Qatar outlines Covid-19 test protocols for international visitors attending FIFA World Cup

Fans entering Qatar to attend the FIFA World Cup must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test regardless of their vaccination status, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has said.

Qatar has announced the COVID-19 Travel & Return protocols for international fans attending the #Qatar2022 @FIFAWorldCup.

Read the full article: https://t.co/Ide8tgzB56 pic.twitter.com/ww53dS0euT

— SC News (@roadto2022news) September 29, 2022

International Hayya Card holders who are aged six or above and wish to attend the tournament must 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.

Read: Hayya Card mandatory for all visitors to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The test result must be submitted at the airport check-in counter, while the test must be conducted at a medical centre in the country of origin, the statement said. Self-performed rapid antigen tests are not valid for travel purposes.

However, children under the age of six are exempt from submitting a negative Covid-19 test before departure to Qatar.

Visitors are not required to take a Covid-19 test after arrival in Qatar. However, inbound passengers are not required to undergo quarantine as well, regardless of vaccination status or country or origin. Meanwhile, anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 while in Qatar will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines.

Outbound travellers departing Qatar are not required to undergo a Covid-19 test. However, passengers should check the requirements of their destination country and follow them.

Last month, Qatar also introduced new entry and exit measures, suspending the entry of visitors during the duration of the tournament, excluding Hayya Card holders.

Read: Qatar suspends entry of visitors, excluding Hayya Card holders, during FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is starting on November 20, a day ahead of its original schedule, with hosts taking on Ecuador.

Read: FIFA World Cup may start one day earlier with Qatar-Ecuador game