Qatar Visitor Visa (Family & Friends):
The Qatar Visitor Visa for Family and Friends is a short-stay Qatar Visa for individuals travelling to Qatar specifically to see relatives or friends on a casual visit of up to 30 days, applied for through the same Hayya A1 tourist entry permit framework used for general tourism. This differs from the formal Family Visit Visa, which is a longer sponsor-based application submitted by a Qatar resident through the MOI portal or Metrash app on behalf of their immediate family (spouse, children, or parents), often for extended stays and subject to income and housing requirements. For a shorter, informal visit, applicants can typically rely on the standard Hayya A1 tourist entry permit, providing their host’s residential address and contact details in Qatar rather than a hotel booking. This visa does not permit any form of paid work. Approval is decided solely by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Qatar Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) if:
- You are travelling to Qatar to visit your family members or friends who are legally residing in Qatar.
- You are travelling for a genuine personal or social visit and are not travelling for employment, business activities, or long-term study.
- You intend to stay in Qatar only for the duration permitted under your visitor visa.
- You hold a valid passport with sufficient validity from your intended date of entry into Qatar.
- You can provide an invitation letter from your family member or friend in Qatar and supporting accommodation details, where applicable.
- You have confirmed return or onward travel arrangements.
- You can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay, or provide evidence of financial support from an eligible sponsor where applicable.
- You satisfy the visa and entry requirements prescribed by the Government of Qatar.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (QAR) |
| Hayya A1 Entry Permit (short visit, up to 30 days) | QAR 100 |
| ETA Free Entry (for holders of valid US/UK/Canada/Australia/Schengen visas) | Free |
This visa follows the same fee schedule as the standard Hayya A1 Tourist Visa. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee at hayya.qa.
Processing Time
Processing time for this Qatar Visa category generally takes 2 to 5 working days for a complete application through the Hayya platform, in line with the standard Tourist Visa. Because this visit relies on your host’s residential details in Qatar rather than a hotel booking, providing accurate and verifiable host information supports a smoother application. Applicants should apply well ahead of their intended travel date, particularly for family occasions with fixed dates.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Understanding whether a short casual visit or the formal sponsor-based Family Visit Visa best fits your travel plans can help you choose the right pathway for visiting loved ones in Qatar. Shivansh Consultants offers guidance on selecting the correct visa category and preparing a complete, well-organised application. Our thorough application review and personalised guidance are tailored to your specific family or friend visit. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Qatar Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing a specific outcome.