Please note that passengers traveling to Qatar from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will no longer require a negative pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test result.
Qatar is one of the main destinations in the Middle East. The country is the host of the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup and on top of that has plenty of attractions, from modern architecture to art museums. A great destination that amazes different types of travelers.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming events, the Qatar government has been very cautious and implemented public health measures to slow down the spread of the virus and protect both its citizens and visitors.
The applied protocols depend on if the international passengers are from a country on the Qatar Red List, Qatari citizens or residents, GCC citizens, or other visitors. The COVID-19 vaccination status will also impact the requirements to visit Qatar. On this page, we’ve summarized all the Qatar restrictions to help you plan your trip.
All about the Qatar vaccine registration
A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is not required to enter the territory, but fully vaccinated individuals have fewer restrictions on entry than unvaccinated visitors without a COVID-19 vaccine certificate. One of those requirements in to submit the Ehteraz Pre-entry Registration Form.
Qatar Ehteraz Pre-Entry Registration Form
The Ehteraz Pre-Entry Registration Form is a national authentication system, part of the measures to control the spread of COVID-19 and keep both Qatari citizens and visitors safe. Developed by the Ministry of Public Health, the document is a mandatory requirement to travel to Qatar. All passengers have to submit personal data, valid vaccine certificates (if applicable), COVID-19 test results (if applicable), and health status details through this form.
If you need assistance with submitting the Qatar Entry Form on the Qatar portal, simply use the iVisa application form, which will take less than 15 minutes. Afterward, you'll receive the document by email. You need to present this to local authorities upon arrival.
Additionally, you’ll have to download the Ehteraz mobile app using an international SIM card as soon as you enter Qatar.
Requirements to apply for the Qatar Entry Registration Form
In order to apply for the Entry Registration, you will need the following:
- Valid passport, with a copy of the information page.
- A credit or debit card to pay the processing fee.
- Negative PCR test result.
- An email address to receive the document.
COVID-19: Vaccination certificate requirements
A vaccination certificate is not required to travel to Qatar and most travelers can enter the territory without a COVID-19 vaccination. Since information may change quickly, we advise you to follow up on the latest Qatar travel updates and/or contact your local embassy.
Vaccine certificates: Approved vaccines to travel to Qatar
Travelers considered vaccinated are those who have two doses of an approved vaccine and an up-to-date booster dose. They have to submit the digital vaccine certificate format or digital passport in the Ehteraz form before departure. The final dose must have been administered at least two weeks before departure.
The approved vaccines are as follows: Pfizer / BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (SpikeVax), AstraZeneca (Covishield / Oxford / Vaxzevria), Janssen / Johnson & Johnson (one dose).
Do I need to take a COVID-19 test to enter Qatar?
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COVID test prior to arrival: PCR within 48 hours or Rapid Antigen within 24 hours
- COVID test exemptions: Children under 6, Qatari citizens and residents are exempt from the pre-departure testing requirement.
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COVID test after the arrival: Qatari citizens and residents aged 6 years and above must take a Rapid Antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in Qatar.
Will I be required to quarantine on arrival to Qatar?
There are no quarantine requirements in Qatar.
Gold vaccinated status
People will receive a golden status on the Ehteraz app once they are fully vaccinated. This means they have to only do a pre-arrival rapid test if they want to visit the country again.
However, Qatar has changed the vaccine certificate validity period of COVID-19 immunity from twelve to nine months following the second dose. Therefore, individuals whose second COVID-19 vaccine dose of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca was more than nine months ago will be considered unvaccinated and will lose their previously obtained Gold Frame status on Ehteraz.
Qatar has changed the vaccine certificate validity period of COVID-19 immunity from twelve to nine months following the second dose.
Traveling to Qatar with children
In case you’re travelling abroad with a minor, be aware that unvaccinated children up to the age of 12, traveling with vaccinated or recovered parents must follow the same rules that apply to their parents. They are not required to have a pre-travel PCR test, while a post-arrival test (Rapid Antigen Test) is still required.
Travel to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Book your flight to Qatar as soon as possible to get a better price and more options. The minor price difference between last-minute offers and booking now is rarely worth the wait.
Some of the airlines to offer flights to Qatar are from different departure points are:
- Qatar Airways
- Malaysia Airlines
- American Airlines
- Oman Air
- RwandAir
- Alaska Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- jetBlue
Apply for the Hayya Card
Travelers going to Qatar during the FIFA World Cup also have to apply for the Hayya Card. This card is a digital identification document. It’ll give access to stadiums and public transport, but also holds the visitor's personal information. Be aware that the Hayya Card doesn't replace a visa or registration form.
Things to do in Qatar
Qatar has so many places worth visiting besides the 2022 FIFA World Cup! Qatar's capital city, Doha, has a modern cityscape, but also a traditional Arab museum, markets, and culture. From Doha airport, you can explore Qatar's popular routes that will take you to smaller villages where you can enjoy beaches and Qatari gastronomy.
During your time in Qatar, make sure you spend some time in the desert. Driving across the desert to the sea is a spectacular experience because of the high and steep sand dunes. There's nothing better than sleeping under the stars in a luxury Arabian tent.
Questions about Qatar COVID-19 requirements and/or visas
If you have any additional questions or need further information about the Qatar vaccine registration form or visa requirements for Qatar, please contact our customer service experts online or via email at help@iVisa. We are happy to assist you 24/7.