Qatar Visa for GCC Residents: Options for GCC Residents

BySheikh Suleman

Qatar has implemented a series of visa facilitation measures that are specifically designed for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as it continues to establish itself as a regional center for cultural exchange, business, and tourism and Qatar Visa for GCC Residents is an example of it.


These progressive policies are designed to bolster relationships with neighboring countries, simplify travel procedures, and offer a seamless experience for GCC residents who are investigating the diverse array of experiences that Qatar has to offer.

To inquire about the status of your visa, kindly visit our homepage at Qatar visa check.

What is The Unified GCC Tourist Visa? – Qatar Visa for GCC Residents

During the 40th Meeting of GCC Interior Ministers, Qatar, and its regional counterparts announced an innovative initiative to establish a unified GCC tourist visa. The six GCC member states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—will be granted seamless entry and movement through this innovative visa scheme, which is to be implemented in the 2024-2025 interval.


This unified Qatar visa for GCC residents is expected to be a game-changer for travelers who aspire to fully experience the Gulf region’s diverse cultures, traditions, and attractions. The era of navigating intricate visa application processes for each individual country is over, as this initiative simplifies the entire process, enabling visitors to explore the region with unparalleled simplicity.

You can also explore Qatar Vodafone Passport Pack.

Types of Visas for GCC Residents

Three distinct Qatar visa for GCC Residents options have been implemented by Qatar to accommodate the diverse travel requirements and preferences of GCC residents and their companions:


  • Visa On Arrival: Upon arrival in Qatar, GCC residents who satisfy specific eligibility requirements may obtain a 30-day single-entry visa utilizing the GCC resident visa on arrival Qatar option for a fee of QAR 100 (approximately USD 27).
  • Hayya Visa (GCC Resident Visa A2): This online visa application system enables GCC residents to obtain a 30-day visit visa in advance, thereby enhancing the convenience and certainty of their travel arrangements.
  • Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen (A4): This visa is intended for travelers who are accompanied by a GCC citizen sponsor and allows their companions to experience Qatar in the company of their hosts.
Types of Qatar Visa for GCC Residents

Option 1: Qatar Visa On Arrival For GCC Residents

Requirements For GCC Residents Visa On Arrival

The following requirements must be met by GCC residents in order to be eligible for the 30-day Qatar visa on arrival:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of your intended arrival in Qatar.
  • Valid Residence Card: Your GCC residence certificate must be valid for a minimum of three months from the date of your intended arrival.
  • Approved Profession: The profession you indicate on your residence certificate must be one of the 206 approved professions as specified by Qatar (refer to the list below).
  • Confirmed Round-Trip Ticket: This requirement may be waived if you are traveling by land border, or you must provide evidence of a confirmed round-trip airline ticket.
  • Accommodation Confirmation: A valid address of an acquaintance or relative where you will be staying during your visit or proof of a hotel reservation.
  • Health Insurance: Visitor’s health insurance from an accredited company is mandatory in accordance with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health.

You can also explore Qatar Visa for UAE Residents.


List of Professions Eligible for Visa on Arrival

A comprehensive list of 206 designated professions eligible for the visa on arrival has been established by Qatar. The following are a few notable occupations:

  • Accountant
  • Advisor (All kinds)
  • Air Safety Controller
  • Analyst (Financial)
  • Archaeological Researcher
  • Astronomer
  • Auditor (Financial – Accounts)
  • Author/Writer
  • Aviation Trainer
  • Bank Manager
  • Broadcasting Director
  • Captain of a Ship/Cruise/Ferry/Tanker
  • CEO/Executive Director
  • Chief Justice
  • Chemist (All Specializations)
  • Consultant (All Specializations)
  • Diplomatic (Members of Diplomatic Mission)
  • Director
  • Economic/Financial Expert
  • Engineer
  • Geologist (General)
  • Hospital Manager
  • Hotel Manager
  • Information System Expert
  • Judge
  • Lawyer/Advocate
  • Marine Fire Inspector
  • Media Director
  • Media Person
  • Ministry Undersecretary
  • Museum Director
  • Physician (All Specializations)
  • Physicist
  • Pilot
  • Professor
  • Programmer
  • Prosecutor
  • Referee (Sports)
  • Regional Director
  • School Manager
  • Scientist
  • Surgeon (All Specializations)
  • Television Director
  • Theater Director
  • University Professor
  • University Rector/Chancellor
  • Veterinary Doctor

Option 2: Hayya Qatar Visa For GCC Residents (Hayya A2 Visa)

Eligibility Criteria

In order to qualify for a Hayya visa (GCC Resident Visa A2), the following requirements must be met:


  • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the date of your intended arrival in Qatar for the Qatar Visa for GCC Residents.
  • Residence Permit: A legitimate residence permit in a GCC country is required, with a minimum of three months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Qatar.
  • Return Ticket (if applicable): A confirmed return flight ticket is required for air travel. For those who enter Qatar through land borders, this requirement may be waived.
  • Accommodation: It is essential to provide evidence of confirmed accommodations. This may consist of a rental agreement, a hotel reservation, or a letter from family or acquaintances that confirms your visit.
  • Travel from Residence Country: You are required to travel directly from the GCC country in which you maintain residency.
  • Health Insurance: It is necessary to have health insurance that adheres to the coverage standards established by the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar.

