In a recent development, Qatar has shared two major travel policy updates for travellers visiting the country. The nation has also announced the extension of Hayya Card validity till January 24, 2024.
Referring to this, the state’s Ministry of Interior has announced that the validity of Hayya Cards has now been extended till January 24, 2024. This means that those who have already obtained a Hayya Card for the recently concluded FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, will still be able to enjoy a free multiple-entry permit to Qatar, and also use the e-gate system at state ports.
Travellers will be required to fulfil certain conditions to avail the features of the said card, such as providing proof of hotel reservation or accommodation with family or friends approved via the online Hayya Portal, and a valid passport for no less than three months upon arrival in Qatar. They will also need to show a valid return ticket, and health insurance that is valid for the duration of the stay in the country.
If reports are to go by, those who are already holders of Hayya Cards, can also access the Hayya with Me feature, which will let them invite up to three family members or friends to visit Qatar.
Further, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has also updated the country’s entry requirements to make health insurance mandatory for all visitors to Qatar, from February 1, 2023. This means that to enter Qatar, one will now be required to buy the Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance policy, for QAR 50 valid for 30 days.
All these moves come as Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, attract inward investment, grow local and international visitor demand, and thereby offer a boost across the domestic economy.
News source: Khaleej Times
