NOTE: Please check the official MOPH website before you make any travel plans and call the relevant entity or authority to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
The Ministry of Public Health has announced the following updates regarding the travel and return policy for COVID-19, effective Wednesday, 01 December 2021 at 6 pm.
*Please see below for the policies for those coming from SOME Exceptional Red List countries.
Please check the updated travel and return policy effective from 28 February 2022, 7 pm here.
General policy
- Qatar has classified countries into two lists, Green and Red, in addition to a secondary list of Exceptional Red Countries based on international and local health risk indicators and the epidemiology of Covid-19 in the different countries. To see the latest Green, Red, and Exceptional Red list countries, please check our COVID-19 page.
- Citizens and residents can travel abroad at any time provided that the travel and return policy is adhered to when returning to Qatar.
- The Ministry of Public Health advises citizens and residents to comply with COVID-19 health measures currently in place in the country of arrival.
- Travelers are responsible for keeping up to date with changes to the travel and return policy through official sources before planning to travel to Qatar.
- Travelers must comply with Qatar's COVID-19 procedures at all time to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Non-residents of Qatar must register via the pre-registration system for people entering the State of Qatar on www.ehteraz.gov.qa website and upload all relevant documents such as vaccine certificate at least 3 days before arrival. Although pre-registration is optional for citizens and residents of Qatar, the Ministry of Public Health recommends that all individuals entering Qatar pre-register to ensure the best experience upon arrival in Qatar. Additionally, PCR test result is no longer required during the electronic pre-registration process. Instead, travelers must present the original copy of the PCR test result to the airlines in order to allow them to board the plane, or at the country’s ports (land and sea). Note that the Ministry of Public Health has the right to conduct random examinations of travelers upon arrival in a country Qatar through its air, land and sea ports.
- Travelers should download the Ehteraz mobile application and activate it on their mobile phones using a local or international SIM card.
- All passengers must sign an Undertaking and Acknowledgement Form before arriving in Qatar. The form is available on the Ministry of Public Health website, pre-registration platform website ( www.ehteraz.gov.qa ) and airline online booking form. Citizens and residents who are fully vaccinated inside the State of Qatar arriving from one of the Green List countries are exempt from this requirement.
- Travelers must take a PCR test result at a medical center accredited by the health authorities in the country of departure. The test result must be negative and must be done 72 hours before arrival in Qatar. (Please see the examination policy for more detailed guidance.)
- Travelers should check the quarantine policy for detailed guidance according to the country of arrival classification.
- In the case of home quarantine, accommodation conditions must be appropriate, and if the property does not comply with the conditions mentioned in the undertaking, the traveler must book the hotel quarantine package through Discover Qatar's website before travelling to Qatar.
- Travelers arriving in Qatar should go to the COVID-19 test clinic at the access port in case of any COVID-19-related symptoms and take the necessary isolation measures.
- These policies apply to arrivals across all Qatar entry points.
- Below is a list of approved and conditionally approved vaccines by the Ministry of Public Health:
Approved Vaccines
| Conditionally Approved vaccines*
|
|---|
- Pfizer / BioNTech (Comirnaty) - Two Doses
| - Sinopharm vaccine - Two Doses
|
- Moderna (SpikeVax) - Two Doses
| |
- AstraZeneca (Covishield / Oxford / Vaxzevria) - Two Doses
| |
- Jansen / Johnson & Johnson (only one dose)
| |
- *Serology Antibody test with a positive result is mandatory before travelling to Qatar for people with two doses of a conditionally approved vaccines and 14 days after the second dose, in which case only the traveler will be considered fully immune.
- *People who have received two doses of a conditionally approved vaccine followed by one dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and after 14 days from the last dose will be considered fully immune.
- Travelers who are fully immunized outside Qatar with a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar are required to submit the original vaccine certificate and other supporting documents written in Arabic or English proving that they have obtained the vaccine, as follows:
- The name of the traveler must be identical to that on the passport.
- Dose dates by vaccine type (one dose for Jansen vaccine and two doses for other vaccines).
- Type/name of vaccine.
- The serial number of the vaccine batch (if any).
Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19
- Citizens and residents of Qatar who have recovered from COVID-19 infection, or those from any GCC country who have recovered from the virus and who have subsequently received at least one dose of a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health, receive the same treatment as those fully vaccinated for a period of 12 months starting from the 14th day of the date of recovery, or 14 days after receiving the vaccine dose in case of recovery.
