Some visitors to Doha have been dismayed to discover they're not allowed out of the airport.
As part of Qatar's long push to get more tourists into the country, air passengers with long stopovers have previously been encouraged to explore the capital during their visit.
However not only has this tourism drive been suspended during the World Cup, but people flying on stopovers are not allowed to leave the transit area at all.
This means Doha and the World Cup atmosphere it is trying to foster are tantalisingly out of reach for thousands of people in transit.
Until the end of December, only people with match tickets can get their hands on a Hayya card, which is required to enter Qatar in proper.
The rule means the country has become the first to ban tourists while hosting the World Cup.
Humphrey Wilson had planned to visit friends in Doha during a 15-hour overnight stopover from Johannesburg to London, the Independent reported.
“We checked before booking that (Covid) testing requirements were being lifted from 1 November, and checked that we were eligible for visa-free entry," he told the publication.
“Nowhere did we see this Hayya card nonsense,” he said. “It was only when my friend who lives in Qatar mentioned it to me, that I realised.”
Humphrey went on to accuse the Qatari government of making up rules and "fleecing" members of the public.
He spent the 15 hour layover in a quiet area with comfortable seats and charging sockets, and having dinner in the food court.
Visitors to the business lounge in the Hamad International Airport have been slightly more impressed by what it has to offer.
Recently Jordan Egbert, who is on a mission to visit every country in the world, spent 24 hours in the lounge to try its facilities. He was bowled over by what he found there.
Beginning his day in the airport at the breakfast bar and ordering an "amazing" egg white omelette, baclava and a smoothie.
After digesting the seasoned traveller headed to the business lounge's expansive gym, which is fully equipped with everything you could need for a pre-flight workout.
He seemed to have the gym to himself, as he did a lengthy and beautifully tiled swimming pool where Jordan spent an hour doing lengths.
