Qatar: Travellers to Require Negative Covid-19 Test Reports for Attending FIFA World Cup

Last week, the Qatari authorities announced that negative PCR or antigen test reports will be required for travellers who arrived to attend the FIFA World Cup 2022, which is set to begin on November 20.

However, it will not require the attendees to be fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to enter the country.

Qatar Travel Requirements for FIFA World Cup 2022

According to the World Cup organizers, all visitors over the age of 18 must also download Ehteraz, a government-run phone application that tracks people’s movements and health status.

“A green Ehteraz (showing the user does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19) is required to enter any public closed indoor spaces.”

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Visitors entering Qatar will be required to show a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival or an official rapid test taken within 24 hours.

According to the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the policy, which applies to visitors aged six and up, is “regardless of the individual’s vaccination status.”

The 1.2 million visitors anticipated in Qatar for the sporting event, which ends on December 18, are exempt from vaccination requirements and there is no Quarantine required for such travellers.

Rapid antigen tests taken within the previous 24 hours of landing in Qatar will only be accepted if they are administered by official medical centres rather than self-administered, according to organizers. If fans do not develop COVID-19 symptoms, no further tests are required in Qatar.

Masks must be worn on public transportation, including the metro, which many fans will use to get to the eight stadiums in and around Doha.

World Cup organisers said that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in the country “will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines”.

Qatar Suspends Entry of Visitors

Last month, Qatar announced new entry and exit regulations to and from the country during the FIFA World Cup, including entry restrictions for all visitors who are not attending the tournament from November 1 to December 23.

This means that anyone seeking to enter Qatar on a visitor visa for reasons other than attending the FIFA World Cup 2022 will be denied entry. However, Qatari nationals and holders of a residence permit will be exempt from these restrictions.

Notably, all visitors planning to visit Qatar for the FIFA World Cup should be aware that in order to attend the tournament, they will need to obtain a Hayya Card.