Qatar unifies its tourist visa processes
4 May 2023 by Anithya Balachandran
Doha skyline, image taken from Pixabay user waseemlazkani, https://pixabay.com/photos/boats-gulf-qatar-doha-water-sea-6390724/
Qatar Tourism has launched the Hayya Platform in a new form. Taking place with immediate effect, the launch of the well-known Hayya Platform – which allowed the entry of over a million visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament – and its application via smart phones, will become the single portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar. This will unify visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions travelling with GCC citizens (whom are issued an ‘Authorisation Electronic Travel’ permit).
The latest development reflects Qatar’s keenness to continue its investment in the tourism sector, which forms an important pillar to the economy, and reflects the longer-term strategic vision to position the country as the leading tourism destination in the region. Tourists who require a visa to enter Qatar can apply through the Hayya platform or through the application on their smartphones, and visit Doha, the Arab Tourism Capital of 2023.
In addition, Hayya holders will enjoy seamless travel and connectivity into Qatar as Hayya will be enabled for e-gate entry at Hamad International Airport. For those entering Qatar via land at the Abu Samra border, the Hayya Platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles, making the start of a weekend getaway or longer stay in Qatar even smoother and more enjoyable.
For GCC nationals, the Platform provides an option to apply for an entry permit for companions. The Hayya Platform also provides further services that help round out a visitor’s stay, including maps, transportation options, offers and current events.
Commenting on the latest initiative, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, “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 8th most open globally, with more than 95 nationalities granted visa on arrival. We are 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.”
From his part, Saeed Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of the Hayya Platform, commented: “The re-launch of the Haya Platform in its new form today is an extension of the strategic vision that the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy had 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 will truly sustain the legacy of the World Cup. Previously, the Hayya card allowed fans from around the world to enter Qatar to watch their favourite teams during the world’s biggest football event. Today, the Hayya Platform is the legacy which we build upon, inviting visitors from all corners of the earth to visit our country and enjoy its authenticity, history, culture, hospitality, natural beauty and much more.”
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. In addition, families can enjoy premium shopping and dining destinations such as Printemps and Place Vendôme, world-class museums including the National Museum of Qatar and the recently re-opened Museum of Islamic Art, all while selecting their stay from a collection of newly opened and industry-leading international and home-grown hotels including The Ned Doha, Raffles and Fairmont Doha and The Outpost at Al Barari.
hayya.qa
Tags: Aviation, Hospitality, Qatar, Tourist visas, travel
