Souq Waqif at night, the Museum of Islamic Art on the Corniche and short weekend breaks from Dubai or Riyadh make Doha an easy trip for Pakistanis. But the rules changed in 2026. For most visitors, the Qatar visa for Pakistani passport holders now means applying online on Hayya, Qatar’s official e-visa platform, before you fly.
In an advisory reported on 31 March 2026, the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha said the visa-on-arrival facility is “currently not available due to prevailing situation”. When we last checked, on 5 October 2026, we found no announcement that it has resumed. This guide covers which Hayya visa fits you, the fee, documents, health insurance and transit. Voyfaro does not issue or guarantee visas. Confirm on the official pages in the Sources list before you pay or travel.
Qatar visa for Pakistani passport holders: quick answer
- Is the Qatar visa open for Pakistanis? Yes, but not on arrival. The embassy advises Pakistani travellers to get an appropriate visa before travel.
- Where to apply: online at hayya.qa or in the “Hayya to Qatar” app. Hayya is run by Qatar Tourism.
- Which visa: Tourist Visa (A1) from Pakistan; GCC Resident Visa (A2) if you live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait or Bahrain; Visa with ETA (A3) if you hold a valid UK, US, Canada, Schengen, Australia or New Zealand visa or residence.
- Fee: QAR 100, paid after approval and non-refundable (Hayya, checked 5 October 2026).
- Processing: Hayya does not publish a fixed processing time. Apply before you book anything non-refundable.
- Passport: valid for at least 3 months from your arrival date.
- Health insurance: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) says visitors who need a visa before arrival must buy visitor health insurance.
Is the Qatar visa open for Pakistanis? The on-arrival update
| Status when we checked (5 October 2026) | |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival for Pakistani passports | Not available since 31 March 2026, per the Embassy of Pakistan, Doha |
| Hayya e-visa | Open. Hayya’s FAQ lists A1 for tourists and family visits, A2 for GCC residents and A3 for holders of qualifying Western visas |
| Resumption date | None announced in the official pages or reports we checked |
Before the suspension, the embassy’s guidelines said Pakistanis needed a hotel booked through Discover Qatar to get a visa on arrival. The advisory, as reported by Aaj News and EY, gave no end date.
Be careful: some official pages have not caught up. Visit Qatar’s online visa checker still showed the older on-arrival option (with a Discover Qatar hotel) for Pakistani passports when we checked. The embassy’s own “Visa on Arrival” web page still shows pre-suspension guidelines. Follow the advisory and get an approved Hayya e-visa before you fly. Recheck hayya.qa and the embassy’s website and social channels before travel.
Which Hayya visa fits you?
Hayya offers five visit categories: Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen (A4) and Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1). Pakistanis will usually need A1, A2 or A3.
| Visa | Who it suits | Key conditions on Hayya |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Tourist | Applying from Pakistan, or anywhere without GCC residence | Hotel booking or family host, return ticket, QAR 100 |
| A2 GCC Resident | Pakistanis living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait or Bahrain | Residence permit valid 3+ months, matching job title, QAR 100 |
| A3 Visa with ETA | Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Schengen, Australia or NZ visa or residence | That visa or residence valid when you apply and when the e-visa is issued, return ticket, QAR 100 |
A1 Tourist visa for Pakistanis applying from Pakistan
Hayya says A1 is for anyone visiting Qatar for tourism or to see friends and family. Its visa descriptions list A1 as single-entry, with QAR 100 paid on final approval, non-refundable and non-transferable. It adds that the fee can be waived in some cases, but the pages we saw did not list them.
You need proof of accommodation: a hotel booking, or a host through Host Family & Friends. Hayya says some applicants may be asked to book through Discover Qatar. Your booking must cover every night of your stay, matching your flight dates.
A2 GCC resident visa: for Pakistanis in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
This is the route for Pakistani UAE residents and all other GCC residents. Hayya’s FAQ and visa descriptions say you need:
- a GCC residence permit valid for at least 3 months. One Hayya answer counts from the application date and another from your arrival date, so count from arrival to be safe
- a copy of your GCC ID. If your Saudi ID does not show your profession or expiry date, Hayya asks for a screenshot from the Absher app that does
- to travel to Qatar from your country of residence
- to pick the job title exactly as it appears on your residence permit (choose “others” if it is not listed)
- a return ticket if you fly
Hayya’s pages describe A2 as single-entry, with a stay of up to 30 days from entry. However, the Qatar News Agency reported on 29 November 2025 that, from 30 November 2025, A2 allows stays of up to two months with multiple entries, an update announced to support a busy events season. The two sources disagree, so check what your approved e-visa says; that is what counts.
