Travelers heading to the World Cup in Qatar will need to show a negative COVID-19 test upon entering the country. This rule is in effect for everyone over the age of five, regardless of vaccination status.
The negative PCR test must also be done no more than 48 hours before the departure time. For fans using a rapid antigen test (RAT), a negative result cannot be more than 24 hours prior to tee time. These negative test results must be presented at the airport check-in counters in Qatar.
The tournament organizers also claimed that these COVID-19 tests must be done in a medical center. RAT self-tests performed at home will not be valid. Children under the age of six will not have to take the tests.
Fans arriving in Qatar for the World Cup will not be required to quarantine for any period of time, regardless of vaccination status. However, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be ordered to self-isolate.
We are pleased to announce that vaccination against Covid-19 is no longer mandatory for fans visiting this year’s #FIFA World Cup. More details can be found below: https://t.co/J7EgLmdyup
See you at #Qatar2022! pic.twitter.com/bLA7Dyy1o7
— Embassy of Qatar – Switzerland (@QatarEmb_Bern) September 29, 2022
COVID-19 tests before the World Cup
Visitors will not have to take any tests for COVID-19 once they arrive in the country. Additionally, Qatar does not currently require travelers to take a test before leaving the airport. However, many countries have different rules on the matter. Travelers should check their destination country to ensure guidelines.
Masks must also be worn on public transport in Qatar. This includes the metro system in Doha that many fans will use to get around the city and the stadiums in the area.
According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, Qatar has had almost 450,000 positive cases of COVID-19. The Middle Eastern country currently has a population of nearly 2.9 million people. The study also stated that more than 97% of Qatari residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The data suggested that many people within the country have received multiple doses.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Action Images