GCC Residents Visa Fees

The GCC Residents Visit Visa is priced at QAR 100, which is equivalent to approximately USD 27. The charge payment must be made using a credit or debit card, and it is non-refundable, irrespective of the status of the travel or the arrangements. It is crucial to acknowledge that exceeding the authorized visa validity period may result in a considerable fine of QAR 200 (approximately USD 55) per day.

You might be interested in Qatar Oman Joint Visa.

Visa Validity

The Hayya visa is valid for a period of 30 days for residents of the GCC. Nevertheless, this validity may be extended for an additional two months by paying a monthly fee of QAR 200 (approximately USD 55).

How To Apply For GCC Resident Visa Through Hayya Portal

Step 1: Visit the Hayya Portal

Navigate to the Hayya Portal website at www.hayya.qa.

Step 2: Click on “Apply For Hayya” and Sign In

Sign up and log in to your account by clicking on the “Apply For Hayya” icon.

Step 3: Select Visa Category and Purpose

Select the “GCC Resident Visa (A2)” category from the drop-down menu and indicate the purpose of your visit.

Step 4: Upload Photo and Passport

Please ensure that your photograph satisfies the specified specifications before uploading it. Afterward, ensure that the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clearly visible when uploading your passport information.

Step 5: Enter Residency Information

Please provide your country of birth, country of residence, and any previous nationality (if applicable).

Step 6: Select Job Title

From the list of professions, select your job title or explicitly enter it if it is not listed.

Step 7: Upload GCC Resident Permit

Please provide a legible copy of your valid GCC resident permit.

Step 8: Provide Accommodation Details

Please provide the specifics of your lodging arrangements, including whether you will be staying at a hotel, rented residence, or with family and friends.

Step 9: Enter Contact Information

Please furnish your contact information and emergency contact information.

Step 10: Review and Submit Application

Submit your registration after meticulously reviewing all the information you have provided.

Step 11: Pay Visa Fee

After your application has been approved, you must pay the visa fee of QAR 100 using a credit or debit card.

Hayya Entry Permit

Hayya Entry Permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and will be sent to you via email upon successful payment.

You might also want to have a look at the things needed to travel from Qatar to Saudi Arabia via Road.

Option 3: Visa for Companions of GCC Citizens (A4)

Qatar has established specific visa categories to facilitate a smooth and stress-free travel experience for their family members, in addition to the visa options available to GCC residents.

This Qatar Visa for GCC Residents is specifically designed for individuals who are traveling to Qatar as the companions of GCC citizens who are sponsoring their visit. It enables companions to explore the country in the company of their GCC citizen guests. Applicants must satisfy the subsequent prerequisites in order to qualify for this visa:

  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of three months from the anticipated date of entry is required.
  • Upon the application’s approval, a visa fee of QR100 is required.

In addition, the subsequent documents may be necessary:

  • A copy of the GCC citizen sponsor’s residence permit or an official document that certifies their residency and professional legitimacy.
  • A recent photograph in the “passport” manner, with a white background.

It is crucial to acknowledge that although it is normally required for a GCC citizen sponsor to accompany someone, the authorities at the port of entry may grant exceptions to this rule on an individual basis.

Visa for Non-GCC Resident Dependents (Tourist Entry A1)

There is no need for concern among family members who are not GCC residents. A distinct Tourist Entry (A1) visa application is accessible. This visa is available to citizens of more than 90 countries, enabling them to participate in your tourism exploration of Qatar’s marvels.

Visa On Arrival or Hayya Visa for GCC Residents?

The decision between the Hayya Qatar Visa for GCC Residents visa and the visa on arrival is contingent upon the preferences and circumstances of the individual. The visa-on-arrival option may be appropriate for you if you are a GCC resident who satisfies the eligibility requirements for a visa-on-arrival and is at ease with the possibility of entry refusal.

Nevertheless, the Hayya visa (GCC Resident Visa A2) is the preferred option if you are dubious about your eligibility or would prefer the assurance of having your visa approved in advance. Please apply through the online portal.

That’s all from our Qatar Visa for GCC Residents – Guide.

FAQs

Using their national ID cards, GCC citizens are permitted to enter Qatar without the need for a separate visa.

The Hayya visa (GCC Resident Visa A2) must be applied for through the online portal if your profession is not included in the approved list.

It is possible to extend the Hayya visa for GCC citizens for an extra two months for a monthly charge of QAR 200 (about USD 55).

There is a hefty punishment of QAR 200 (about USD 55) every day for overstaying the allotted visa validity period.

No, you’ll need to get your Hayya visa and the visa on arrival in Qatar well in advance of your trip. You cannot apply for or extend these visas while already in the country.

You don’t need a confirmed return ticket to enter Qatar across the land border.

Make sure you’re in accordance with visa laws by updating your lodging details on the Hayya site.

Wrapping Up

We trust that there is no misunderstanding regarding the Qatar visa for GCC residents. This article provides a comprehensive and step-by-step guide to the GCC visa Qatar requirements, eligibility, criteria, and cost of a GCC resident visa, as well as the ability to verify the status of a GCC resident visa.

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