Everything you need to know about planes, permits and PCR tests.
It’s all kicking off – the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is just around the corner. As Qatar welcomes an influx of visitors, footie fans are expected to flock to the UAE. If you’re one of the lucky ticket holders and you’re trying to figure out your shuttle services from your Hayya Card, fret not.
Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from the UAE to Qatar for the world’s greatest football tournament. Note: la’eeb hats are optional.
PCR Tests
Before you get carried away packing your team colours, make sure you’ve booked yourself a PCR test. Regardless of your vaccination status, all visitors attending matches must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
The rules apply to visitors aged six years old and above, and the PCR test must be taken within 48 hours of departure. Rapid antigen tests must be taken 24 hours before arriving in Qatar. The tests must be carried out in the country of origin, and presented at the airport before boarding.
Travellers must also fill out an Ehteraz form before departure, and register their PCR test results. GCC citizens and residents do not have to register on Ehteraz.
Hayya Card
All fans who are attending FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 must sign up for a Hayya Card. In order to apply for the card, you must have a match ticket. It is not mandatory to have accommodation booked. The Hayya Card is not required to book a match ticket or accommodation, and there is no deadline for applications. The card is digital and available on the Hayya app.
Fans who are using the shuttle service and visiting Qatar for the day must also sign up for a Hayya Card. Regardless of whether you are entering by sea or air, the process for entry is the same. All GCC nationals and residents will need to apply for the card if they intend to travel between 1 November 2022 and 23 January 2023.
The Hayya Card acts as an entry permit into Qatar. The card grants visitors access into the country and stadium. It also provides free travel on public transport. Even if visitors are not attending a match, they are still required to register for the Hayya Card.
Shuttle service
Thanks to the shuttle services from Dubai to Doha, this means you don’t have to struggle to book accommodation. The flight takes one hour and ten minutes, with departures from Dubai World Central and Dubai International Airport.
The airlines putting on the shuttle service include Qatar Airways and flydubai. Fans must be in possession of match tickets to board the aircraft, and are required to arrive up to six hours before kick-off. Departures must be scheduled at least an hour after the end of the match.
Travelling by road
For those who want a road trip, you can drive from Dubai to Doha. Travel for seven hours over 600 kilometres, and you will cross two borders: the UAE to Saudi Arabia and then Saudi Arabia to Qatar. If you park in Saudi Arabia at the Abu Samra land border, there are free shuttle buses to Doha.
Face masks
Remember to pack your face masks when you travel from the UAE to Qatar, as these are required on public transport and in health care facilities. If you want to look the part, burgundy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 face masks are available.
Travel in the region
Why stop at Qatar? There are 60 shuttle flights taking place every day from Riyadh and Jeddah to Qatar. All Hayya Card holders can enter Saudi Arabia for ten days before the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after obtaining an e-visa. Visa holders can stay in the kingdom for 60 days. Pre-entry into Qatar is not required.
GO: Visit www.qatar2022.qa more information.
