FIFA World Cup 2022: What You Need To Know To Travel To Qatar
Football fans are already excited about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar this year. However, what do you need to know about travel to Qatar following the COVID-19 pandemic? Read on to find out how traveling to the country has been streamlined for visitors.
Travel requirements for Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022
Ahead of the World Cup 2022 which kicks off on November 20, the Qatari government has dropped most of the travel restrictions related to COVID-19. For one thing, visitors no longer need to give proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Antigen test. Meanwhile, they are also no longer required to download the Ehteraz app to preregister before entering Qatar.
Qatar updated its travel regulations from November 1, doing away with the testing requirements and the need to preregister on the Ehteraz app. The only time the Ehteraz app would be required is to enter Qatar’s health facilities, for which everyone needs a green health status. Moreover, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer needed to enter the country.
According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Qatari citizens and residents are also no longer required to undergo a PCR or Rapid Antigen test within 24 hours of returning from overseas.
The arrival of players, officials, fans, staff and media for the event is the largest influx of visitors seen in Qatar. The FIFA World Cup is set to add to the local population of around 2.9 million.
Mask requirements in Qatar
The country scrapped the requirement to wear masks on public transport in October 2022. Moreover, they are also not compulsory inside the eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar.
Visitors must have a Hayya card for World Cup 2022
While all the previous COVID-19 travel regulations will be dropped from November 1, Qatar does require anyone visiting for the World Cup to hold a Hayya card. As noted by Al Jazeera, this document is mandatory for players, officials, staff, media, ticket holders, their guests and the media.
Meanwhile, officials, organizers and football’s governing body, FIFA, want the event to be a sign that the world is getting past the devastating pandemic.
However, despite this, the Ministry of Public Health previously warned that, in the event of a worsening pandemic situation in the country, special measures would be ordered. This was relating to a possible emergence of a threatening new variant.
Should this happen, players and match officials may be required to enter a secure “bio-bubble.” The ministry said last month that if this happened, there would be a threat of expulsion from the tournament for anyone breaching the secure environment.
Qatar as a destination
For those who can’t make it to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup, the country has many attractions for a more traditional vacation. Doha, the Qatari capital, is known for its modern architecture and futuristic skyline.
However, the country also offers many adventures for more active travelers. The country’s western coast offers endless idyllic beaches, perfect for lying on the sand or snorkeling and scuba diving. Al Safiya Island, around 40 minutes from Doha, can be reached on a traditional dhow boat. Once there, jet skiing is the perfect adventure with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.
Find out more about exciting adventures to be had on vacation in Qatar here.