Aiming to ease Travel between six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Qatar, the Unified GCC Visa is expected to go into effect soon. Visitors may enter and exit several times within 90 days with this visa for an average of 30 days.
For citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Qatar provides a number of Qatar visa for GCC residents choices, including the Hayya and visa on Arrival, each with specific requirements and periods. For entry into Qatar smoothly, travelers have to fulfill certain conditions, such as having a valid passport and professional approvals.
This guide will walk you through the various visa choices and provide you with important steps to help you get ready for your trip.
What is The Unified GCC Visa? – Qatar Visa for GCC Residents
The 40th GCC Interior Ministers Meeting included the introduction of the Unified GCC Visa, which aims to simplify Travel between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This visa, which is expected to go on sale between 2024 and 2025, will give visitors a unified entrance to these nations for research. It enables simpler cultural integration throughout the GCC.
Travelers are allowed multiple entries and stays of up to 30 days within the visa’s 90-day validity period. Although the plan’s exact cost is still being determined, it should boost local economies and encourage tourism. GCC nationals now have more choices when it comes to obtaining visas, with Qatar at the top of the list.
Types of Visas for GCC Residents
Here is the different type of GCC visa.
1.GCC Visa on Arrival.
GCC nationals who meet specific requirements can obtain a 30-day single-entry GCC visa upon Arrival in Qatar. The cost of this visa is QAR 100, which makes it can affordable choice for unexpected Travel.
2. Hayya Visa (GCC Resident Visa A2).
With this online visa that has been pre-approved, GCC citizens can arrange their Travel. It provides a 30-day stay, which adds ease and security to their travel arrangements.
3. Visa for Companion of GCC Citizen (A4).
This type of visa, which is intended for visitors who a GCC citizen is sponsoring, permits guests to visit Qatar with their hosts.
4. Business and Residency Visas.
Business visas are given to GCC citizens attending conferences or trade shows. In contrast, residency visas allow for longer stays for work, ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of permit. For approval, each needs particular paperwork.
Option 1: Qatar Visa On Arrival For GCC Residents
Citizens of the GCC receive a visa upon Arrival in Qatar, which allows them to stay for a maximum of 30 days with their companions. In order to qualify for the visa, a few requirements must be met.
Qatar On Arrival Visa Requirements:
The following are the main requirements for GCC citizens to obtain a Qatar visa upon Arrival.
1. Eligibility:
Qatar offers 30-day visas to GCC residents and their guests upon Arrival. Residents can travel without a permit with this single-entry visa.
2. Passport Validity:
Upon Arrival in Qatar, the traveler’s Passport must be valid for at least six months. This is necessary for the visa to be issued.
3. Residence Permit:
Qatar requires GCC nationals to have a residency permit that is valid for at least three months when visiting. This document verifies their visa eligibility.
4. Travel Origin:
Qatari residents must travel from a GCC country. It is only possible to obtain a visa if the journey originates from a nation that is a member of the GCC.
5. Return Ticket:
In order to receive the visa, a confirmed return ticket is needed. This guarantees that the visitor has a planned time to leave Qatar.
6. Accommodation:
In order to obtain a visa, travelers must show records of their accommodations, which might be in the form of a hotel reservation or the address of a local host.
7. Approved Professions:
The position of the traveler needs to be on the list of the 206 approved jobs by the Qatari government. This list determines visa eligibility.
8. Health Application:
To get health services while visiting, download and use the Ehteraz mobile app. It is a need for those with valid visas.
9. No Quarantine or Testing:
It is easier to enter Qatar because GCC visitors are exempt from both quarantine and PCR or RAT testing requirements.
10. Additional for Business Travelers:
Qatar Airways advises business travelers to provide official business documents. This speeds up the visa process and ensures smooth entry for business purpose
Qatar On Arrival GCC Visa fee schedule:
1. The fee is 100 QAR.
2. Overstayers are charged QAR 200 per day.
3. Payment can be made with cash or credit/debit cards.
Qatar On Arrival GCC Visa for Associated Members:
GCC citizens are able to apply for a GCC visa for the people they are traveling with. All visa requirements must be fulfilled according to sponsorship. If you are a GCC residents and knowing about your Qatar Click here MOI QATAR ID CHECK for complete process and step by step guide.
