Qatar Tourism launches Hayya business...

System was initially created to facilitate the entry of World Cup fans

Qatar Tourism has expanded the Hayya Platform and its smartphone application as a portal for all tourist and business visas.

The wider launch of Hayya following its creation for the Fifa World Cup will unify visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions travelling with GCC citizens, who are issued an ‘Authorisation Electronic Travel’ permit.

Hayya holders will be also enabled for e-gate entry at Hamad International Airport. For those entering Qatar via land at the Abu Samra border, the Hayya Platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles.

Qatar Tourism chairman and Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar’s national tourism strategy seeks to welcome over six million visitors a year by 2030. Already, Qatar is considered the most open country in terms of visa facilitation in the Middle East and the eighth most open globally, with more than 95 nationalities granted visa on arrival.”

Hayya Platform CEO Saeed Ali Al Kuwari added: “The re-launch of the Haya Platform in its new form is an extension of the strategic vision that the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy had previously developed, a vision that centres on the sustainable legacy of the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022.

“Previously, the Hayya card allowed fans from around the world to enter Qatar to watch their favourite teams during the world’s biggest football event. Today, the Hayya Platform is the legacy which we build upon, inviting visitors from all corners of the earth to visit our country and enjoy its authenticity, history, culture, hospitality, natural beauty and much more.”

Tourists who require a visa to enter Qatar can apply through the Hayya Platform at www.hayya.qa, or through the smartphone app.

For more information, visit www.hayya.qa