Nigerian citizens need a visa to enter Qatar. The main option is the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), which can be applied for online through the Hayya platform. Your passport must be valid for at least three months from your arrival date. A regular Qatar visa may be needed for work, study, family sponsorship, residence, or long-term stays.
Do Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa for Qatar?
Yes. Nigerian citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar.
You must apply for a visa before you travel. The standard option for tourism is the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), applied for online through the official Hayya portal at hayya.qa.
You do not need to visit an embassy for a tourist eVisa. The application is done fully online.
Qatar Visa Options for Nigerian Citizens
There are a few different visa types available, depending on your purpose of travel and your situation:
- Hayya Tourist Visa (A1): For short-term tourism. Applied for online. This is the most common option for Nigerian travellers visiting Qatar.
- Hayya GCC Resident Visa (A2): For Nigerian citizens who are legal residents of a GCC country such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain. This is not for Nigerian citizens living in Nigeria.
- Hayya Visa with ETA (A3): For nationals or residents of specific countries only. Check the Hayya portal to confirm eligibility.
- Regular Qatar Visa: For work, study, family sponsorship, residence, or other non-tourism purposes.
Qatar eVisa for Nigerian Citizens
The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is the correct eVisa type for Nigerian citizens travelling to Qatar for tourism.
You apply online through hayya.qa before your trip. You do not need a sponsor or a visa stamp in your passport before you travel.
The eVisa is suitable for short visits — tourism, leisure, and sightseeing. It is not intended for work, business employment, or long-term stays.
Qatar Regular Visa for Nigerian Citizens
A regular Qatar visa is a different type of visa, processed outside of the Hayya tourist platform. It is typically required for:
- Employment or work-related purposes
- Study or academic programmes
- Family sponsorship by a Qatar resident
- Long-term residence
- Non-tourism visits that do not qualify for an online tourist eVisa
If you are travelling to Qatar for any of these reasons, you should contact the relevant Qatari authority, your employer in Qatar, or an official sponsor. Do not apply for a tourist eVisa if your purpose of travel is work or residence.
Qatar Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
To apply for the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), you will typically need:
- A valid Nigerian passport (minimum three months' validity from your arrival date)
- A recent face photo (passport-style, plain background)
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Confirmed hotel booking or accommodation details in Qatar
- Travel health insurance, if required
Documents Required for Qatar eVisa
When completing your Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) application, prepare the following:
- Passport scan: Clear scan of the photo page of your Nigerian passport
- Recent face photo: Taken against a white or plain background, recent and clear
- Accommodation details: A confirmed hotel booking in Qatar for the duration of your stay
- Return or onward ticket: Proof that you have a confirmed flight leaving Qatar
- Travel insurance: Check the Hayya portal to confirm if this is required for your application
Make sure your documents are clear and match the information in your application. Blurry scans or mismatched details can delay or result in rejection.
How to Apply for Qatar eVisa Online
Follow these steps to apply for the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1):
- Go to hayya.qa and create an account or log in
- Select Tourist Visa (A1) as your visa type
- Fill in your personal and travel details accurately
- Upload the required documents — passport scan, photo, accommodation, and return ticket
- Submit your application and wait for the initial status update
- Complete accommodation verification if prompted (upload your hotel booking voucher)
- Pay the visa fee of QAR 100 once your application moves to the payment stage
- Receive your approved eVisa and save a copy to travel with
Qatar Visa Fee and Processing Time
The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) fee is QAR 100 (approximately USD 27). Payment is made online through the Hayya portal after your accommodation is verified.
Processing times can vary. Most applications are processed within a few business days, but it can take longer. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Factors that may affect processing time include:
- Incomplete or unclear documents
- Accommodation not yet verified
- High application volumes during peak travel periods
Qatar Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is typically valid for a single entry. It is usually valid for 30 days from the date of entry, allowing you to stay for up to 30 days in Qatar.
Multiple-entry options or extensions may be possible but are not automatically granted. Check the Hayya portal for the most current terms on your approved visa.
