Qatar Visa for Kenyans 2026: Hayya A1 Required Before You Fly — KSh 3,500

Quick Facts

Requirement E-Visa

Visa Fee KES 3,490 (~$27)

Processing Time 5–7 working days

Appointment Wait ~ weeks

Stay Duration Up to 30 days

E-Visa Available online

Qatar is an easy, affordable stopover and tourism destination for Kenyans. The VOA costs QAR 100 (KES 3,490) at Hamad International Airport — one of the world's best airports. Qatar Airways connects Nairobi to virtually everywhere via Doha, making Qatar a natural stopover option.

Key Warnings

Unlike the UAE, Qatar VOA is not free — budget QAR 100 (KES 3,490) for the fee. Have QAR, USD, or a card ready at the arrivals counter.
A return or onward ticket is required. If transiting through Doha as a stopover on a longer journey, ensure your onward ticket is readily printable.
Qatar has strict alcohol and public decency regulations. Research cultural norms before travel, especially outside of hotels and tourist zones.

Insider Tips

Qatar Airways passengers transiting through Doha for less than 96 hours can apply for a complimentary Stopover Visa — check the Qatar Airways website before travel as this can be cheaper or free vs the standard VOA.
Hamad International Airport offers a free city tour for transit passengers — even if you are just connecting, you can explore Doha briefly with a 24-hour transit layover.
The National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, and the Pearl-Qatar are within 30 minutes of the airport — excellent for a 24–48 hour stopover from Nairobi.

Step-by-Step Guide

Apply on the official Hayya platform
hayya.qa is the government portal. Select the Tourist Visa (A1). Agents reselling the same application charge a large markup for no added benefit.
Upload your passport and confirmed accommodation
Passport valid at least six months, a passport photo, and a confirmed hotel booking or host details. Return flight booking is normally requested too.
Pay QAR 100 and wait for the decision
About 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before departure — there is no way to fix this at the airport.
Carry the approval to check-in
Airlines verify the approved Hayya before boarding. Without it you will be refused at Nairobi, not at Doha.

Required Documents

Valid Kenyan passport (6+ months validity) Must be valid at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
Confirmed return or onward ticket Checked at the border and often at check-in.
Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or a host's address covering your stay.
Evidence of sufficient funds Around USD 500 (KES 77,500) is the figure officers use. Bank statement or card.

Latest Updates

2026-08

Correction: Qatar is not visa on arrival for Kenyans

Kenyan passport holders must obtain a Hayya Tourist Visa (A1) online before travel, QAR 100 and 3–7 business days. Qatar's visa-free list of roughly 40 nationalities does not include Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Qatar visa on arrival for Kenyans?

Qatar visa on arrival costs QAR 100, which is approximately $27 or KES 3,490 at July 2026 rates. The fee is payable at the Hamad International Airport arrivals counter in QAR, USD, or by card. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once.

Can I get a free Qatar transit visa when flying Qatar Airways?

Qatar Airways passengers connecting through Doha can apply for a complimentary Stopover Visa for stays up to 96 hours. This is separate from the standard VOA and may be free depending on your Qatar Airways ticket. Check qatarairways.com/stopover for current eligibility — this can save the QAR 100 VOA fee.

What documents do Kenyans need for Qatar visa on arrival?

Required documents: valid Kenyan passport (6+ months validity), return or onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds (approximately $500 equivalent). No advance application is needed — everything is processed at the airport on arrival.

Data Sources & Verification

Last verified: August 2026

Qatar Visa on Arrival for Kenyan Passport Holders