Qatar On Arrival Visa Eligible Professions List:
Below is a list of eligible professionals for Qatar’s GCC visa on Arrival.
| # | Profession | # | Profession |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accountant | 71 | ECG Technician |
| 2 | Advisor (All kinds) | 72 | Horse Breeding Technician |
| 3 | Air Safety Controller | 73 | Mining Technician |
| 4 | Analyst (Financial) | 74 | Microscopic Technician |
| 5 | Archaeological Researcher | 75 | Geology Technician |
| 6 | Astronomer | 76 | Well Drilling Technician |
| 7 | Auditor (Financial – Accounts) | 77 | Pharmaceutical Technician |
| 8 | Author/Writer | 78 | Foodstuff Technician |
| 9 | Aviation Trainer | 79 | Ship Maintenance Technician |
| 10 | Bank Manager | 80 | Aircraft Maintenance Technician |
| 11 | Broadcasting Director | 81 | Train Maintenance Technician |
| 12 | Captain of a Ship/Cruise/Ferry/Tanker | 82 | Lab Technician |
| 13 | CEO / Executive / Director | 83 | Judge |
| 14 | Chief Justice | 84 | Correspondent (Newspaper/Radio/TV) |
| 15 | Chemist (All Specializations) | 85 | TV Cameraman |
| 16 | Consultant (All Specializations) | 86 | Air Transport Manager |
| 17 | Diplomatic (Members of Diplomatic Mission) | 87 | Land Transport Manager |
| 18 | Director | 88 | Marine Transport Manager |
| 19 | Economic/Financial Expert | 89 | Laboratory Manager |
| 20 | Engineer | 90 | Library Manager |
| 21 | Geologist (General) | 91 | Institute Manager |
| 22 | Hospital Manager | 92 | Theatre Manager |
| 23 | Hotel Manager | 93 | Farm Manager |
| 24 | Information System Expert | 94 | Museum Manager |
| 25 | Judge | 95 | School Manager |
| 26 | Lawyer/Advocate | 96 | Sales Manager |
| 27 | Marine Fire Inspector | 97 | Printing and Publishing Manager |
| 28 | Media Director | 98 | Maintenance Manager |
| 29 | Media Person | 99 | Company or Factory Manager |
| 30 | Ministry Undersecretary | 100 | Consultant (All types) |
| 31 | Museum Director | 101 | General Specialist |
| 32 | Physician (All Specializations) | 102 | Special Needs Teacher |
| 33 | Physicist | 103 | Sales Executive |
| 34 | Pilot | 104 | Marketing Executive |
| 35 | Professor | 105 | Bank Official |
| 36 | Programmer | 106 | Partner |
| 37 | Prosecutor | 107 | Investor |
| 38 | Referee (Sports) | 108 | Chairman (All types) |
| 39 | Regional Director | 109 | Manager (All types) |
| 40 | School Manager | 110 | Auditor |
| 41 | Scientist | 111 | Flight Technician |
| 42 | Head of Prosecution | 112 | Assistant Pilot |
| 43 | Captain of Ship/Cruise/Carrier/Steamship | 113 | Electricity Manager |
| 44 | Businessman | 114 | Ministry Undersecretary |
| 45 | Religious Person | 115 | Prosecutor |
| 46 | Architectural Draftsman | 116 | Travel or Tourism Agent |
| 47 | Business Lady | 117 | Commercial Broker |
| 48 | Executive Secretary | 118 | Assistant General Manager |
| 49 | Journalist | 119 | Career Counselor |
| 50 | Pharmacist | 120 | Engineer (All Specializations) |
| 51 | Jeweler | 121 | Archeological Prospector |
| 52 | Army Officer | 122 | Administration Coordinator |
| 53 | Police Officer | 123 | Procurement Representative |
| 54 | University Student | 124 | Sales Representative |
| 55 | Veterinary Doctor | 125 | Sports Representative |
| 56 | Co-Pilot | 126 | TV or Radio Programs Presenter |
| 57 | Scientist | 127 | ECG Technician |
| 58 | College Dean | 128 | Horse Breeding Technician |
| 59 | Astronomer | 129 | Quality Controller |
| 60 | Artist (Various) | 130 | Marine Traffic Controller |
| 61 | Telecom Technician | 131 | TV or Radio Programs Presenter |
| 62 | X-Ray Specialist | 132 | Food Controller |
| 63 | Media Specialist | 133 | Decoration Designer |
| 64 | Customs Specialist | 134 | TV Cameraman |
| 65 | Medical Therapy Specialist | 135 | Aircraft Takeoff Controller |
| 66 | Literator | 136 | Tourist Guide |
| 67 | Telecom Technician | 137 | Aviation Guide |
| 68 | Professional Security and Safety Technician | 138 | Road Controller |
| 69 | Medical Equipment Technician | 139 | Surveyor |
| 70 | Radio or TV Transmission Technician | 140 | Career Counselor |
Following Steps for Applying a Qatar GCC on arrival Visa
You must follow these following steps for your smooth visa processing.
