Qatar is making it easier than ever for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to visit the country during a season packed with sports, culture, and entertainment. With new updates to the Hayya GCC Resident Visa (A2), travelers will benefit from longer stays, multiple-entry access, and smoother entry across all arrival points.
Streamlined travel for regional visitors
According to Qatar News Agency, from November 30, 2025, GCC residents will be able to stay in Qatar for up to two months under the updated Hayya A2 visa. The changes also allow multiple entries, making it easier for visitors to move in and out of the country without repeated application processes. These updates aim to provide a seamless travel experience, allowing residents to attend major events and explore Qatar’s cultural and entertainment offerings with ease.The timing of the changes coincides with Qatar’s preparation for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, a major event expected to attract large numbers of regional visitors. With the updated visa, fans will have the flexibility to attend multiple matches and enjoy Qatar’s broader event calendar without restrictions.
Hayya platform: Central digital gateway
The Hayya Platform, operated by Qatar Tourism, serves as the country’s official e-visa portal. It integrates visa processing with event access, creating a single, user-friendly interface for travelers. Through Hayya, Qatar ensures operational readiness during peak periods and offers a consistent and efficient arrival experience.The platform offers five distinct visa types:
- Tourist Visa (A1)
- GCC Resident Visa (A2)
- Visa with ETA (A3)
- Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4)
- Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1)
By simplifying access for GCC residents, the platform supports Qatar’s broader goal of increasing visitor arrivals, boosting tourism revenue, and strengthening the country’s position as a leading regional destination.
Vision behind the updates
Saeed Al Kuwari, Director of Hayya, emphasized that the changes go beyond procedural improvements. “These measures reflect Qatar Tourism’s broader vision to enhance regional openness, facilitate visitor movement during major sports and cultural events, increase arrivals, and enhance tourism’s contribution to the national economy,” he said. “They also reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading destination for international events.”The updated visa system is part of a broader effort to make Qatar more accessible, particularly during major sporting tournaments and cultural seasons. By offering flexibility and a smooth entry process, Qatar aims to provide a welcoming experience that encourages repeat visits and strengthens its global tourism profile.
Looking ahead
With the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup and a calendar full of cultural and entertainment events, Qatar is positioning itself as a hub for regional travel. The enhancements to the Hayya GCC Resident Visa ensure that visitors from neighboring countries can fully enjoy the season’s offerings, move freely across borders, and contribute to the country’s growing tourism economy.
