Qatar: Authorities to ease more domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Oct. 3 /update 33

Event

Qatari authorities plan to ease more domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Oct. 3 following a decrease in cases. The following measures will come into effect:

• Public transport can operate at a maximum capacity of 75 percent.

• Offices can operate at full capacity. Business meetings are limited to 30 individuals.

• Restaurants and cafes with a "Qatar Clean" certificate can operate at full capacity outdoors and 75 percent indoors. Restaurants that do not have the certificate can operate at 50 percent capacity outdoors and 40 percent indoors if all customers are vaccinated.

• Malls, shopping centers, and popular markets can open at full capacity. Food courts in malls can open at 50 percent capacity.

• For vaccinated individuals, gatherings are limited to 50 people outdoors and 30 people indoors.

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

• The wearing of facemasks in public remains mandatory in closed public places. The wearing of masks in open public places is optional.

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

Travel restrictions
Travelers from six countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka) 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.

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