1. Verify your Eligibility.
Look over the list of GCC-qualified professionals seeking work in Qatar. Ensure that the position you hold is on the list in order to be granted a visa.
2.Collect your supportive documents.
Ready your all documents including your valid passport, picture ,your employment proof and all other necessary documents
2. Prepare for Travel.
Make sure you have a valid passport for GCC visa, GCC residence card, return ticket, and hotel reservation to avoid any issues at the airport.
3. Book Hotel and Flight.
Make plans for your hotel stay and your return flight in advance, as these are necessary for obtaining a visa upon Arrival.
4. Begin Travel.
After completing all the requirements, travel to Qatar with the necessary paperwork in hand.
5. Pay Visa Fee on Arrival.
Upon Arrival, pay the visa fee with a debit or credit card (Mastercard or Visa are the acceptable payment methods).
Option 2:Hayya Qatar Visa For GCC Residents (Hayya A2 Visa)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Hayya GCC visa (GCC Resident Visa A2), you need to meet several specific requirements. Ensure you satisfy the following criteria before applying:
1. Passport Validity:
Your Passport must still be valid for at least three months after the day you want to arrive in Qatar. This ensures that it is valid for the entire time you are visiting.
2. Residence Permit:
A valid residence permit from a GCC country is required for GCC visa, with a minimum of three months remaining. This confirms your legal residency status.
3. Return Ticket(If applicable):
A confirmed return ticket is necessary for air travel. This requirement can be waived if entering Qatar by land.
4. Accommodation:
You will need to present proof of your accommodations, like a hotel reservation or a letter from loved ones. This confirms the stay plan you have chosen for your visit.
5. Travel Origin:
Travel must be directly from the GCC country where you hold residency. This ensures compliance with the visa requirements.
6. Health Insurance:
Health insurance must meet the coverage standards set by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health. This is essential for accessing healthcare services during your stay.
GCC Residents Visa Fees
A GCC visa for GCC residents is available for QAR 100, or around USD 27. Whatever your travel arrangements, payment must be made using a credit or debit card and is not refundable. If a visa is overstayed, there is a daily fee of QAR 200, or around USD 55.
Visa Validity and Extension
For people of the GCC, the Hayya visa has a 30-day initial validity period. If necessary, you can pay QAR 200 (about USD 55) per month to extend your stay for up to two more months. To avoid fines, you must manage your remainder within the duration of your visa. There is a daily fine of QAR 200, or about USD 55, for overstaying.
Applying for a GCC Visa Through the Hayya Portal
Follow these easy steps for your online applying of visa.
1. Access the Hayya Portal
Visit the official website at www.hayya.qa to start your application.
2. Sign Up:
If you are a new user click here to sign up.
2. Sign Up and Login:
Create an account in three simple steps.
- Enter your email address for verification code.
- Put your verification code for further processing.
- Enter your Name , password and agree terms and conditions for account making.
3. “Click ‘Apply for Hayya’ and Fly to Qatar”.
After logging into hayya portal ,you can click on the “Apply For Hayya” button and then select option “flying to Qatar“.
4.Select your nationality:
By clicking on dropdown menu select your “Nationality“ and tell us more about yourself for the purpose of selection of suitable visa option for you.