If you need to stay longer than the permitted period, contact the relevant Qatari immigration authority. Overstaying your visa can result in fines or entry restrictions on future visits.
Qatar Transit Visa for Nigerian Citizens
If you are transiting through Hamad International Airport in Doha and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa for a short layover. However, rules depend on your nationality, the duration of your transit, and your destination.
If you want to leave the airport and explore Doha during a stopover, you may need a transit visa or a tourist eVisa. Qatar Airways passengers transiting for a minimum of six hours can enquire about a transit tour visa at the Discover Qatar Transit Desk inside Hamad International Airport.
For longer stopovers of up to four days, a transit visa option may be available through Qatar Tourism. Check the Visit Qatar website for current terms and conditions.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Qatar Visa
Nigerian travellers should watch out for these common errors:
- Applying too late: Do not apply the day before travel. Allow at least one week for processing.
- Incorrect accommodation details: Your hotel booking must be confirmed and match your travel dates.
- Missing return ticket: A confirmed return or onward flight is required. One-way tickets can cause problems.
- Blurry or incorrect document scans: All uploads must be clear and legible.
- Choosing the wrong visa type: Make sure you select A1 (Tourist Visa) for standard tourism.
- Confusing GCC resident visa with tourist visa: The A2 visa is only for Nigerian citizens who are legal GCC residents, not for those travelling from Nigeria.
- Short passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your arrival date.
- Assuming approval is automatic: Visa approval is not guaranteed. Qatari authorities make the final decision.
Qatar Visa for Children and Family Members
Children travelling to Qatar need their own individual eVisa. A child cannot travel on a parent's visa.
When applying for a child's Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), the same documents are required as for an adult. Additional documents may include:
- A copy of the child's birth certificate
- A copy of the parent's or guardian's passport
- A letter of consent from both parents if one parent is travelling alone with the child
Each family member, including infants, must have a separate visa application submitted through the Hayya portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian citizens get a visa on arrival in Qatar?\ No. Nigerian citizens are not currently eligible for visa on arrival in Qatar. You must apply for the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) online before travelling.
How long does it take to get a Qatar eVisa for Nigerian citizens?\ Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within a few business days. Apply at least one week before your travel date to be safe.
What is the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1)?\ The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is an online eVisa for tourism and leisure travel to Qatar. Nigerian citizens apply through the official Hayya portal at hayya.qa.
How much does a Qatar eVisa cost for Nigerian citizens?\ The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) fee is QAR 100 (approximately USD 27). Payment is made online after your accommodation is verified.
Is a hotel booking required to apply?\ Yes. A confirmed hotel booking is required as part of the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) application process.
Can I work in Qatar on a tourist eVisa?\ No. The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is for tourism only. Working in Qatar requires a separate work visa or employment visa arranged by your employer.
Is visa approval guaranteed for Nigerian citizens?\ No. The final decision is made by the Qatari authorities. Ensure all documents are correct and meet the stated requirements before submitting.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?\ If your application is rejected, the visa fee is generally non-refundable. Review the reason for rejection and contact the Hayya support team for guidance before reapplying.
Do children need a separate Qatar eVisa?\ Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, must have their own visa application. Children cannot be included on a parent's visa.
Can I extend my stay in Qatar once I arrive?\ Extensions are not automatically granted. If you need to stay longer than your approved visa permits, contact the relevant Qatari immigration authority before your visa expires.
Official Sources
Always verify visa requirements with official Qatari sources before travelling. Rules can change without prior notice.
- Qatar Tourism Visa Checker: https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/plan-your-trip/visas
- Hayya Official Portal: https://hayya.qa/
- Qatar Ministry of Interior Visa Page: https://portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas/
- Discover Qatar Approved Hotels: https://www.discoverqatar.qa/mandatory-hotels-for-visa-on-arrival
Last updated: June 2026
Visa approval is not guaranteed. The final decision on visa approval and entry into Qatar is made by the relevant Qatari authorities. Travellers should ensure that all documents are correct and check the latest official requirements before travelling.
