Vaccination is not mandatory for fans visiting Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. However, there are a number of precautions that fans should follow to ensure they do not come into contact with a contagious disease.
Fans who arrive in Qatar for the World Cup should get a negative rapid antigen test. They must also download the government-run Ehteraz app to track their movements and their health status. They should also follow Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health guidelines for vaccination and travel.
FIFA is advising all fans who are planning to attend the 2022 World Cup to get up to date vaccinations for influenza and Covid-19. Fans will also need to get a Hayya Card if they plan to stay in Qatar longer than 24 hours. This card can be used to enter the country until January 2023. However, if a fan arrives in Qatar for less than 24 hours, they will still need to register their travel details on the Ehteraz contact tracing mobile application.
Qatar has confirmed nearly 450,000 cases of COVID-19, with 682 people dying from the virus. The World Cup is the largest global event since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Since the start of the pandemic, the tiny Gulf Arab state has administered 4.6 million vaccines to its population. In order to limit the spread of the virus, Qatar has put in place public health policies that have been in place since September.
FIFA wants to see the World Cup as an indication of the progress made in overcoming the pandemic. However, the tournament has been rife with controversy since the announcement. It was claimed that FIFA had failed to consider the human rights record of Qatar before deciding to award the 2022 World Cup to the state. In addition, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was arrested and accused of disrespecting Qatari culture.
Footballers who arrive in Qatar for the World Cup will not be required to undergo a Covid-19 vaccination. They will also not be subjected to draconian movement restrictions. However, they will be encouraged to wear masks while travelling on public transport and during crowds. However, if they develop symptoms, they will be required to isolate themselves according to Qatari health guidelines.
FIFA’s COVID-19 Travel & Return Policy was revised on 1 November. Qatari citizens will no longer need to take a negative PCR test before leaving the country. They will also not have to take a COVID-19 test before they leave. Fans visiting the country for the World Cup will also no longer need to bring proof of a PCR test. They must bring a negative COVID-19 test to the airport.
Qatar has put in place a number of restrictions for its 1.2 million expected visitors. Fans should follow Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health guidelines, as well as the FIFA Travel Advice page for their country of residence. The country has imposed a number of restrictions on the importation of alcohol. Alcohol is only permitted to be consumed in licensed bars and restaurants, or in hotels that have a valid permit. It is also illegal to drink alcohol in public.
