Qatar’s Covid-19 travel and return policy for international FIFA World Cup fans

Fans attending the FIFA World Cup this year are urged to get familiar with Qatar’s COVID-19 Travel and Return Policy, which was amended on August 31, 2022 by the Ministry of Public Health.

For those worldwide Hayya Card holders attending the competition from November 20 to December 18, the following are the most important details:

Visitors entering Qatar for the FIFA World Cup must undergo the following Covid-19 testing procedures, regardless of their immunization status:

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– Any visitor aged six and over is required to present an official negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before departure time or an official negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result no more than 24 hours before departure time. The test result will need to be submitted at the airport check-in counter. NB: The test should be conducted at a medical centre in the country of origin. RAT self-tests are not valid for travel purposes.
– Children under six are exempt from submitting a negative COVID-19 test before departure to Qatar.
– People arriving in Qatar are not required to undergo quarantine, regardless of vaccination status or country or origin.
– Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Qatar will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines.
– Visitors are not required to take a COVID-19 test after arrival in Qatar.
– Qatar does not require any traveller to take a COVID-19 test before departing Qatar. However, travellers should check the requirements of their destination country and follow their specific COVID-19 travel requirements.

Fans should note that masks are mandatory in the following situations:

– Within healthcare facilities
– On public transport

EHTERAZ contact tracing application:

All visitors to Qatar aged 18 and over are required to download and install the EHTERAZ application on their mobile phones on arrival to the country. A green EHTERAZ status (showing the user does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19) is required to enter any public closed indoor spaces.

Health insurance:

Visitors to Qatar can access medical care at any of the country’s private or public hospitals, medical centres, clinics and pharmacies. Emergency and urgent healthcare services will be provided for free at public hospitals for Hayya Card holders.

However, the Ministry of Public Health strongly recommends visiting fans take out travel insurance (with healthcare cover) for the duration of their stay in Qatar. Click here for further information.

Fans are encouraged to check the Ministry of Public Health website for further information about Qatar’s healthcare facilities.

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