As the FIFA World Cup, which will take place from November 20th to December 18th, is scheduled to begin in Qatar, football enthusiasts are getting ready.
There are a few unique admission criteria you must be aware of if you're traveling to see the matches live. If you aren't aware before you depart, it's simple to get caught off guard when it comes to fan ID cards and the laws and restrictions around alcohol and tobacco.
Here is all the information you need to know before visiting Qatar for the World Cup.
To enter Qatar for the World Cup, what do I need?
From November 1st to December 23rd, football supporters must possess a Hayya Card, a type of fan ID, to enter the nation. Even if you don't intend to watch any of the games, you'll still need one.
Holders of match tickets are eligible to apply online and invite three extra non-ticketed guests. You can enter Qatar many times during the World Cup with your Hayya Card and you are then permitted to stay there until January 23rd of 2023.
On days when there are games, you will also get free access to the bus, subway and tram using the Hayya Card.
Do I need to do a Covid test to enter Qatar?
If you arrive in Qatar after 1st of November, you won't need to do a pre-departure PCR or fast antigen test. Additionally, unlike in the past, you are not required to pre-register before arriving on the government's Ehteraz health app.
Visitors to the World Cup won't require a Covid-19 vaccination certificate either.
However, it is wise to spend money on travel insurance that will protect both your vacation and any scheduled activities. Qatar offers excellent emergency medical services, however obtaining private care might be costly.
How can I make hotel reservations for the World Cup in Qatar?
Compared to other World Cup competitions, the lodging reservation process is a little different. Visitors are directed to the tournament's official booking agency website for hotels, villas, apartments and fan villages whether or not they are attending a match.
When you apply for your Hayya Card, your booking must be approved if you want to stay in the nation for more than 24 hours. Even if you want to stay with relatives or friends while watching the game, you must still register your lodging on the Hayya Portal website.
What should I watch out for in Qatar as a visitor?
Particularly when it comes to alcohol and e-cigarettes or vapes, laws in Qatar may differ significantly from those in your own country.
Visitors will only be allowed to get alcohol at the authorized restaurants and bars of hotels. Alcoholic beverages are anticipated to be available for purchase in the fan zones during games. Alcohol cannot be imported into Qatar and cannot be bought in stores like those found in Europe. The drinking age is 21 as well.
It is forbidden to use or import e-cigarettes into the nation, therefore fans have been encouraged to verify the country's nicotine use laws. Since 2014, vaping has been prohibited across Qatar, and violators risk jail time or penalties of up to 10,000 riyals (about 2,694 €).
Intimacy in public, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, is offensive and homosexuality is against the law in Qatar. Everyone is welcome, according to the World Cup host, who also added that there won't be any rules prohibiting friends or unmarried couples from sharing a hotel room.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment