The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has extended the validity of the Hayya Card by one more year for people from outside Qatar, including both fans and organisers.
The extension came into effect Monday and will remain in place until January 24, 2024.
The announcement states that the facility can be availed of by the above-mentioned Hayya Card holders subject to certain requirements. These are as follows:
- Proof of confirmed hotel reservation or accommodation with family or friends approved through the Hayya portal.
- Passport validity for a minimum of three months upon arrival in Qatar.
- Health insurance valid for the duration of the stay in Qatar.
- Round-trip ticket
- Based on this extension, Hayya Card holders visiting Qatar will have access to the following:
- The 'Hayya with Me' feature, which allows Hayya Card holders to invite up to three family members or friends.
- A multiple-entry permit to the country.
- Use of the e-Gate system for entry and exit via the State's ports.
- No fee payment is required.
The ministry on Monday published the announcement on its social media platforms in various languages - Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi and Malayalam.
The decision is expected to boost the tourism prospects of Qatar, which will host various events and activities during the ongoing winter season.
Qatar Tourism, together with Qatar Airways, had recently launched the ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign, revealing a series of events and festivals. These include the just-concluded Qatar Balloon Festival, Disney Princess – The Concert, Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023, Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Qatar International Food Festival, Shop Qatar and more.
Besides providing various benefits while in Qatar, including access to stadiums and free travel on public transport, the Hayya Card had enabled international fans to enter the country during the World Cup. Such visitors were allowed to stay in the country until January 23 this year.
Entry of non-Hayya Card visitors to Qatar was suspended from November 1 to December 23, 2022, in view of the World Cup. Exempted from this decision were Qatari citizens, residents and GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card; holders of personal recruitment visas and work entry permits; and humanitarian cases, based on approval obtained through an electronic platform.
