Qatar to welcome non-ticketed FIFA World Cup fans from December 2

Non-ticketed FIFA World Cup fans will be permitted to enter Qatar after the tournament’s group stage has concluded, event organisers have said.

“We are delighted to announce today that non-ticketed fans will be able to enter the State of Qatar after the conclusion of the group stage on 2 December 2022 to enjoy the unique tournament atmosphere,” said Colonel Dr. Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.

“Non-ticketed fans can apply for their Hayya Cards to enter the State of Qatar through the Hayya platform or Hayya to Qatar 2022 mobile app from today, according to the listed requirements and QAR500 entry fee for children aged 12 and over. Under 12 will not be charged,” added Dr Al Nuaimi, who is also the official spokesperson of the Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC).

We are delighted to announce that fans without tickets can enter the State of Qatar after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group Stage – starting from 2 Dec 2022 – to enjoy the unique atmosphere here with teams and fans in the country. pic.twitter.com/cIoNdO767T

— Road to 2022 (@roadto2022en) November 3, 2022

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 organisers outlined the operational aspects of the tournament during a press conference, covering topics such as transport, medical guidance and security protocols, etc.

The World Cup will be held from November 20 to December 18 across eight stadiums.

Fans are neither required to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test on arrival in Qatar nor are required to download the EHTERAZ application. Emergency healthcare will be provided for free to Hayya Card holders at public health facilities.

Read: Qatar scraps Covid-19 test requirements for inbound visitors ahead of World Cup

Visiting fans are encouraged to use public transport, including the dedicated bus services and Doha Metro. Meanwhile, organisers said that Qatar residents are advised to use their private cars to attend matches.

“Our state-of-the-art public transport systems will provide seamless options for fans to get around,” added Eng Ali Al Ali, deputy director general – event operations,  Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

“Thanks to our compact tournament, fans will never be far from a stadium, their accommodation or entertainment site – and will even have the chance to attend more than one match per day during the early stages of the tournament.”

Fans must apply for the mandatory Hayya Card, which will provide access to stadiums for ticketed fans and enable international visitors to enter Qatar.