5. Select the Category of Visit
From the drop-down menu, select “GCC Resident Visa (A2)” as your visa type. This category is for GCC residents applying for a visa.
6. Choose the Purpose of the Visit
Select your “visit purposes“, such as leisure, business, family visit, or another specified option. Ensure it matches your travel reason.
7. Upload Your Photo and passport:
Select your visa type normal and Upload a clear personal photo and the first page of your Passport, ensuring the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clearly visible for automatic data extraction.
8. Manually entered data for unreadable image:
You can entered your data manually if your passport picture is not readable properly this is an automatic process.
9. Enter Residency Information:
Provide your birth country, current GCC country of residence, and any previous nationality, if applicable. These details are mandatory.
10. Select Job Title
Choose your job title from the list provided. If your profession is not listed, select “Others” and manually input your job title.
11. Upload GCC Resident Permit
Upload a clear copy of your GCC resident permit, ensuring that it shows your profession clearly. Click “Save” to continue.
12. Enter Accommodation and contact information
Enter details of your accommodation, whether staying with family, friends, or at a hotel. Provide your updated phone number and emergency contact details
13. Submit the Application and Pay the Visa Fee
After your application is reviewed, you will receive an email with a payment link. Pay the fee almost QR 100 using a credit or debit card.for checking your visa status visit here MOI QATAR VISA CHECK for complete guide on your visa status.
Hayya Entry Permit
The Hayya Entry Permit allows visitors to enter Qatar for tourism, events, or family visits under the Hayya platform.Hayya Entry Permit is issued via email and is good for ninety days from the date of issuance. You have a 30-day stay limit in Qatar after arriving, and you can stay an extra 60 days if necessary.
Option 3: Visa for Companions of GCC Citizens (A4)
To make traveling easier for people who are traveling with GCC nationals, Qatar offers the GCC Visa for Companions of GCC Citizens (A4). This visa allows companion travelers to enter Qatar with their GCC-citizen sponsors. Some standards must be fulfilled in order for applicants to be eligible for this visa.
Requirement
- Valid Passport with at least three months of validity
- Visa fee of QAR 100
The companion’s stay in Qatar is allowed to last for up to 30 days after the visa is granted. If the sponsor is unable to travel with the participant, a request could be made. A number of documents are required for applicants to finish the visa application procedure.
Documents:
● Copy of the sponsor’s residence permit or proof of residency
● A recent passport-style photograph with a white background
This GCC visa makes it easier for friends and family of GCC nationals to visit Qatar while following immigration laws.
Does your profession not appear on the visa list?
Before visiting Qatar, you must apply for a visa if your line of work needs to be added to the list of approved professions. You can get a family visitation visa for someone in Qatar on your behalf. You can check your Eligibility by contacting the Ministry of Interior of Qatar via their website or by giving the Hayya helpdesk a call at +974 4441 2022. This will guarantee that everything runs smoothly with the expert review before your journey.
Visa for Non-GCC Resident Dependents (Tourist Entry A1)
Family members who do not reside in the GCC may apply for a Tourist Entry (A1) visa, which enables them to travel to Qatar on vacation. More than 90 state nationals are eligible for this visa. It provides a practical means for non-GCC dependents to enjoy the charms of Qatar.
Visa On Arrival or Hayya Visa for GCC Residents which is best?
Depending on your Eligibility and preferences, you can choose between the Hayya and Visa on Arrival. Visa on Arrival can be an option for you if your occupation is allowed, and you can accept the possibility of being refused admission.
However, the Hayya Visa (also known as the GCC Resident Visa A2) is a better choice if you require assurance or if your job must be stated. Applying using the Hayya site ensures that your visa will be accepted before Travel.
Conclusion
Travel between the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will be improved with the Unified GCC Visa, facilitating travelers’ exploration of the area. This facility allows for numerous entrances and stays of up to 30 days, intended to boost the economy and tourism. Qatar’s commitment to improving travel experiences can be seen by offering to make acceptance easier for GCC citizens with programs like Visa on Arrival and Hayya Visa.
For GCC citizens who want to visit Qatar, it is essential to understand the various visa options. Through completion of certain eligibility requirements and preparation of required documentation, travelers may ensure an effortless admission, contributing to a delightful and hassle-free journey.
