Qatar: Updated Entrance Policy for EU and GCC Nationals

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points  

  • Adjustment of entrance requirements for fully vaccinated travelers arriving from non-Red Health Measure list countries in the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council  

Overview 

On 16 March 2022, the government of Qatar announced an update to its COVID-19 travel and return policy. Under this change, fully vaccinated foreign nationals from the European Union (EU) and those from member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will not need to complete the pre-travel registration form.  

These travelers will also not be required to undergo pre-arrival PCR testing so long as the country of departure is not listed in the Red Health Measures list. Instead, these travelers will be required to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in Qatar. Travelers who do arrive with a negative PCR test will be exempt from rapid antigen testing.  

The government also extended the validity period of vaccination to 12 months for individuals who have received a COVID-19 booster dose or recovered from COVID-19.   

What are the Changes?  

The government of Qatar updated its travel and entrance requirements on 16 March 2022. These changes will impact fully vaccinated travelers arriving from EU and GCC countries. The government stated that these changes were made in order to facilitate smoother entry into Qatar and safeguard Qatari citizens against the risk of infection of COVID-19.  

Looking Ahead 

Continue to check the government of Qatar’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.  


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This article was published on 18 March 2022 and may not be the most recent update concerning COVID-19 entrance restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine measurers. For the most recent updates be sure to check our Global Mobility Resource Center.

Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.