Qatar announces travel policy updates

Qatar has announced two important travel policy updates for visitors to the country. The state’s Ministry of Interior has announced that the validity of Hayya Cards will be extended until January 24, 2024. Those who obtained a Hayya Card for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 can now gain a free multiple-entry permit to Qatar and use of the e-gate system at state ports, provided they fulfil the following conditions:

• Proof of hotel reservation or accommodation with family or friends approved via the online Hayya Portal
• A passport valid for no less than three months upon arrival in Qatar
• Health insurance valid for the duration of the stay in the country – from the approved list of insurance companies from MoPH
• A valid return ticket

International fans with Hayya Cards can also access the “Hayya with Me” feature, which allows them to invite up to three family members or friends to visit Qatar.

The news comes as the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has updated the country’s entry requirements to make health insurance mandatory for all visitors to Qatar, from February 1, 2023. To enter Qatar, visitors must now purchase the Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance policy, for QAR 50 valid for 30 days, from the list of authorised Qatari providers.