Last Updated on February 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 1 July 2022 and was updated on 23 August 2022 to reflect new information.
23 August 2022 Update: The government of Qatar announced that entry into the country will be restricted to Hayya card holders, residents and citizens of Qatar beginning 1 November 2022 through 23 January 2023. The government is expected to release further information for residents and individuals seeking entry permission into the country through the Hayya card.
Key Points
Travelers entering Qatar for the World Cup in the Fall of 2022 will need to apply for an identification card that will serve as an entry visa and allow the holder to travel around Qatar
Overview
The government of Qatar will require all foreign nationals traveling to the country for the World Cup to apply for a Hayya Card. The Hayya Card is an identification card that will also serve as an entry visa for foreign nationals who have obtained tickets for the World Cup. The card will be available in a digital format and applications can be submitted through the government of Qatar’s website. All foreign nationals, including nationals and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, will need to obtain the card to enter the country for the World Cup.
To obtain the card, applicants will need to provide proof of the following:
- Match ticket details;
- Personal information, including uploading a photo of a valid passport, date of birth and nationality.
Once submitted, applicants will receive information regarding the status of the application. If approved, applicants will be able to obtain their digital Hayya Card through the Hayya application.
The Hayya Card will be valid for international visitors from 1 November 2022 to 1 January 2023.
Travelers must adhere to Qatar’s COVID-19 entry health measures, which include providing proof of vaccination, certificate of recovery (if applicable) and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of departure. For additional information on COVID-19 measures for entering Qatar, check here. European Union citizens and GCC nationals may be subject to different entrance requirements.
The government of Qatar is currently experiencing processing delays for immigration authorization types, including tourism, business and family visa applications. The Ministry of Labor may stop the processing of all visa types beginning in August 2022 to reduce processing delays and backlogs. For further information regarding travel to Qatar, check here.
What are the Changes?
Foreign national travelers seeking entrance into Qatar for the World Cup will need to ensure that they have applied for and received a Hayya identification card. This card will serve as an entry visa and allow the traveler to transit throughout Qatar.
Looking Ahead
Further processing delays and backlogs in immigration documents are expected leading up to the World Cup event. The World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 November 2022 to 18 December 2022. 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 1 July 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.
