Hayya Platform becomes Qatar’s single portal for all visa needs
The Hayya card was a groundbreaking application which efficiently helped over a million tourists enter Qatar safely during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Building on its legacy, Qatar Tourism has launched Hayya Portal in a new form, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offerings.
We’re happy to announce today, that Qatar’s Hayya platform is relaunched to become the go-to portal for travelers who require a visa to enter.
— قطر للسياحة – Qatar Tourism (@NTC_Qatar) April 16, 2023
Complementing the measures already in place, Qatar will now expand the functionality of the Hayya platform...(cont'd) pic.twitter.com/7mnoRUahMV
The newly launched #Hayya platform by @NTC_Qatar provides visitors from around the world with an exceptional experience when exploring the State of #Qatar. #VisitQatar pic.twitter.com/UqAVuKURbj
— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) April 16, 2023
Starting immediately, the Hayya Platform will become Qatar’s single portal for all tourist and business visas. This will unify the visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions travelling with GCC citizens (who are issued an ‘Authorisation Electronic Travel’ permit).
Through the updated Hayya platform, #Qatar has introduced streamlined procedures to all residents of the GCC countries. #VisitQatar @NTC_Qatar pic.twitter.com/jaaAApg5pc
— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) April 16, 2023
Three new categories of e-visas will be immediately added to the Hayya Platform, thus allowing tourists to enter country seamlessly.
While the A1 category includes all nationalities that do not qualify for visas on arrival or visa-free entry, A2 category is for GCC residents, which will now cover all professions. The A3 category is for international visitors with visas or residency from Schengen, UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand.
Catch up on highlights from today’s press conference announcing enhancements to the Qatar Hayya e-visa system. pic.twitter.com/xRXGefzis9
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) April 16, 2023
Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said that over 95 nationalities already enjoy visa-free access to Qatar.
“Qatar’s national tourism strategy seeks to welcome over six million visitors a year by 2030. Already, Qatar is considered the most open country in terms of visa facilitation in the Middle East and the eighth most open globally, with more than 95 nationalities granted visas on arrival,” he said.
“We’re pleased that the latest developments will further cement Qatar’s position as a leading tourism destination and will provide the opportunity for even more travellers to experience the country’s truly unique touristic offering,” added Al Baker,
The latest development reflects the country’s keenness to continue its investment in the tourism sector and position itself as the region’s leading tourism destination.
A tourist planning to apply for a visa to Qatar can do so through the Hayya Platform or through their smartphone application. Last year, Qatar was named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 and that is expected to attract a lot of visitors from the region.
Hayya holders will also enjoy seamless travel and connectivity into Qatar as it will be enabled for e-gate entry at the Hamad International Airport, which was recently chosen as the best airport in the Middle East for the ninth consecutive time. For those entering Qatar via land at the Abu Samra border, Hayya Platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles.
Entering #Qatar via the Abu Samra land port is seamless. Long-distance travellers can now register on Hayya platform and utilise the pre-registration feature to avoid queues. Usual procedures are still available for those who do not wish to pre-register. #VisitQatar @NTC_Qatar pic.twitter.com/uVWBoyVwk6
— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) April 16, 2023
For GCC nationals, the Platform will provide an option to apply for an entry permit for companions. The Hayya Platform also provides other services — maps, transportation options, offers and current events — which will help improve the visitor’s stay.
#QNA_Infographic |
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 16, 2023
Qatar Unifies its Tourist Visa Processes Through Revamped #Hayya_Platform. #QNA pic.twitter.com/yNIsLa5wF0
Hayya Platform CEO Saeed Ali Al Kuwari was thrilled with the development.
“The re-launch of the Hayya Platform is an extension of the strategic vision the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy previously developed, a vision that centres on the sustainable legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The launch represents a means by which we’ll truly sustain the World Cup’s legacy,” he said.
Following the unprecedented success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar has continued to welcome record-breaking numbers of tourists in the first quarter of this year.
Doha, the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2023, is looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the Arab world who have chosen the city to hold this title. The new Hayya platform will facilitate their arrival. #VisitQatar @NTC_Qatar pic.twitter.com/p6sPFJ3Zi7
— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) April 16, 2023
Visitors to Qatar will be privy to Qatar’s recently expanded hospitality and leisure landscape, which includes beaches and resorts, such as Fuwairit Kite Beach with its pristine shores and serene waters, and West Bay Beach, which has been developed in the heart of the city.
Recent data had shown a 25% increase in the number of visitors entering Qatar in March, on a year-on-year basis.
Qatar has also been organising multiple entertainment events for the entire family, including Qatar Live, which featured musical performances by some of the best-known singers in the region.
A wide range of activities have also been announced as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations and it is expected to attract a sizeable crowd as well.
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