Many football fans will be looking forward to heading to Qatar in the coming weeks for the FIFA World Cup. The event will take place from November 20 until December 2022.
If you’re travelling to Qatar for the World Cup then you will need to comply with specific entry requirements. These include taking a coronavirus test and ensuring you have a fan ID card.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has published advice for UK travellers who are planning a trip to the Middle Eastern country. It’s important to make sure you’re up to date with the latest travel advice before you go.
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Below is everything you need to know from the FCDO about heading to the World Cup in Qatar.
Fan ID card
According to advice published by the FCDO, Brits travelling to Qatar will need to apply for a Hayya Card, which is a form of fan ID. It’s compulsory in order to enter the country during the tournament period.
Travellers will need a Hayya Card to enter Qatar from November 1 onwards, even if they’re not attending a World Cup match. Those with match tickets can apply through the Hayya Portal to bring three additional people without tickets with them into Qatar.
You will be able to use the Hayya Card for multiple entries to Qatar during this period and once you’ve entered, you will be allowed to remain in the country until January 23. The Hayya Card will give you free access to public transport on match days, including bus, metro and tram. For more information on the Hayya Card, click here.
Coronavirus entry requirements
Currently all visitors travelling to Qatar aged six and above must show proof of a negative test, regardless of vaccination status. You need to be able to show a negative PCR test certificate valid for 48 hours or a Rapid Antigen test certificate valid for 24 hours ahead of the scheduled departure time of the flight to Qatar.
Health
Travellers should make sure they have a travel insurance policy which will cover the trip and any planned activities. Emergency medical treatment in Qatar is of a high standard but visitors will have to pay a QAR 50 premium for healthcare services.
Accommodation
The FCDO advises that you arrange your accommodation for your stay before you travel to Qatar. Qatar’s World Cup Accommodation Agency website will be the main booking platform - for more details click here.
If you plan to stay in Qatar for more than 24 hours, you will need to have your accommodation booking validated during your application for the Hayya Card. If you’re planning on staying with friends or family in Qatar during the tournament then your host will need to register your accommodation within the Hayya portal website.
If you’re an international fan making a match day visit of less than 24 hours you will not need to arrange accommodation but you will still need to apply for a Hayya Card and register your travel details.
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