World Cup 2022 – a fans’ guide to Qatar 

Football fans travelling to the World Cup will need to abide by strict Qatari regulations


Above: Modern skyline of West Bay, Doha as viewed from Museum of Islamic Art on city’s Corniche waterfront promenade


TRAVEL

All fans must pre-register for Hayya card – acts as visa, stadium pass (when used in conjunction with valid match ticket), free metro and bus pass

Online details: bit.ly/3W4NRuT

Foreign visitors are required to have medical insurance that is valid in Qatar


PHOTOGRAPHY
Avoid photographing or filming people and religious, military or construction sites


ALCOHOL
Drinking in public or drunken, unruly behaviour is not tolerated

Access to alcohol is limited to licensed restaurants and hotels, and you must be over 21 years old

Drinks will be sold at stadiums and at special Fan Festival in Doha, but only from 6pm-1am

Alcohol will not be sold during matches and cannot be consumed within sight of pitch


WHAT NOT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Weapons
Alcohol
E-cigarettes (vaping)
Drugs
Pornography
Pork products
Non-Islamic religious books


COUPLES

Co-habitation and sex outside wedlock are forbidden in Qatar – meaning unmarried couples are not permitted to share hotel rooms. Refrain from public displays of affection


LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. However, FIFA is pressuring hotels to allow same-sex couples to share
rooms


HEAT

Despite cooler time of year, average temperatures could still reach 25°C


COVID-19

Must download and register for Ehteraz Covid-19 app, three days prior to arrival

Must present negative PCR test certificate dated no more than 48 hours before flight, or negative antigen test certificate dated no more than 24 hours before flight

Online details: bit.ly/3TWIyvB bit.ly/3TTRh1K


CLOTHES

Conservative clothing should be worn in public

Men: No shorts or toplessness in public

Women: No bikinis on public beaches – only at hotel pool. Should cover shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers in public


Sources: Qatar Day, The Times, The Telegraph, Qatar 2022, Qatar Ministry of Public Health, UK government foreign travel advice 
Pictures: Florian Wehde (Unsplash), Qatar Airways, Claudia Altamimi (Unsplash), Creative Commons, Spencer Davis (Unsplash), Anheuser-Busch
© GRAPHIC NEWS