In a significant move to boost regional tourism and streamline entry for visitors, Qatar has announced a major upgrade to its Hayya GCC Resident Visa program. The enhanced rules, which came into effect on 30 November 2025, offer greater flexibility and convenience for expatriates living in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
What Are The New Hayya Visa Rules?
The update, officially termed the Hayya GCC Resident Visa (Category A2), introduces two key benefits for eligible residents. First, the permitted duration of stay has been substantially increased. Residents from GCC nations—which include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait—can now remain in Qatar for up to two months, or 60 days, on a single visa application.
Second, the visa now grants multiple-entry access. This means holders can travel in and out of Qatar multiple times during the visa's validity period without needing to reapply. This feature is particularly useful for those planning several short trips or weekend getaways from neighbouring countries.
Strategic Timing for Major Events
The timing of this upgrade is strategic. Qatar Tourism, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the committee managing visitor entry, rolled out these changes as the country prepares for a bustling winter season packed with sports and cultural events.
The immediate catalyst is the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup. By simplifying the entry process, Qatar aims to attract a larger number of regional fans to the tournament. The enhanced visa also supports a wider calendar of events, encouraging visitors to extend their stays and explore beyond the stadiums.
Saeed Al Kuwari, Director of Hayya, stated that these measures reflect Qatar Tourism's broader vision to strengthen the country's openness, facilitate visitor movement during major events, increase tourist arrivals, and enhance tourism's contribution to the national economy.
The Hayya Platform: More Than Just a Visa
The Hayya platform, whose name translates from Arabic as "Let's Go!", serves as Qatar's official digital gateway for visitors. It is far more than a simple visa portal. Originally launched for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where it successfully managed entry for millions of fans, Hayya has evolved into a comprehensive travel facilitator.
The platform integrates visa processing with other essential services like event access, accommodation booking, and transport planning. For specified visitor categories, including those using the new GCC Resident Visa (A2), the Hayya permit remains the mandatory official entry document. This digital-first approach is designed to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process through all ports—air, land, and sea—especially during peak visitor periods.
This visa expansion is a clear signal of Qatar's intent to cement its position as a leading tourism and events hub in the Gulf region, making it easier than ever for residents of neighbouring countries to visit for both leisure and major international spectacles.
