Qatar: Authorities to ease COVID-19-related international travel restrictions from Nov. 1 /update 52

Event

Qatar's Ministry of Health has announced plans to ease a series of COVID-19-related measures effective Nov. 1. The move comes as Doha prepares for over one million foreigners to visit the country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will run Nov. 20-Dec. 18. Under the new directives, travelers will no longer be required to present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken no more than 24 hours before arrival. Visitors and residents will also no longer be subject to downloading and activating the Ehteraz mobile application to access indoor spaces within the country; Ehteraz has been serving as the country's contract tracing application. However, individuals must still download the application before they can visit medical facilities.

Additionally, residents and nationals will no longer need to take a RAT or PCR test within 24 hours of returning to the country. However, individuals who contract COVID-19 are subject to a 10-day isolation period divided into two five-day phases. The first phase consists of self-isolation; Qataris can self-isolate at their residences, while travelers must quarantine in their hotels. During the second phase, such individuals must wear facemasks when interacting with others.

Qatari authorities lifted the nation's requirement that facemasks be worn in closed public spaces, except on public transportation and in medical facilities on Sept. 1. However, employees whose work requires them to interact with customers must continue to wear masks. Moreover, Qatar's Red list of countries and quarantine rules for incoming travelers are no longer in force.

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 take an RAT 24 hours before entering enclosed public spaces.

Authorities could introduce new restrictions or amend existing ones 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