Qatar affirms COVID-19 tests requirements ahead of World Cup

Travelers heading to the World Cup in Qatar will have to show a negative COVID-19 test upon entering the country. This rule is in place for all people over the age of five, regardless of vaccination status.

The negative PCR test must also be taken no more than 48 hours before departure time. For fans using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), a negative result can not be older than 24 hours before departure time. These negative test results have to be presented at the airport check-in counters in Qatar.

Organizers of the tournament also claimed that these COVID-19 tests must be done at a medical center. RAT self-tests done at home will not be valid. Children under six will not have to take the tests.

Fans arriving in Qatar for the World Cup will not have to quarantine for any period of time, regardless of vaccination status. However, anyone that tests positive for COVID-19 will be ordered to isolate.

We are pleased to announce that Covid-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory for the fans visiting this year’s #FIFA World Cup. More details can be found below:https://t.co/J7EgLmdyup

See you in #Qatar2022 ! pic.twitter.com/bLA7Dyy1o7

— Qatar Embassy – Switzerland (@QatarEmb_Bern) September 29, 2022

COVID-19 tests ahead of the World Cup

Visitors will not have to take any COVID-19 tests once they arrive to the country. Also, Qatar currently does not require travelers to take a test prior to departing the airport. Nevertheless, many countries have different rules on the issue. Travelers should check their destination country to make sure of the guidelines.

Masks must also be worn in public transportation in Qatar. This includes the subway system in Doha that many fans will use to get around town and to the stadiums in the area.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, Qatar has had nearly 450,000 positive cases of COVID-19. The Middle Eastern country currently has a population of nearly 2.9 million people. The study also claimed that over 97% of Qatar’s inhabitants have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Data suggested that many people inside the country have had multiple doses.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Action Pictures