Qatar scraps Covid-19 test requirements for inbound visitors ahead of World Cup

Qatar has scrapped the Covid-19 testing requirements for inbound visitors, facilitating World Cup fans who will descend onto the country for the FIFA World Cup next month.

Visitors are no longer required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR or Rapid Antigen Test result before travelling to Qatar, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has announced.

Ministry of Public Health Announces Updates to COVID-19 Restrictions, Read More @ https://t.co/6kFORsx3jq pic.twitter.com/STLDoGLmA2

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) October 26, 2022

According to the directive, which will be effective from November 1, citizens and residents of Qatar are no longer required to take a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR test within 24 hours following their arrival. However, it is mandatory for individuals to present the health status of the Ehteraz application when entering healthcare facilities in Qatar.

The ministry stressed the need for all citizens, residents and visitors to continue to follow standard precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infection. This includes being fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 infection; performing regular hand hygiene; getting tested upon experiencing Covid-19 symptoms; and following a healthy lifestyle.

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 

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