Qatar has implemented updated visa rules for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, allowing longer stays and multiple-entry travel under its Hayya visa system. The revised policy came into effect on November 30, 2025, offering greater flexibility for regional travellers.
Under the updated framework, eligible GCC residents can now stay in Qatar for up to 60 days on a single visa, doubling the previous stay limit. The visa also permits multiple entries, enabling visitors to leave and re-enter the country during the visa’s validity period without submitting a new application.
What has changed
Qatari authorities say the changes are intended to make short-term travel easier for expatriates living across the Gulf region. Earlier rules generally allowed shorter stays with more limited entry options. The revised approach replaces that structure with a more flexible arrangement suited to frequent regional travel.
Applications are processed digitally through the Hayya platform, which serves as the central system for visa submissions and electronic entry permits. Applicants must hold a valid passport and a valid GCC residence permit, along with supporting travel details as requested during the application process.
Who the updated visa applies to
The policy applies to non-Qatari residents living in GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. It covers travel for tourism, family visits, short business engagements, and event-related stays.
Why the update matters
Officials describe the visa changes as part of broader efforts to facilitate regional mobility and encourage longer visits. The timing aligns with Qatar’s ongoing schedule of international sports, cultural, and business events, where repeated short trips and extended stays are common among Gulf-based residents.
For travellers, the practical impact is immediate. The longer stay window reduces the need for frequent renewals, while the multiple-entry option allows greater freedom of cross-border movement without additional administrative steps.
Clearer entry rules for regional travellers
With the revised rules now in force, Qatar’s visa framework for GCC residents reflects a shift toward simplified, visitor-friendly entry policies, providing clarity for travellers planning trips across the Gulf.
Also read: UAE revamps visa system in 2025 to attract skilled talent, investment and streamline residency rules
