Qatar: Authorities to ease mask mandate Sept. 1 and international travel restrictions Sept. 4 /update 51

Event

Qatari authorities will remove the mask requirement in closed public spaces, except on public transportation and in medical facilities, from Sept. 1. Employees whose nature of work requires interacting with customers, however, must continue to wear masks. Additionally, authorities will ease international travel restrictions, including removing the Red list of countries and quarantine rules for incoming travelers, from 18:00 Sept. 4.

Domestic Measures

All forms of transport can now operate at full capacity. Authorities have lifted all restrictions for entering closed public areas. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are no longer required to conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) 24 hours prior to entering closed public spaces.

Citizens, residents, and visitors must continue to activate the Ehteraz mobile application when leaving their residences.

International Travel Restrictions

Travelers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours or a RAT taken no more than 24 hours before arrival. Qatari citizens and residents are exempt from this measure but must take a RAT at an authorized medical center within 24 hours of arrival.

All nonresidents traveling to Qatar must pre-register on the "Travel entry into Qatar" portal and upload all relevant documents (e.g., vaccination certificate) at least three days before arrival. Travelers no longer need to upload a negative PCR test result as part of the registration process; travelers must instead present an original copy of a negative PCR test result to board any flight to Qatar or enter via land or maritime entry points. To access the government's pre-registration travel entry portal, click here.

Persons entering Qatar must also download and activate the Ehteraz mobile application on their mobile device upon arrival using a local or international SIM card. Travelers who are only transiting via Doha are not required to apply to/download the Ehteraz mobile application; operations at Hamad International Airport (DOH) continue for transit passengers as normal, subject to entry restrictions at their final destination.

Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or amend existing restrictions, depending on disease activity, over the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Qatari Ministry of Public Health