Hayya’s FAQ also says on-arrival visas remain available for GCC residents. The embassy advisory, as reported, made no exception for Pakistanis living in the Gulf, so apply for A2 before you travel.
A3 Visa with ETA: for UK-based Pakistanis and others
If you hold a valid visa or residence for the UK, US, Canada, the Schengen area, Australia or New Zealand, you can apply for A3. Hayya says that visa or residence must be valid when you apply and still valid when you receive your e-visa. You also need a return ticket and the QAR 100 fee.
Transit at Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport says you do not need a transit visa if you are not leaving the airport. To go into Doha, Visit Qatar describes a transit visa for Qatar Airways passengers with a layover of at least 6 hours who want a Doha transit tour, applied for at the Discover Qatar Transit Desk in the airport, with terms and conditions. Hayya says its 4-day transit visa is currently available only through the aviation industry. Neither page says how the March 2026 advisory affects Pakistani transit passengers, so confirm with your airline before planning to leave the airport. MOPH says its mandatory visitor insurance does not apply to transit passengers.
How to apply for the Qatar e-visa on Hayya, step by step
Hayya’s how-to guide for A1 lists six stages: select visa, personal information, validate information, accommodation confirmation, payment and e-visa.
- Open hayya.qa or the Hayya to Qatar app. Type the address yourself rather than clicking ads.
- Create an account and choose your category: A1, A2 or A3. Children under 18 can be added as dependants; adults apply separately.
- Upload your passport and a personal photo, then enter your details exactly as in your passport. Use a photo that meets standard passport photo rules.
- Upload supporting documents: your GCC residence card for A2, or your UK, US, Schengen or other qualifying visa for A3.
- Confirm accommodation. If your status shows “Pending Accommodation Confirmation”, Hayya gives you 30 days to add details before the application is cancelled.
- Pay after approval. When the status changes to “Pending Payment”, pay the QAR 100 fee within 14 days.
- Download your e-visa. It is emailed to you. Save it on your phone and carry a printout. Hayya says the old printed Hayya Card is no longer accepted.
While an application is pending, Hayya does not let you start another one. If it is rejected, the reason may appear on your dashboard, but not always. Stuck? Hayya support is on 2022 inside Qatar, +974 4441 2022 from abroad, or info@hayya.qa.
Health insurance for Qatar: what MOPH requires
MOPH says mandatory health insurance applies to visitors who need a visa before reaching the border, and that a visitor visa will not be granted until the policy is bought. Hayya’s FAQ points applicants to MOPH for approved travel health insurance.
What to check before you buy:
- Approved insurer: MOPH accepts policies only from insurers registered with it, or from international insurers it has approved.
- Official premium: MOPH lists the mandatory visitor policy at QAR 50 per month (checked 5 October 2026). It covers emergencies and accidents; extra cover costs more.
- International policies: MOPH’s criteria are that the policy covers Qatar for your full stay, with emergency and accident cover of QAR 150,000 without deductibles or co-payments, and COVID-19 cover of QAR 50,000.
An ordinary travel policy only counts if its insurer is MOPH-approved and it meets those criteria. If you are unsure, buy the visitor policy from an insurer on MOPH’s list. Then compare travel insurance for flight delays, baggage and the rest of your trip.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 3 months from your arrival date
- Approved Hayya e-visa, saved and printed
- Confirmed hotel for every night, or a Host Family & Friends invitation
- Return flight ticket
- MOPH-compliant visitor health insurance
- For A2: GCC residence permit valid 3+ months, showing your job title
- For A3: valid UK, US, Canada, Schengen, Australia or New Zealand visa or residence
Qatar e-visa fee and processing time
| Item | What the official pages say |
|---|---|
| Hayya e-visa fee (A1, A2, A3) | QAR 100, non-refundable (Hayya) |
| When to pay | After approval, within 14 days of “Pending Payment” |
| Processing time | Not published; Hayya gives no fixed time, so apply early |
| When to book flights | After approval and receiving the e-visa (Hayya) |
| Extensions | At the passports directorate at Hamad International Airport (Hayya) |
Hayya says any losses from travelling before your e-visa is issued are your own responsibility. Until approval, choose refundable fares and free-cancellation hotels.
Visiting family in Qatar
Have relatives in Doha? Hayya’s Host Family & Friends option lets a Qatar resident with a valid QID, and an address registered on the Metrash app, sign up as a host. They can register one property and add up to 5 guests. You then apply for your own e-visa. Hayya notes that being hosted does not guarantee approval. Hayya’s FAQ adds that regular visit visas issued by the Ministry of Interior are still an option for some visitors; check the Ministry of Interior’s portal or the Metrash app.
Planning your Doha trip
Flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Dubai and Riyadh
Most international flights land at Hamad International Airport (DOH). From Pakistan and the Gulf, compare direct and one-stop options for your dates, and check baggage rules. Compare flights to Doha.
