The Hayya A2 GCC Resident Visa has been extended by Qatar v, enabling eligible residents of the Gulf, including about 8.5 lakh Indians, to enter the nation indefinitely and remain for up to 60 days starting on November 30. The action coincides with a hectic winter events season and FIFA Arab Cup preparations in 2025.
The previous 30-day stay limit was in place. It is anticipated that the extended validity will benefit Indian professionals who come to Doha for client visits, inspections, or events from locations like Dubai, Riyadh, and Muscat.
Additionally, when travelers take short trips and return for meetings or match schedules, the multiple-entry capability will eliminate the need to renew.
Residents must maintain a valid GCC residency for a minimum of three months in order to apply. Additionally, applicants must upload information about their accommodations.
The cost is still QR 100. The Hayya portal, which integrates stadium tickets from the 2022 FIFA World Cup system, will handle processing.
Travel regulations may be reviewed by Indian businesses with regional operations. If workers choose to stay in Doha longer, some companies anticipate lower per-diem costs.
It could be necessary for insurance teams to verify whether policies are 60 days long. Logistics companies expect the transit port for Indian sailors, Hamad Port, to facilitate personnel travel.
Industry observers claim that Iran's recent removal of its visa waiver for Indians contrasts with Qatar's relaxing. Travel managers are keeping an eye on alerts from the Hayya platform and event-related limitations that can be in effect during busy times.
The updated visa would allow GCC citizens to remain for a maximum of two months starting on November 30, 2025, according to Qatar News Agency.
Visitors now have more freedom to attend events or travel Qatar without submitting several applications according to the revised rules, which permit multiple entry.
The time coincides with Qatar's preparations for the FIFA Arab Cup in 2025, which is anticipated to attract significant regional traffic. Easier mobility for visiting spectators is probably going to help the larger events calendar.
The Hayya platform is the official e-visa system run by Qatar Tourism. It connects event access and visa processing through a unified interface.
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) are the five categories of visas that are managed by the portal.
According to Hayya Director Saeed Al Kuwari, the modifications are intended to help Qatar achieve its broader tourism objectives.
"These actions are part of Qatar Tourism's larger plan to improve regional openness, make it easier for tourists to travel during important sporting and cultural events, boost arrivals, and improve tourism's economic contribution to the country," he stated. "They also strengthen Qatar's standing as a top location for international gatherings."
The revised method is a component of Qatar's endeavor to facilitate easier access during significant competitions and cultural events. Officials anticipate having the freedom to promote regular travel and aid in the expansion of the nation's tourist industry.
Qatar is establishing itself as a hub for regional travel as the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup draws near. The extended Hayya A2 visa is intended to enable GCC citizens to take advantage of the season's festivities, travel freely across borders, and support the nation's tourism industry.
