Qatar Tourist Visa: Hayya, E-Visa, and Entry Guide
Enter Qatar with the right visa for sightseeing, transit, or events. Covers visa-free eligibility, Hayya platform registration, e-visa application, fees, transit visa options, and tips for visiting Doha.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
Citizens of 95+ countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days (some nationalities get 90 days or 180 days). GCC nationals have unrestricted entry. No advance application is needed. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry.
Apply for an e-visa through the Hayya platform if required
The Hayya platform at hayya.qa replaced the previous visa system. It handles tourist visas, event visas, and visitor registrations. Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list apply through Hayya. The application requires passport details, photo, accommodation booking, and flight details. Processing takes 3-7 business days.
Get a free transit visa for stopovers up to 96 hours
Qatar Airways passengers transiting through Hamad International Airport qualify for a free transit visa of up to 96 hours. Apply through the Qatar Airways website when booking your transit flight. The transit visa allows you to leave the airport and explore Doha during your layover. A hotel booking in Doha is required for the transit visa application.
E-Visa Application
Register on the Hayya platform and create an account
Visit hayya.qa and create an account with your email, phone number, and passport details. The Hayya platform serves as Qatar's unified visitor management system. Upload a clear passport scan and recent photo during registration. The platform sends a verification email and SMS to confirm your account.
Submit your visa application with required documents
The application requires a passport scan (valid 6+ months), passport-size photo (white background, JPEG format), confirmed hotel booking or host invitation letter, return flight booking, and proof of funds (bank statement from the last 3 months). All documents must be in PDF or JPEG format, under 5 MB each.
Pay the visa fee online
The tourist e-visa fee is 100 QAR (27 USD) for a single-entry 30-day visa. Multiple-entry visas cost 200 QAR (55 USD). Payment is via credit or debit card through the Hayya portal. The fee is non-refundable. Keep the payment confirmation for your records.
Receive your approved visa via email within 3-7 business days
The approved visa is emailed as a PDF and is also downloadable from the Hayya platform. Print one copy for immigration and save a digital backup. The visa is linked to your passport electronically. Visa validity starts from the approval date, not the date of entry. Apply no more than 30 days before your planned arrival.
Arrival in Qatar
Clear immigration at Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport in Doha is Qatar's only international airport. Visa-free travelers proceed directly to immigration. E-visa holders present their passport and printed visa. Biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan) are collected. Processing takes 5-15 minutes. The airport consistently ranks among the world's best for facilities and efficiency.
Clear customs and note prohibited items
Qatar allows duty-free import of personal effects, 2 liters of alcohol (for non-Muslim visitors), 400 cigarettes, and gifts up to 3,000 QAR in value. Alcohol purchased at the airport duty-free is permitted. Pork products, pornographic material, and religious materials intended for distribution are prohibited. Prescription medications require a doctor's letter.
Get from the airport to Doha via metro, taxi, or hotel transfer
The Doha Metro Red Line connects the airport to downtown Doha in 20 minutes for 2 QAR (0.55 USD). Taxis from the airport to West Bay or Souq Waqif cost 40-60 QAR (11-16 USD). Most hotels offer airport transfers for 100-200 QAR. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Karwa operate at the airport. The metro runs from 6 AM to 11 PM (1 AM on Fridays).
During Your Stay
Follow Qatar's dress code and public behavior laws
Qatar expects modest dress in public. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts above the knee in malls and public areas. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear is appropriate at hotel pools and designated beaches. Public displays of affection are discouraged. Public intoxication is illegal with penalties including fines and detention.
Use the Doha Metro and public transport for affordable travel
The Doha Metro has three lines covering major attractions, shopping areas, and residential zones. A single ride costs 2 QAR (0.55 USD) for standard class and 10 QAR for gold class. A day pass is 6 QAR. The Lusail Tram connects to the northern suburbs. Public buses cost 3 QAR per ride. The metro is clean, modern, and air-conditioned.
Visit Souq Waqif for shopping and local culture
Souq Waqif is Doha's restored traditional market with spice shops, textile stores, falcon vendors, and restaurants. It is free to enter and explore. Haggling is expected at most shops. The souq is most lively in the evenings after 5 PM and on weekends (Friday-Saturday in Qatar). The adjacent Msheireb area has museums and galleries.
Practical Tips
Get a local SIM card or use the airport's free Wi-Fi
Ooredoo and Vodafone sell tourist SIM cards at the airport and in malls. A SIM with 10-30 GB of data costs 35-75 QAR (10-21 USD) for 7-30 days. Hamad International Airport has free unlimited Wi-Fi. Most hotels, malls, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Download offline maps for backup.
Note that Qatar is a cash and card society
As of 2026, 1 USD equals 3.64 QAR (pegged rate). Credit cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and most restaurants. Smaller shops and traditional markets prefer cash. ATMs are widely available. The Qatari riyal is stable against the dollar. Currency exchange at the airport offers fair rates.
Plan outdoor activities for the cooler months
Qatar's summer temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius from June through September. The comfortable visiting season is November through March with temperatures of 15-28 degrees. Desert excursions, beach activities, and outdoor sightseeing are best during the winter months. Summer visits should focus on indoor attractions like museums, malls, and the National Museum of Qatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Qatar?
US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Entry is visa-free with a valid passport that has at least 6 months remaining validity. No advance application is required. The 30-day stay can be extended at the immigration office for an additional 30 days.
How long can I stay in Qatar as a tourist?
Visa-free visitors from most eligible countries receive 30 days. Some nationalities receive 90 or 180 days depending on bilateral agreements. E-visa holders receive the duration specified on their visa. Extensions are available at the General Directorate of Passports in Doha for an additional 30 days. Overstaying incurs fines of 200 QAR per day.
Can I drink alcohol in Qatar?
Alcohol is legal for non-Muslim visitors in licensed hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs. A liquor permit is required to purchase alcohol for home consumption. The drinking age is 21. Public intoxication is illegal with severe penalties. Visitors can bring up to 2 liters of alcohol through the airport duty-free. Alcohol is not available in non-hotel restaurants or supermarkets.
Is Qatar expensive for tourists?
Qatar is moderately expensive. Budget travelers spend 300-500 QAR (82-137 USD) per day for a budget hotel, local restaurant meals, and metro transport. Mid-range travelers spend 600-1,000 QAR (165-275 USD) per day. Local food at traditional restaurants costs 25-50 QAR per meal. Hotel dining is 80-200 QAR per meal. The Doha Metro is extremely affordable at 2 QAR per ride.