visa

When applying for a Qatar ETA visa, applicants must submit scanned color copies of the following documents:

1. Passport Information Page: A clear and legible copy of the bio page or picture page(s) of the applicant’s passport.
2. Passport-Size Photo: A recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.
3. Airline Reservation: A copy of the flight reservation or itinerary. Qatar Airways passengers are exempt from submitting reservation information.
4. Hotel Reservation: If staying in a hotel, a copy of the hotel reservation or confirmation is required.
5. Invitation Letter: If staying with a Qatari resident (friend or relative), an invitation letter from the host along with a copy of their Qatar resident visa, Qatar ID, and passport bio page is necessary. If the host is a Qatari national, their Qatari national ID and invitation letter must be provided.

Additionally, the main applicant (from each family traveling together) must submit:

1. Proof of Residency: This can be a resident card, resident visa, utility bill, tenancy contract, phone bill, credit/debit card bill, or an official printed address page on the passport.
2. Supporting Documents: In some cases, additional supporting documents such as marriage certificates may be required. The authorities will contact the applicant directly if such documents are needed.

For those who qualify for an ETA, they will need to provide one or more of the following:

1. Proof of residence
2. Proof of a valid visa held for residential status
3. Proof of a valid visitor visa held for any one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, GCC, New Zealand, Schengen countries, USA, or UK.

Furthermore, if available, the following supporting documents can strengthen the ETA or tourist visa application and should be submitted under the ‘Additional Documents’ section:

1. Documents showing investments of USD $8,000 or more.
2. Income tax papers indicating an annual gross income of USD $8,000 or more.
3. Evidence of travel within the last five years to Qatar, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Schengen countries, USA, or UK.

As of 2024, COVID-19 vaccination, PCR testing, and Ehteraz pre-registration are no longer mandatory for visitors to Qatar.

Qatar ETA Visa Online Application Process

Applying for a Qatar ETA visa online is a straightforward process. Follow these concise steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Visit Hayya Website

Go to hayya.qa and click on “My Hayya” in the top right corner. If you already have a Hayya account, select “Apply for Hayya.”

Step 2: Register on Hayya Portal

For first-time visitors, click on “Sign Up” and provide an email address to create your account. You will receive a verification code via email. Log into the “My Hayya” portal using your email address and password.

Step 3: Apply for Hayya Card Online

Click on the “Apply for Hayya” button to begin the application process.

Step 4: Select Visa Category

Choose the “Visa with ETA (A3)” option from the available visa categories.

Step 5: Choose Purpose of Visit

Select the appropriate purpose of your visit, such as sport events, business meetings, weddings, shopping, friend visits, heritage tourism, conventions, or participation in events. If your reason isn’t listed, choose “others” and specify.

Step 6: Personal Information

Fill out the required personal details on the My Hayya portal. Agree to the terms and conditions to proceed.

• Picture: Upload a clear, well-lit photo with a light background that meets the specified requirements. Review the instructions and browse for your personal photo.
• Passport: Open your passport and crop the first page to be acceptable as per the MRZ (Machine-readable zone). Your data will be automatically extracted, or you can enter it manually. Save the information.
• Validate User: Once the data is extracted, click “Validate User.” If the option is unavailable, select “Normal” as the passport type.
• Name: Enter your first and last names. Skip the second and third Latin names if not applicable. For those without a last name, refer to the last page of your passport for verification.
• Residential Information: Select your country of birth and country of residency. If you don’t have previous residency information, choose “No.” Upload a valid resident card or visa from the US, UK, Canada, Schengen countries, New Zealand, or Australia.
• Accommodation: Choose either “family and friends” or “other” for your accommodation type. Mention the name of the accommodation in the bar below.
• Contact Information: Provide your name, personal contact details, and emergency contact information. Click on the review and submit button.

Step 7: Visa Fees

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a payment link via email. The Qatar ETA visa fee is QAR 100 (approximately USD 27). You can pay using a credit or debit card, Visa, or MasterCard.

After your application is processed, you will receive your Hayya Entry Permit via email, which can also be accessed through the Hayya App. The average processing time for a Qatar ETA visa is around 48 hours after all required documents are submitted.

Qatar ETA Visa Validity and Charges

A Qatar ETA visa is valid for up to 30 days from the date of issue, allowing visitors to stay in Qatar for more than one month. The total cost of the visa is QAR 100 (approximately USD 27). It’s important to note that the 30-day entry permit is only valid during the specified period.

Hayya ETA Visa Processing Time

Provided that all required documents are submitted correctly, ETA or tourist visas are typically issued within 5 working days of the application submission.

To check the current status of your ETA or tourist visa, simply visit our Qatar Visa Status check page and input the necessary details, such as your registration code, email address, and date of birth.

What is the Difference between Qatar Tourist Visa and ETA?

Qatar Tourist Visas are intended for individuals who wish to travel to Qatar but are not eligible for a Qatar ETA. The eligibility for a tourist visa or ETA depends on the applicant’s nationality, residency, or visa permits.

Nationals of certain countries who are not eligible for an ETA can obtain a tourist visa by completing an online application prior to traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My passport is nearing its expiration date. Am I still eligible to apply for a Qatar ETA or tourist visa?

A: To enter Qatar, all visitors must hold a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival. If your passport’s validity falls short of this requirement, you will need to renew it before proceeding with your ETA or tourist visa application.

Q: Are ETA/tourist visas mandatory for children and infants traveling to Qatar?

A: Absolutely. Regardless of age, all passengers, including infants and children (even those accompanied by parents), are required to possess a valid visa to enter Qatar. It is important to note that visas for children cannot be endorsed on a parent’s passport and must be processed separately.

Q: What is the process for receiving my approved ETA/tourist visa for Qatar?

A: Upon approval, your ETA/tourist visa will be sent directly to the email address you provided during the application process.

Q: If my travel plans include stopovers in Qatar on both the outbound and inbound journeys, will I need separate ETA/visas for each stopover?

A: Yes, a distinct ETA/visa is necessary for each entry into Qatar. You have the option to apply for multiple ETA/visas through the online system, as long as there is a gap of at least 5 working days between your first departure and second arrival in Qatar. Please keep in mind that each ETA/visa application is an independent process and must be completed separately.

Q: In the event that my ETA or tourist visa application is denied or goes unused, is it possible to obtain a refund for the fees paid?

A: While the standard government statutory fees are non-refundable, there may be a possibility of receiving a refund for the online service fees.

Q: What could be the reason behind the rejection of my ETA or tourist visa application?

A: Unfortunately, the Qatar Immigration authorities do not disclose the specific reasons for denying ETA or tourist visa applications. As a result, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer as to why your application may have been unsuccessful.

Q: Is it possible to apply for a Qatar ETA or tourist visa if my passport only contains a single name?

A: Regrettably, passports bearing a single name are not accepted for Qatar ETA or tourist visa applications. It is mandatory for applicants to have at least two names listed in their passport to be eligible for these travel authorizations.

Q: Is it necessary to apply for an ETA or tourist visa simultaneously with booking my flight tickets?

A: No, there is no requirement to apply for your ETA or tourist visa at the same time as making your flight reservations. You have the freedom to submit your visa application any time up until 5 working days prior to your scheduled travel date.

Q: What type of visa is applicable for permanent residents or visa holders of Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, or New Zealand?

A: Travelers who hold a valid residence permit or visit visa from Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, or New Zealand are eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for their visit to Qatar.