Qatar's Visa Overhaul: GCC Residents Benefit

Qatar's New Visa System: Extended Stay and Multiple Entries for GCC Residents

According to a new announcement by the Qatar Tourism Authority, significant changes will take place in the visa system affecting residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The modification extends the visitor visa, previously granting a one-month stay, to two months, and allows for multiple entries. This step not only expands travel freedom but also enhances accessibility to Qatar's tourism, cultural, and sports events for residents of the region.

More Than a Visa – Tourism and Economic Strategy

Behind the transformation of the visa system, one can clearly recognize Qatar's long-term tourism and economic strategy. After the 2022 World Cup, the country's goal is to continue capitalizing on the global attention and infrastructural developments achieved through sports events. The new visa offers the opportunity for visitors from GCC countries, such as residents of the United Arab Emirates, to explore Qatar's events, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities repeatedly, instead of just a one-time visit.

The extended stay option becomes particularly attractive for those traveling to Qatar for business purposes, seeking healthcare services, or visiting family. Additionally, the allowance for multiple entries benefits those who regularly commute between Qatar and a neighboring GCC country, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The Role of the Haya Platform in the New System

The changes will be accessible through the Haya digital platform, which has played a key role in managing travel administration related to Qatari events in recent years. Initially recognized during the FIFA World Cup for handling entry permits and ticket purchases, the system is now stepping up as a general visa management tool.

The platform currently offers five types of visas:

A1 – Tourist Visa

A2 – GCC Residents Visa

A3 – Electronic Travel Notification

A4 – Visa for Visitors Accompanying GCC Citizens

F1 – Visa Waiver Applications for US Citizens

The system allows interested individuals to submit their visa applications fully online, track their status, and access all necessary documents digitally. This not only saves time and effort but also makes travel preparations safer and more transparent.

The Role of Cultural and Sports Events in the Decision

For GCC region residents, Qatar is not an unfamiliar destination, yet the previous visa system restrictions – particularly the one-time entry permit and short stay duration – often acted as deterrents. The new system, however, enables visitors to return even for longer weekend events without hassle.

Following the 2025 FIFA World Cup, Qatar continues to emphasize hosting international and regional sports events. The Arab Cup 2025, for example, already attracts thousands of interested visitors, and the Haya system supports visits organized around this event.

The decision aligns with efforts to increase tourism: drawing more visitors who come not just for short visits but may become frequent guests, increasing revenues in the country's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Impact on Travel Habits in the Region

For residents of GCC countries – such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman – Qatar has been an easily accessible destination. Due to geographical proximity, shared cultural traits, and similar climate, many have already chosen Qatar for shorter trips or business meetings. The current change, however, is expected to make regional tourism even more dynamic.

This becomes a particularly interesting opportunity for residents of Dubai, as regular air and road connections are available to Doha. The visa allowing for multiple entries makes travel flexible for those working in another country but regularly visiting Qatar for business or personal reasons.

Digital Transition and Safe Travel

The digital nature of the Haya platform not only provides convenience but is also advantageous in terms of data security and efficient administration. The automated visa process reduces the likelihood of errors, allows for faster administration, and provides authorities with more transparency over the movement of visitors arriving in the country.

Furthermore, digitalization lays the groundwork for future new functions, such as face-recognition-based identification or real-time entry checks – aimed at improving passenger experience and strengthening security considerations.

Summary

Qatar's new visa system represents a significant advancement in regional mobility and tourism. The two-month stay and the possibility of multiple entries make the country appealing to those frequently traveling for sports events, cultural programs, or business meetings. The digital Haya platform allows travel to be not only simple but also safe and seamless.

Travel between GCC region countries will increasingly resemble internal mobility within the European Schengen Zone: less restricted, better integrated, and beneficial for all participating countries. In this process, Qatar once again takes a leading role.

(The article is based on a release issued by Qatar Tourism.)