Ahead of World Cup, Qatar scraps COVID-19 test requirement for fans
World Cup host Qatar has scrapped a requirement for visitors to obtain a negative COVID-19 test before departing for the Gulf state, its health ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The new regulations will take effect on November 1.
The Qatari Ministry of Public Health announced updates to their coronavirus safety measures, saying “visitors are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Antigen Test result before traveling to Qatar.”
Citizens and residents of the country also no longer needed to take a coronavirus test within 24 hours of arrival. The Health Ministry also dropped a requirement that adults show their COVID-19 status on a government-run contact tracing smartphone application called Ehteraz before entering stadiums or other establishments like shops and restaurants. Visitors and residents must still show the application before entering a healthcare facility, the statement said.
Earlier, Qatar had told fans attending the World Cup they must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test regardless of their vaccination status, before departing by air or at the border crossing. The Qatari health authorities said they were fully prepared for the World Cup– the biggest global event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doha will be flooded with more than 1.5 million supporters from all over the world. All World Cup visitors, workers, players, and technical staff must be fully vaccinated to attend or participate in the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 tournament.
Citizens and residents of the country also no longer needed to take a coronavirus test within 24 hours of arrival. The Health Ministry also dropped a requirement that adults show their COVID-19 status on a government-run contact tracing smartphone application called Ehteraz before entering stadiums or other establishments like shops and restaurants. Visitors and residents must still show the application before entering a healthcare facility, the statement said.
Earlier, Qatar had told fans attending the World Cup they must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test regardless of their vaccination status, before departing by air or at the border crossing. The Qatari health authorities said they were fully prepared for the World Cup– the biggest global event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doha will be flooded with more than 1.5 million supporters from all over the world. All World Cup visitors, workers, players, and technical staff must be fully vaccinated to attend or participate in the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 tournament.