The Hayya system will be eligible for visitors to Expo 2023, which will be held between October 2, 2023, and March 28, 2024.
According to local media reports, the system will be available for a period of six months in order to welcome passengers at the Expo 2023 later this year, VisaGuide.World reports.
Expo 2023 will be the first international horticultural exhibition to be held in Qatar and also in the Middle East and North Africa Region.
Expo 2023’s secretary general Mohammed Al-Khoury told Doha News that details of the entry procedure are yet to be announced, stressing that there is an expectation of increased tourism by easing the process.
“We are expecting the participation of 80 countries and the entry of three million visitors to Doha during the exhibition period,” the top official said.
The Hayya Card, known as a Fan ID, is a document issued previously by FIFA World Cup Qatar, which local and international fans were obliged to hold in order to become part of this year’s World Cup held in Qatar.
Such a document allowed international travelers to reach Qatari for the World Cup without being obliged to apply for a visa at first.
Months ago, the Ministry of the Interior of Qatar announced that it decided to extend the validity of Hayya Cards until January 24, 2024, thus allowing fans and organizers from other territories to legally remain in this country for an extended period.
Authorities in Qatar unfolded plans to boost tourism with the further expansion of the Hayya platform.
“The relaunched Hayya platform has become the go-to portal for travelers who require a visa to enter Qatar. The Hayya platform will become the country’s single portal for all tourists to reach the country,” Qatar Tourism Chairman Akbar Al-Baker recently pointed out during a press conference.
According to the Doha News report, the new e-visa will come in different categories, taking into account nationality, residency, or other international visas already in possession of the traveler.
In addition, travelers that belong to any of the three additional categories will be granted easier approval.
- The A1 category includes all nationalities that are not qualified for Visa on Arrival or Visa-Free Entry
- The A2 category is designed for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents
- The A3 category is set for foreign visitors who have visas or residency from Schengen Zone countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand
According to officials in Qatar, the period of these visas depends on the country of origin and is usually 30 days. In addition, they confirmed that no visa request should take more than 48 hours to receive a response.