Qatar Issues Travel Advisory for Indian Visitors Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2022

Qatar, a country in Western Asia that will host the FIFA World Cup this year recently issues a travel advisory for visitors from India and ask travellers to fully apprise themselves of the travel guidelines issued by the State of Qatar before visiting the country.

Qatar Travel Guidelines for Indian Travellers

To summarize, all Visitors, other than GCC Nationals and Residents, are required to register and obtain approval in the pre-entry online registration system through the website (www.ehteraz.gov.qa) at least three (3) days before arrival.

Without prior approval, travellers are not allowed to enter Qatar on Visitor Visa or Visa on Arrival. GCC Nationals and Qatar Residents (with Qatar ID Cards) are exempt from the pre-entry online Ehteraz registration.

Besides, all Visitors with Ehteraz approvals are required to adhere to Covid protocol and testing guidelines approved by the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar from time to time. This includes:

• Visitors from age 6 years and above must bring a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test certificate with a negative result valid for 48 hours or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) certificate valid for 24 hours, from the scheduled flight to the State of Qatar.
• Citizens and Residents of the State of Qatar from age 6 years and above must take a Rapid Antigen (RAT) test within a period of 24 hours upon arrival in the State of Qatar at one of the Primary Health Care Centers or private medical centres.
• Minors aged 0-5 years are exempted from COVID testing.

It may also be noted that in view of the FIFA World Cup 2022, all visitor visas are being suspended by the State of Qatar with effect from 1 November to 23 December 2022.

During this period, only Resident Permit (Qatar ID) holders and “Hayya Card” holders would be allowed to enter Qatar.

In light of the above, all Indian travellers, especially those who wish to avail of Visa on Arrival facility till 31 October 2022, are advised to ensure that they have prior Ehteraz registration and clearance to avoid any inconvenience at the Airport in Qatar.