Qatar suspends entry of visitors, excluding Hayya Card holders, during FIFA World Cup

Qatar has introduced new entry and exit measures for the duration of the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin less than two months from today.

Visitors to the country will be suspended through its air, land and marine borders from November 1 until December 22, with visit visas resuming from December 23, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has said.

However, Hayya card holders will be allowed to enter the country during the aforementioned period, which mark the duration of the FIFA World Cup. Hayya card holders can stay in the country until January 23, 2023.

Read: Hayya Card mandatory for all visitors to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Entry and exit measures to and from the State of #Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. #MOIQatar #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/lUDtyoSJyp

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) September 21, 2022

Qatari citizens, residents and GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card are exempt from the entry/exit directive. Holders of personal recruitment visas and work entry permits as well as humanitarian cases (based on the approval from the official application platform) are also exempt.

Press release from the Ministry of Interior regarding entry and exit regulations to and from the State of #Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. #MOIQatar #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/u3Pa1v3yXe

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) September 21, 2022

The ministry called on all to abide by the laws and regulations issued in this regard so as to ensure the football event is conducted successfully.

The UAE announced a multiple-entry tourist visa to Hayya Card holders attending the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, allowing them to enter the UAE multiple times over a period of 90 days.

Read: UAE to offer multiple-entry tourist visa to visitors attending FIFA World Cup 2022

The FIFA World Cup is starting on November 20, a day ahead of its original schedule, with hosts taking on Ecuador.

Read: FIFA World Cup may start one day earlier with Qatar-Ecuador game