2025 FIFA Arab Cup: Why Qatar’s new Hayya Visa policy is game-changer for GCC mobility
Qatar has expanded its Hayya A2 GCC Resident Visa, now allowing a 60-day extended stay for eligible residents, including 8.5 lakh Indian expatriates, effective November 2025.
New Delhi: In a major development aimed at supercharging its tourism sector and bolstering regional ties, Qatar has officially expanded its Hayya A2 GCC Resident Visa. Effective from November 30, 2025, eligible residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including an estimated 8.5 lakh Indian expatriates, will now enjoy an extended stay of up to 60 days.
This strategic adjustment, doubling the previous 30-day limit, is timed to align with Qatar's preparations for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup and an anticipated bustling winter events calendar.
The enhanced visa flexibility is expected to be a game-changer for a diverse range of visitors to the country. Indian professionals, frequently travelling to Doha from regional hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, and Muscat for client meetings, site inspections, or corporate events, will particularly benefit from the longer validity.
The multiple-entry feature is set to eliminate the bureaucratic hassle of re-applying for a visa when brief exits are necessary, such as for attending a match series or consecutive business engagements.
Seamless access, streamlined process
Applying for the expanded Hayya A2 visa remains straightforward. Applicants must possess a valid GCC residency for a minimum of three months and are required to upload their accommodation details. The application fee stands at a modest QR 100. The entire process will continue to run through the established Hayya portal, a system that integrates stadium ticket access during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Ripple effects across industries
The implications of this policy shift extend beyond individual travellers. Indian companies with established regional operations are already reviewing their travel protocols to anticipate potential efficiencies. Some firms foresee reduced per-diem expenses if employees opt for longer stays in Doha, while insurance providers may need to confirm their policies cover the extended 60-day duration. Furthermore, logistics companies are optimistic about easier crew movement at Hamad Port, a crucial transit point for Indian seafarers.
Industry analysts note Qatar's progressive stance sharply contrasts with recent policy changes elsewhere, such as Iran's withdrawal of its visa waiver for Indian citizens. Travel managers across the region are closely monitoring notifications from the Hayya platform, as well as any event-linked restrictions that might apply during peak seasons.
A pillar of Qatar's tourism vision
According to the Qatar News Agency, the updated visa rules, allowing a two-month stay with multiple entries, will empower visitors to immerse themselves more deeply in Qatar's events and explore its offerings without the burden of repeated applications. This strategic timing is crucial as Qatar gears up for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, expecting a significant influx of regional visitors. The broader cultural and sporting events calendar is also projected to gain substantially from this facilitated movement of fans and participants.
Qatar Tourism, the entity overseeing the Hayya platform as the official e-visa system, emphasises its role in linking visa processing with event access through a single, integrated interface. The portal currently manages five distinct visa categories, which are, Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens (F1).
Broader vision behind these changes
Saeed Al Kuwari, Director of Hayya, articulated the broader vision behind these changes, saying, "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 added, "They also reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading destination for international events."
The expanded Hayya A2 visa is a clear demonstration of Qatar's commitment to providing smoother entry experiences during major tournaments and cultural seasons. Officials anticipate this enhanced flexibility will not only encourage more frequent visits but also significantly contribute to the nation's ambitious tourism growth objectives, cementing Qatar's status as a central hub for regional travel and hospitality.