Sri Lankan citizens need a visa to enter Qatar. The main option for tourism is the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), which can be applied for online. Sri Lankan passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry. A regular Qatar visa may be needed for work, study, residence, family sponsorship, or long-term stays.
Do Sri Lankan Citizens Need a Visa for Qatar?
Yes. Sri Lanka is a standard visa-required nationality for Qatar entry.
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot enter Qatar without a visa. There is no visa-free entry for Sri Lankan citizens.
For short-term tourism, the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is the most straightforward option. It can be applied for online through the Hayya portal before travel.
Qatar Visa Options for Sri Lankan Citizens
Sri Lankan citizens have the following options:
- Hayya Tourist Visa (A1): For short-term tourism and leisure. Applied for online through the Hayya portal at hayya.qa.
- Hayya GCC Resident Visa (A2): For Sri Lankan citizens who are legal residents of a GCC country such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain. This is based on residence status, not nationality.
- Regular Qatar visa: For work, study, residence, family sponsorship, or long-term stays.
Qatar eVisa for Sri Lankan Citizens
The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is the standard online eVisa for Sri Lankan tourists visiting Qatar.
The application is submitted online through the Hayya platform at hayya.qa. You do not need to visit an embassy to apply.
Who can apply for the Hayya A1 Tourist Visa:
- Sri Lankan citizens planning a short-term tourism or leisure visit
- Travellers who meet the accommodation and document requirements
- Those who are not travelling for work, employment, or long-term residence
The A1 Tourist Visa is enough for most short trips to Qatar. It is not valid for employment or work-related purposes.
Qatar Regular Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens
The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is intended for tourism only. It does not cover all travel purposes.
A regular Qatar visa may be required if you are:
- Travelling to Qatar for employment
- Planning a long-term or extended stay
- Relocating for residence purposes
- Studying in Qatar
- Joining a family member who sponsors your entry
- Travelling for any purpose not covered by a tourist eVisa
For these purposes, travellers should contact the relevant Qatari authority, their employer, or a sponsor in Qatar. The Qatar Visa Center at qatarvisacenter.com can also provide guidance on regular visa processes.
Qatar Visa Requirements for Sri Lankan Citizens
The basic requirements for a Qatar visa application include:
- Valid Sri Lankan passport (minimum 3 months validity from the date of arrival)
- Recent face photograph meeting official specifications
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or confirmed accommodation in Qatar
- Travel health insurance (recommended; may be purchased on arrival)
- Correct visa type selected based on travel purpose
Additional documents may be required depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
Documents Required for Qatar eVisa (Hayya A1)
To apply for the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1), prepare the following:
- Scanned copy of your valid Sri Lankan passport (main data page)
- Recent passport-size face photo (clear background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Confirmed hotel booking or accommodation details in Qatar
- Return or onward flight ticket
- If applying as a GCC resident: valid GCC residence permit
Documents Required for Regular Qatar Visa
For a regular Qatar visa, documents typically include:
- Original valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Sponsor letter or invitation letter, if applicable
- Purpose-of-travel supporting documents (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter)
- Confirmed accommodation details
- Additional documents as requested by the relevant authority or embassy
Requirements may vary depending on the visa category. Always confirm the exact document list with the relevant authority before applying.
How to Apply for Qatar eVisa Online
Follow these steps to apply for the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1):
- Check eligibility: Confirm that the tourist eVisa is appropriate for your travel purpose
- Visit the Hayya portal: Go to hayya.qa or download the Hayya mobile app
- Select the correct visa type: Choose Tourist Visa (A1) for standard tourism
- Prepare your documents: Passport scan, face photo, flight ticket, and accommodation details
- Complete the online application: Fill in all required personal and travel information
- Submit and wait for processing: Your application status will show as "Pending" during review
- Verify accommodation: Once initially approved, you may be asked to upload your accommodation voucher
- Pay the visa fee: Payment of QAR 100 is required if applicable
- Receive your approved eVisa: Travel with your approval confirmation
Apply through the official Hayya portal only: hayya.qa
Qatar Visa Fee and Processing Time
Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) fee: QAR 100 (approximately USD 27), paid online during the application process.
Processing time varies. Most applications are processed within a few business days, but this is not guaranteed. Some applications may take longer depending on document verification or authority review.
Qatar Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
Hayya Tourist Visa (A1):
- Typically valid for a short-term stay, generally up to 30 days per entry
- May be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on the approval
- Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival in Qatar
Regular Qatar visa: Validity and permitted stay depend on the visa category and the decision of the Qatari authorities.
