Travel to Qatar From the UK - COVID & Visa Requirements

Qatar attracts more and more tourists from all over the planet with its combination of modernity and Arabic tradition. But this year, the country gets even more attention from Western interests since it will host one of the biggest sporting events in the world: the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Specifically for citizens from the United Kingdom, where football is one of the most popular sports, it is a special time to visit this small state.

However, before you go, it’s important to check all the requirements for entry to Qatar. From COVID-19 regulations to visas for Qatar, we got you covered. But rest assured, British travelers will not have many issues visiting Qatar for the World Cup or simply for a holiday.

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Where is Qatar?

For many UK passport holders, traveling to Qatar is a unique experience. In part, that is due to Qatar's location halfway around the world. Qatar is the smallest country hosting the World Cup since its foundation. Located on the west side of the Persian Gulf, it is connected to Saudi Arabia by land. There are just under three million people living in Qatar, mostly in or around Doha, the capital.

All you need to know about traveling to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar from November 1st, 2022 until January 23rd, 2023. It’s the first time that a country in the Middle East hosts the sporting event and a great opportunity for UK citizens who love football, to travel to this destination.

Hamad International Airport in Doha is the main way to enter the country. The matches will take place in Doha, Al Wakrah, and Al Khor. All cities are relatively close to each other, with no distance of more than 60km. You can also consider renting a car with an international driving permit, to visit the stadiums.

Since the event is coming up soon, it is recommended to book your accommodation as soon as possible, as many hotels and guesthouses are filling up quickly. If you can’t find a place to stay in Doha, it may be easier to find accommodation in Al Wakrah or Al Khor.

Now that you've got your tickets, learn more about the entry requirements for Qatar as a UK citizen!

Qatar entry requirements for UK nationals

For those who will visit Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there are some special requirements, such as applying for the Hayya Pass. The event is an excellent opportunity to see the most interesting cities in the country to watch different matches. It is easy to travel from one city to another in Qatar, since the territory is small.

Qatar Ehteraz pre-entry registration

Many countries around the world have specific pre-travel registration systems in place for arriving and departing passengers in order to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, including Qatar. The Ehteraz pre-registration is a declaration on the public health website of Qatar, that helps the government monitor health risks in the country.

It is not mandatory anymore for Hayya cardholders to download the Ehteraz app, but it is still recommended as it gives the most up-to-date info about the Coronavirus in Qatar.

How to obtain the Hayya Card for Qatar as a UK national

One of the local authorities' requirements during this time is to apply for a Hayya Card on the specific Qatar government website. This is a personalized document required not just for every single person attending FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches, but also for any tourist visiting the country during this period. The card will permit Qatar entry, as well as stadium access and free public transportation (underground and bus).

Visa requirements for Qatar for UK citizens

UK citizens are eligible for a Qatar visa on arrival. This Qatar visa is valid for 30 days, but if you need a 30 day-extension is possible. You receive it upon arrival at Doha’s airport, with no need to apply for a visa in advance at the Qatar embassy in the UK.

The requirements for a visa waiver are a passport (the passport validity needs to be at least six months with two blank visa pages), airline online booking form, and proof of funds to cover the duration of stay. In any case, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the airline that boarding will be permitted under these conditions.

COVID-19 regulations in Qatar

As a UK citizen, entering Qatar under COVID-19 isn't a problem. Having been removed from the red list, citizens from the UK have fewer restrictions.

The United Kingdom is currently classified as a green country by Qatar, which means British travelers will have to follow standard health measures. You are not required to do a PCR test or show a vaccination certificate to travel to Qatar. There are no quarantine requirements.