GCC residents, citizens can enter Qatar without Hayya card

Qatar has scrapped the Hayya card entry requirement for GCC residents and citizens, starting today, December 6.

GCC citizens and residents not holding a FIFA World Cup match ticket will be allowed to enter the country without a Hayya card, the country’s Ministry of Interior has said.

بيان صحفي بشأن إلغاء شرط الحصول على #بطاقة_هيا لدخول دولة #قطر لمواطني ومقيمي دول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية، غير حاملي تذاكر المباريات #الداخلية_قطر#كأس_العالم_2022 #قطر2022 pic.twitter.com/5lUixUtol7

— وزارة الداخلية – قطر (@MOI_Qatar) December 6, 2022

Non-ticketed GCC residents and citizens can enter the country via its airports as of December 6. Travellers can also enter Qatar through the land port using buses, with free parking spaces allocated to them.

Meanwhile, those who wish to enter Qatar using private vehicles can do as from December 8. However, they must apply for an entry permit through the Ministry of Interior’s website at least 12 hours prior to travel. The permit is issued free of charge.

#QNA_Infographic#Ministry_of_Interior:
Cancellation of the requirement to obtain #Hayya_card for citizens and residents of GCC countries#QNA pic.twitter.com/78Ff3quBbW

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 6, 2022

“The measures to simplify entry through different border crossings are part of the State of Qatar’s efforts to help GCC citizens and residents enjoy the festive atmosphere and entertainment activities during the remaining part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” the ministry said in a statement on Twitter.

Qatar introduced a new rule last Friday, allowing non-ticketed fans to enter the country to attend the FIFA World Cup after the group stage has concluded.

Read: Non-ticketed fans can attend FIFA World Cup in Qatar after group stage

The ‘Early December’ feature, which allows fans without tickets to apply for a Hayya Card, has become valid after midnight on December 2.

The FIFA World Cup amassed a cumulative stadium attendance of 2.45 million spectators after 13 days and 48 matches, according to a FIFA report. The attendance reflects an average of 96 per cent occupancy and is higher than the 2.17-million figure for the 2018 edition held in Russia. The highest attendance in the history of the tournament since the 1994 final was recorded at the Lusail Stadium, where 88,966 fans witnessed the Argentina versus Mexico match.

The tournament’s knockout stage began on December 3, with quarter finals to commence on December 9.