Extension of stay is possible in some cases. Travellers should contact the Qatar Ministry of Interior for information on extending their visa once in the country.
Qatar Transit Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens
If you are transiting through Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha without leaving the airport, a transit visa is generally not required for airside transit.
If you want to leave the airport and explore Doha during a layover, different rules apply. Qatar Airways passengers transiting for a minimum of 6 hours may be able to apply for a short transit visa through the Discover Qatar Transit Desk at Hamad International Airport.
A transit visa valid for up to 96 hours (4 days) is also available for eligible travellers who wish to stay longer during a stopover.
For more information on transit tours and the Doha stopover programme, visit the Qatar Tourism website at visitqatar.com.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Qatar Visa
Avoid these common errors:
- Applying for the wrong visa type: Using a tourist eVisa when a regular visa is required for work or residence
- Confusing visa-free entry with eVisa: Sri Lankan citizens are not visa-free for Qatar. An eVisa must be applied for in advance
- Confusing citizens with residents: A Sri Lankan citizen living in Qatar or a GCC country has different visa options from a Sri Lankan citizen living in Sri Lanka
- Incomplete accommodation details: Not having a confirmed hotel booking ready when submitting the Hayya application
- Short passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from arrival. Renew before you apply
- Booking non-refundable travel before visa approval: Always wait for full visa confirmation before finalising flights and hotels
- Using a tourist visa for employment: A Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) does not permit work in Qatar
Qatar Visa for Children and Family Members
Children with Sri Lankan passports require their own visa to enter Qatar. A child's visa cannot be combined with a parent's visa.
Documents typically required for a child's application include:
- Child's valid passport
- Recent face photograph
- Birth certificate (may be required to confirm relationship with parent or guardian)
- Parent or guardian's visa approval documentation
- Accommodation and return ticket confirmation
If you are travelling with minor children, ensure each child has a separate and fully approved visa before departure.
Family members travelling together should apply individually through the Hayya portal. Each application is processed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Sri Lankan citizens need a visa to enter Qatar?\ Yes. Sri Lankan citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. A Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is required for tourism. Other visa types apply for work, residence, or study.
2. What is the Hayya Tourist Visa (A1)?\ The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is an online eVisa for short-term tourism and leisure visits to Qatar. It is applied for through the official Hayya portal at hayya.qa before travel.
3. Can Sri Lankan citizens get a visa on arrival in Qatar?\ No. Sri Lankan citizens are not listed as eligible for visa on arrival in Qatar. The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) must be applied for online before departure.
4. How much does the Qatar eVisa cost for Sri Lankan citizens?\ The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) fee is QAR 100, which is approximately USD 27. Payment is made online during the application process.
5. How long can a Sri Lankan citizen stay in Qatar on a tourist eVisa?\ The standard permitted stay for a Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is generally up to 30 days. Always check the exact dates on your approved visa.
6. Can a Sri Lankan citizen work in Qatar on a tourist eVisa?\ No. The Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) is for tourism and leisure only. Working in Qatar on a tourist visa is not permitted. A separate work visa or regular Qatar visa through an employer or sponsor is required.
7. What is the Hayya A2 visa, and can Sri Lankan citizens apply for it?\ The Hayya GCC Resident Visa (A2) is for residents of GCC countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. Sri Lankan citizens who are legal residents of one of these countries may be eligible. Sri Lankan citizens living in Sri Lanka cannot apply for the A2 visa.
8. How long does it take to process the Hayya Tourist Visa?\ Processing time is typically a few business days, but it is not fixed. Allow enough time before your travel date and do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is fully approved.
9. Do I need travel insurance for a Qatar visa?\ Health insurance is recommended for all travellers visiting Qatar. Those without an existing policy may purchase one on arrival. Check official Qatar sources for the latest insurance requirements.
10. Where do I apply for a Qatar visa if I need it for work or residence?\ Work, residence, and other non-tourism visas are not processed through the Hayya Tourist Visa system. Contact your employer, sponsor, or the Qatar Visa Center at qatarvisacenter.com for guidance on the correct process.
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.
Requirements may change without notice. Always verify current information through official Qatar sources before departure.
Official Sources
- Qatar Tourism Visa Checker: visitqatar.com/intl-en/plan-your-trip/visas
- Hayya Official Portal: hayya.qa
- Qatar Ministry of Interior Visa Page: portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas
- Discover Qatar Approved Hotels: discoverqatar.qa/mandatory-hotels-for-visa-on-arrival
Last updated: June 2026
