Qatar: Authorities to further tighten COVID-19 restrictions from April 9 /update 25

Event

Qatari authorities will further tighten COVID-19 restrictions nationwide from April 9 following an increase in cases. Officials will reduce public transport capacity to 20 percent; metro services will also cease operating on Fridays and Saturdays. Cinemas, theaters, museums, and libraries will be closed, while restaurants and cafes can only cater for takeaway and delivery orders. Additionally, the maximum capacity of employees at offices will be at 50 percent.

Other measures that remain in place from previous phases include:

• Malls, shopping centers, and wholesale markets are open at 30 percent capacity.

• Gyms, public parks, and recreational centers are closed.

• Private healthcare facilities can only operate for emergency cases.

• Gatherings are limited to five vaccinated people in open areas and banned in closed places.

• The wearing of facemasks in public remains mandatory. The rule applies to all individuals except those exercising or participating in sports. Individuals who do not comply with the regulation will face fines and imprisonment.

• Residents must download the EHTERAZ mobile application for COVID-19 updates and contact tracing.

Currently, only nationals, permanent residents, and those with pre-approved entry permits can enter Qatar. Individuals arriving from "high-risk" countries must quarantine at hotels, whereas individuals from "low-risk" countries can quarantine at home. The measures do not apply to those who use shared quarantine facilities; they must continue to quarantine for two weeks. Individuals who have not obtained a COVID-19 test 48 hours before arrival have to take the test upon arriving at Doha International Airport (DOH). Authorities will conduct a second COVID-19 test six days after arrival.

Additionally, following the discovery of new strains of COVID-19, individuals arriving from Denmark, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the UK must enter a seven-night quarantine at a government-designated hotel. Individuals are required to provide proof of hotel reservation before boarding their flights to Qatar.

Individuals who have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from quarantine requirements when returning to Qatar. The measure only applies to individuals who received their vaccinations in Qatar; they must allow at least 14 days to pass following their second dose and test negative upon arrival. The quarantine exemption will be valid for three months, starting after 14 days from the second dose.

Residents who are currently in Qatar and wish to travel will automatically receive an exceptional entry permit upon departure, which will allow them to return to the country. However, residents who are currently outside Qatar have to obtain an exceptional return permit via the "Qatar Portal" website if they wish to return.

Officials could reimpose restrictions or delay the phases depending on the COVID-19 cases.

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. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Qatar Ministry of Public Health