In order to prepare for the large influx of people arriving for the FIFA World Cup 2022, The authorities in Qatar have banned non event-ticketed visitors from entering country during the tournament period.
Qatar restricted entry dates
Starting from November 1 until December 23, only Hayya Card holders will be allowed to enter during this period says Col. Jassim Al Sayed, Executive Director, Office of the Commander of the Tournament Security Operations. The card is the official fan ID issued by the government for everyone with tickets to the World Cup and allows fans to stay in Qatar until January 23.
Hayya Card holders will also receive a 90 day multiply-entry tourist visa to enter the UAE even after the FIFA World Cup is over. To learn more about the card’s benefits, click here.
This new restriction does not only affect visitors wishing to enter the country through one of its airports. According to Brig. Abdulla Khalifa Al-Muftah, Director of Public Relations Dept and Head of Media Unit and Security Committee, this restriction applies to all visitors without a Hayya Card wishing to enter the country though its air, land, and marine borders.
Qatari citizens, residents, GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card, those with personal visas, work entry permits as well as approved humanitarian cases are exempt from this rule and can enter the country as normal.
Are there any tickets left?
FIFA have stated that 2.45 million of the three million tickets have been sold and that the final round of online sales will be held later this month. The exact date will be announced later and fans are being told to regularly check the the FIFA website for updates here.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 will take place from November 20 to December 18 with tournament hosts Qatar facing off against Ecuador in the opening match. This will mark the first time in history that an Arab country has hosted the World Cup in its 92 year history.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the tournament in Qatar will be the “best-ever” and that fans will have an experience similar to “a child going to Disneyland for the first time and seeing the attractions and the toys.”