FIFA World Cup: Qatar to Not Required Pre-Arrival Negative PCR Test Report for Visitors

Qatar, the Arabian country hosting the FIFA World Cup this year, has scrapped a requirement that required visitors to obtain a negative Covid-19 test before departing for the Gulf Arab state, according to a statement issued by the health ministry on Wednesday.

Earlier this month Qatar issues an update and instructed World Cup fans to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, regardless of vaccination status, before departing by air or crossing the border.

Notably, the FIFA World Cup is set to begin on November 20 and continue through December 18, with the host country expecting an unprecedented 1.2 million visitors during the tournament.

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

Qatar FIFA World Cup Travel Requirement

Furthermore, according to the Health Ministry’s update, Qatar residents are no longer required to take a Covid-19 test if they return to the country from abroad within 24 hours.

Adults are no longer required to show their Covid-19 status on a government-run contact tracing smartphone app called Ehteraz before entering stadiums or other establishments such as shops and restaurants, according to the health ministry.

Also Read: Hayya Cards Holders Can Invite 3 World Cup Fans Without Tickets

According to the statement, visitors and residents must still show the application before entering a healthcare facility.

According to the statement, Qatar is relaxing restrictions because “the number of COVID-19 cases (is) continuing to drop around the world and in Qatar, and the ongoing roll-out of Qatar’s National Covid-19 Vaccination Program.”

Qatar relaxed its mask regulations last week, requiring masks only for people visiting healthcare facilities.