Qatar: Updated COVID-19-related international travel policies to enter into effect from 18:00 Dec. 1 /update 38

Event

The government of Qatar plans to implement modifications to the country's COVID-19-related international travel and entry restrictions. Under current directives, all travelers are subject to certain general pandemic-related policies in addition to tailored testing and quarantine measures based on country of origin, citizenship/residency, and vaccination status. Effective 18:00 Dec. 1, 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 will 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 in order 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.

Additionally, under the updated policy, most travelers to Qatar must complete and sign an affidavit attesting to certain aspects of their travel and vaccination status before arriving in the country; authorities may require incoming travelers to present the affidavit form upon entry. To view the form, 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.

Qatari authorities have updated their list of exceptional red countries as of late November amid concerns over the recent emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The list now includes Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, among other previously listed countries. Effective 18:00 Dec. 1, travelers from these seven newly added countries are subject to more stringent testing and quarantine policies than individuals traveling from other exceptional red countries.

International Entry Measures
In general, the government of Qatar divides foreign countries into green, red, and exceptional red lists based on various COVID-19 risk factors and imposes various international entry restrictions accordingly. Quarantine measures for travelers differ based on vaccination status. To view comprehensive details on testing and quarantine policies, click here.

To view the Ministry of Public Health's updated list of green countries, click here.

To view the Ministry of Public Health's updated list of red countries, click here.

To view the Ministry of Public Health's updated list of exceptional red countries, click here.

To enter Qatar, travelers must generally present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Domestic Restrictions
The Ministry of Public Health has outlined domestic COVID-19-related restrictions applying to gatherings, transport, outdoor spaces, education and health settings, and business and leisure spaces. The following restrictions are among those in effect as of late November:

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

• Workplaces can operate at full capacity. Business meetings are limited to essential gatherings of up to 30 individuals.

• Restaurants and cafes certified by the Qatar Clean Program can operate at full capacity outdoors and, for vaccinated customers and their children under 12 years of age, at up to 75 percent capacity indoors. Restaurants that are not certified by the program can operate at up to 50 percent capacity outdoors and 40 percent capacity indoors.

• Malls and souqs can operate at full capacity. Food courts in malls can operate at up to 50 percent capacity.

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

• For unvaccinated individuals and mixed groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, social gatherings are limited to 10 people outdoors and five people indoors.

• Wearing a facemask remains mandatory in indoor public places, but is not mandatory in certain outdoor spaces.

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

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