Do you live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and want to travel to Qatar? Qatar visa for UAE residents is now easier to get, attracting both tourists and business travelers with its unique mix of tradition and modernity. Qatar is a short flight away for both UAE nationals and foreigners, and offers family-friendly sights , lavish resorts, athletic events (such as Formula One football), and desert adventures. This guide will help you deep understand how to get a Qatar visa if you live in the UAE.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Qatar?
Its depends on your Nationality:
- UAE Citizens (Emiratis): No visa is needed. You can travel to Qatar with free visa by showing your UAE passport.
- UAE Residents (Expats): If you are not a UAE citizen but have a valid UAE residence visa, Normally, you can:
- Get a Visa on Arrival in Qatar (if your UAE visa is valid for at least 6 months).
- Apply Online for a Qatar visa using the Hayya platform.
Who is eligible for Qatar Visa on Arrival?
You can get a Qatar visa on arrival if:
- You live in the UAE (as an expat).
- Your UAE residence visa is valid for at least 6 months.
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
At Doha Airport, you will receive a 30-day visa that can be extended for an additional 60 days.
Types of Qatar E-Visas for UAE Residents:
If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival, you can apply Qatar Visa for UAE Residents with multiple option by apply online through the Hayya portal.
Here are the visa types for UAE residents:
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Validity |
| Hayya A1 (Tourist Visa) | Regular tourists | 30 days |
| Hayya A2 (GCC Resident Visa) | UAE expats with valid Emirates ID | 30 days (extendable) |
| Hayya A3 (Visa with ETA) | Holders of US, UK, Schengen, etc. visas/residency | 30 days |
| Hayya A4 (GCC Residents Visa) | Family/friends of GCC Residents | 30 days |
| Business Visa | Travelers for business meetings/events | Depends on invite |
| Transit Visa | Qatar Airways passengers on layover | Up to 96 hours |
Documents required Qatar Visa for UAE Residents
- UAE residency permit (for foreign nationals) or Emirates ID.
- A passport that is valid for at least six months.
- Entry permit or Hayya visa (digital or paper).
- Return ticket.
- Hotel booking or host address.
- Travel insurance is recommende.d
How to Apply for a Qatar Visa from UAE?
Option 1: Visa on Arrival (at Airport).
- Available if your UAE residency visa is valid for a minimum of six months.
- When you arrive in Qatar, go straight to immigration.
- Present your Emirates ID or residency visa along with your passport.
- Pay 100 QR, or roughly 100 AED.
- Obtain a 30-day visa, which can be renewed for up to 90 days.
Option 2: Apply Online with Hayya portal.
Here is the step by step and easy guide for applying E-visa through Hayya portal.
- Visit the hayya portal or download the Hayya app.
- Create an account by using your email and log in.
- Choose your visa type (e.g. A2 if you’re a UAE resident).
- Upload following documents:
- Passport (valid for 6 months)
- UAE residence visa
- Passport photo
- Hotel booking or host address
- Travel dates
- Passport (valid for 6 months)
- Pay visa fee (around QAR 100 or 27 USD).
- Wait for approval depending upon your visa type and nationality (usually takes 5–14 days).
- Download your visa and show it at the airport.
How long does it take to process a Qatar E-Visa?
Although processing timeframes vary, generally:
- Visas for tourists: 3 to 5 working days.
- Business visas: 4 to 7 working days.
- Visas for family visits: 5–10 working days.
- Visa on arrival: Immediate (at airport)
What is the cost of a Qatar visa for UAE residents?
Visa fees vary:
- Visa on arrival: Typically QR 100.
- E-Visa: Fees vary based on nationality and visa type.
Online vs Third-Party Application Which One’s Better?
✅ 1. Apply Online – The Official Way (Hayya Portal).
The Hayya platform is Qatar’s official visa website. It has no additional service fees and is reliable as well as easy to use.
Why choose this option?
- 💸 No extra fees: You only apply for the visa according to your need without any hidden charges.
- 🧾 Step-by-step guidance: simple to use and easily applying process.
- 🔐 Secure and official: It is directly linked to Qatar’s government,
- ⚡ Faster approval: Depending upon your visa type its a fast process.
Best for: People who want to save money and apply directly without a middleman.
🧾 2-Apply Through a Visa Agency (Third-Party Service).
Many travel agents in the UAE can apply for your Qatar visa if you decided not to do it yourself.
Although these companies will complete the application, upload supporting documentation, and monitor the status, they charge additional service fees on addition of the visa fee.
✅ When to Choose an Agency?
- when you have no time and you want to Saves time and effort.
- Helpful if you’re not familiar with the online Hayya system
- Some offer support in your native language
NOTE: Choose only trusted or verified agents for your visa processing.
Travel Tips for UAE Visitors to Qatar
- Best time to visit: October to March (cooler weather)
- Dress modestly: Especially in public or cultural places
- Currency: 1 Qatari Riyal ≈ 1 AED
- Language: Arabic is official, but English is widely spoken
- Transport: Use taxis, Uber, or the Doha Metro
- Hotel booking: Recommended before travel (some visas require it)
- Health insurance: Advised, but not always mandatory.
CONCLUSION
Traveling from the UAE to Qatar is now easier than ever, whether you’re going for tourism or business. UAE nationals can enter visa-free, while most UAE residents can get a visa on arrival or apply online through the Hayya portal. Just make sure your passport and UAE visa are valid for at least six months, and have your travel documents ready you can easily apply Qatar Visa for UAE Residents. With proper planning, your trip to Qatar can be smooth, affordable, and full of unforgettable experiences.