Driving from Saudi Arabia? Visit Qatar says Hayya handles vehicle pre-registration for the Abu Samra border crossing. Living in the UAE? Our Pakistan to Dubai travel checklist covers the basics. Combining Doha with Umrah? See our Umrah from Pakistan guide.
Where to stay in Doha
West Bay suits business trips, Msheireb and Souq Waqif are walkable, and The Pearl has waterfront stays. Match your booking dates to your Hayya application. Compare hotels in Doha.
Mobile data in Doha
A travel eSIM gives you data for maps, ride apps and your e-visa email from the moment you land. See eSIM options for Qatar or read eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Flying without an approved e-visa, expecting a visa on arrival
- Paying a look-alike website or a WhatsApp agent instead of using hayya.qa
- A GCC residence permit that expires within 3 months, or during your trip
- A job title on Hayya that does not match your residence permit
- Hotel dates with gaps, or that do not match your flights
- Insurance from an insurer MOPH does not accept
- Booking non-refundable flights before approval
- Renewing your passport without updating your Hayya application
How Voyfaro can help
- Visa: we point you to the official Qatari and Pakistani sources and explain them in plain English. We do not apply for, issue or guarantee visas. See our visa guidance.
- Bookings: we help you compare flights, hotels, eSIMs and insurance with partners such as Trip.com, Booking.com, Agoda, Airalo and EKTA.
- You stay in control: you book and pay directly with the partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
- Questions? Contact us with your city, dates and who is travelling.
FAQ
Is Qatar visa on arrival open for Pakistanis right now?
No. The Embassy of Pakistan in Doha said the facility was unavailable from 31 March 2026, and we found no announcement of its return by 5 October 2026. Apply for a Hayya e-visa before you fly.
How much is the Qatar e-visa fee for Pakistanis?
Hayya lists QAR 100 for A1, A2 and A3, paid after approval and non-refundable (checked 5 October 2026). Visitor health insurance is a separate cost.
I live in Dubai on a Pakistani passport. Which Qatar visa do I apply for?
The GCC Resident Visa (A2), if your UAE residence permit is valid for at least 3 months and you travel from the UAE. Enter your job title exactly as it appears on your residence permit.
Do I need health insurance for a Qatar visit visa?
MOPH says yes for visitors who need a visa before arrival. The policy must come from an MOPH-registered or MOPH-approved insurer and cover your whole stay.
Can I transit through Doha on a Pakistani passport without a visa?
Hamad International Airport says no transit visa is needed if you do not leave the airport. To go into Doha during a layover, check the transit visa terms with your airline first, as the official pages we checked do not say how the March 2026 advisory affects Pakistani transit passengers.
Can Voyfaro get my Qatar visa approved?
No. Only the Qatari authorities decide. We point you to official sources and help you compare flights, hotels, insurance and eSIMs.
Sources
Official pages we checked in October 2026:
- Hayya (Qatar Tourism), official Hayya platform (A1, A2 and A3 visa descriptions: single-entry, QAR 100 on final approval, non-refundable; Absher screenshot for Saudi IDs; Host Family & Friends; Abu Samra border crossing)
- Hayya, Frequently asked questions (five visit categories; A1, A2 and A3 requirements; A2 30-day stay and on-arrival note for GCC residents; QAR 100 fee; 14-day payment and 30-day accommodation deadlines; no fixed processing time; booking flights after approval; 4-day transit visa via the aviation industry; hosting rules; Ministry of Interior visit visas; extensions; health insurance; support contacts)
- Hayya, How-to guides (A1 application stages)
- Visit Qatar, Visas (“Hayya to Qatar” app, QAR 100 fee, 3-month passport validity, Qatar Airways transit visa, Abu Samra vehicle pre-registration; its visa checker still showed on-arrival for Pakistan)
- Qatar News Agency, Qatar Updates “Hayya” Features for GCC Residents Visa (29 November 2025: Hayya is operated by Qatar Tourism; A2 stays of up to two months with multiple entry, from 30 November 2025)
- Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme (who must buy insurance, accepted insurers, premium, international policy criteria, transit passengers, Metrash)
- Hamad International Airport, Transfers (no transit visa needed if you stay in the airport)
- Embassy of Pakistan, Doha, Visa on Arrival page (still showing pre-suspension guidelines, including the Discover Qatar hotel booking)
- Ministry of Interior, Qatar, MOI visa portal (visa department and e-services)
Reports of the March 2026 embassy advisory:
- Aaj News, Qatar suspends visa-on-arrival for Pakistanis (31 March 2026)
- EY, Suspension of visa on arrival facility for nationals of Pakistan (1 April 2026)