Qatar: Authorities further relax domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective June 18 /update 29

Event

Authorities announced that the second phase in their plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions will begin June 18. The following measures will take effect during the second phase:

• Restaurants may operate at 50 percent capacity outdoors and 30 percent capacity indoors for vaccinated individuals only.

• A maximum of ten vaccinated individuals or five non-vaccinated individuals are permitted to gather in enclosed spaces.

• Offices will be able to operate at up to 80 percent capacity of the total number of employees. Non-vaccinated employees and those that are not yet fully vaccinated are required to take antigen tests weekly. Those that have recently recovered from the COVID-19 virus are not obliged to take the antigen test weekly.

• In-person meetings are limited to 15 fully vaccinated individuals.

• There is a limit of four individuals in one car, with the exception of families.

• Malls are permitted to operate at 50 percent capacity, though food courts, public restrooms, and mosques are to operate at 30 percent.

• Weddings may now proceed; however, wedding venues and hotels are restricted to 40 people. Of those 40 people, at least 75 percent of them must be vaccinated.

• Teachers and private education staff must be fully vaccinated, while education centers may operate at 30 percent capacity.

• 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.

The third phase is due to start July 9.

Travel Restrictions
Individuals traveling from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka are required to quarantine for 10 days at a government-designated hotel upon arrival, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated. Passengers from these countries must also obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure. The measures apply to both travelers arriving via direct flights or transit.

Meanwhile, 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. Travelers from other countries have to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival. The results have to be accredited by the local Ministry of Health in the country of departure.

Currently, only nationals, permanent residents, vaccinated GCC citizens and 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.

At present, permitted individuals who have received the required doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines are exempt from quarantine requirements when returning to Qatar; they must allow at least 14 days to pass following their final dose and test negative upon arrival. The quarantine exemption will be valid for six months, starting from 14 days after the final 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