Doha: Qatar Tourism, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced major updates to the “Hayya” GCC Residents Visa (A2), aimed at enhancing travel convenience for visitors from neighbouring Gulf countries.

Effective from 30 November 2025, the updated visa will allow GCC residents to stay in Qatar for up to two months, with the added benefit of multiple-entry access. The move comes as Qatar prepares for a busy season featuring major international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events, including the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.

The revised features are expected to make travel smoother and more flexible, enabling visitors to easily attend various events and move in and out of the country through all entry points with greater ease. Officials highlighted that these changes support Qatar’s commitment to offering a seamless arrival experience through the Hayya digital platform, which integrates visa processing and event access in one user-friendly system.

Director of Hayya, Saeed Al Kuwari, noted that the enhancements reflect a broader vision to strengthen regional connectivity and increase visitor arrivals. He emphasized that the new measures will boost tourism’s contribution to the national economy and reinforce Qatar’s position as a key regional hub for international events.

Operated by Qatar Tourism, the Hayya platform remains the country’s central e-visa gateway, offering streamlined access for visitors. The system currently provides five visa categories: Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1).

With the latest updates, Qatar aims to welcome more regional travellers to experience its vibrant event calendar and expanding tourism offerings.