Qatar: Authorities update quarantine requirements for travelers from six countries as of Aug. 2 /update 32

Event

Qatari authorities have updated quarantine procedures for travelers from six countries effective Aug. 2. The affected countries are Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Travelers from these countries who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in Qatar are subject to two days of hotel quarantine. Individuals can leave quarantine if they obtain a negative PCR test on the second day. All other travelers from these six countries have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.

Besides the six mentioned above, officials have classified countries into green, yellow, and red based on the level of risk. Travelers who are unvaccinated, inoculated with vaccines not recognized by Qatar, or who fall short of the 14 days vaccine administration period since the second dose will be subject to the following quarantine measures:

• Green countries: Arrivals will be subject to five days home quarantine and a PCR test on their fourth day of stay. For a full list of green countries, click here.

• Yellow countries: Seven days of hotel quarantine and a PCR test on their sixth day of stay. For a full list of yellow countries, click here.

• Red countries: 10 days of hotel quarantine and PCR testing on their arrival to the hotel as well as on their ninth day of stay. For a full list of red countries, click here.

All travelers to Qatar must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival. Citizens and residents returning to Qatar who received one of several government-approved vaccines will not be required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period, as long as their vaccine was administered more than 14 days before travel and they produce a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 in Qatar within the past 12 months are also exempt from quarantine. Moreover, all incoming travelers must download and activate the EHTERAZ mobile application.

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.

Domestic Restrictions
The country is currently in Phase 3 of easing COVID-19-related restrictions with the following measures in effect:

• Buses can operate at a maximum of 30 percent capacity while other public transport can operate at 50 percent capacity.

• Offices can operate at a maximum capacity of 80 percent. Business meetings are limited to 15 vaccinated individuals.

• Restaurants and cafes can open at 50 percent capacity.

• Malls, shopping centers, and wholesale markets can open at 50 percent capacity.

• For vaccinated individuals, gatherings are limited to 30 people outdoors and 15 people indoors.

• For unvaccinated individuals, gatherings are limited to 10 people outdoors and five people indoors.

• 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.

Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or amend existing restrictions depending on disease activity in 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. 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