- Travelers recovered from COVID-19 in any GCC country must provide an official certificate confirming the previous COVID-19 infection and vaccination status.
Important notes:
- A positive Serology Antibody test pre-travel is mandatory for individuals with two doses of a conditionally approved vaccine, with the validity of the test being 30 days. If the travelers is unable to take the test in the country of departure or the test results appear negative, the traveler must undergo quarantine for 7 days. (please refer to the quarantine policy for detailed instructions).
- Fully vaccinated travelers must immediately take a PCR test upon arrival in the country in one of the designated places. (Please see our testing policy for detailed instructions).
- With regard to unvaccinated travelers, their health status in the Ehteraz app will automatically change to yellow upon arrival in the State of Qatar, due to the necessity of being subject to quarantine (please review the quarantine policy for detailed instructions).
- Travelers should not go to work or mix with others until the PCR test result is out.
Policies for those coming from Green list countries
To see the latest Green, Red, and Exceptional Red list countries, please check our COVID-19 page.
Group A: Citizens, GCC citizens, and residents of Qatar
A- Citizens and residents of Qatar
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Travelers who are fully vaccinated, inside or outside Qatar, by a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health, or who have a conditionally approved vaccine, or who have recovered from COVID-19 inside Qatar and 14 days have passed from the date of recovery:
- The following categories will be exempt from quarantine upon arrival in Qatar:
- Everyone aged 12 years and above.
- Children aged 11 years and below accompanied by one or both of their parents/family members who are fully vaccinated.
| Before arrival:- These travelers are exempted from requiring a negative PCR result within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar.
- Passengers with a conditionally certified vaccine must perform a Serology Antibody test before arriving in Qatar and if the passenger is unable to take the test in the country of departure, the passenger must undergo home quarantine for 7 days.
After arrival:- The following categories of traveler must perform a PCR test within 36 hours of arriving in Qatar as follows:
- Everyone aged 12 years and older.
- Children 4 years and older accompanying one or both their parents who are fully vaccinated.
- Children aged 3 years and below accompanying one or both parents who are fully vaccinated are exempt.
PCR tests can be done at:- Primary Health Care Corporation health centers.
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
2. Travelers who are not vaccinated, ineligible for the vaccine, or who have not completed the necessary vaccination doses:
- This group (all ages) will be subject to home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country
| Before arrival: - Undergo a PCR test with a negative result 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (all age groups).
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative.
PCR tests can be done at: - Primary Health Care Corporation health centers
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
|---|
B- GCC Citizens
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Travelers who are fully vaccinated, inside or outside Qatar, by a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health, or who have a conditionally approved vaccine, or who have recovered from COVID-19 within a GCC country and 14 days have passed from the date of recovery, provided that one dose of a MOPH approved vaccine has been given.
- The following categories will be exempted from quarantine upon arrival in the country:
- Everyone aged 12 years and above.
- Children aged 11 years and below accompanied by one or both of their parents/family members who are fully vaccinated.
| Before arrival:- Conduct a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (all age groups).
- Children aged 3 years and below accompanying one or both parents who are fully vaccinated are exempt.
- Passengers with a conditionally certified vaccine must perform a Serology Antibody test before arriving in Qatar and if the passenger is unable to take the test in the country of departure, the passenger must undergo home quarantine for 7 days.
After arrival: |
2 . Travelers who are not fully vaccinated or ineligible for the vaccine or who have not completed the required vaccine doses:
- This group (all ages) will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country.
- The following category will be subject to home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country:
- GCC citizens (non-residents) coming to stay with first-degree relatives residing in Qatar (on the condition that they provide proof of the relationship and national address data).
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative.
PCR tests can be done at: - In the case of hotel quarantine: in the quarantine hotel.
- In the case of home quarantine: private clinics/hospitals approved by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
|---|
Group B: Visitors to Qatar with pre-approved and on-arrival visas
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Travelers who are fully vaccinated by a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health or who have received one of the conditionally approved vaccines
- The following categories will be exempt from quarantine:
- Travelers aged 12 years and above.
- Children aged 11 years below and accompanied by one or both of their parents/family members who are fully vaccinated.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (all age groups).
- Children aged 3 years and below accompanying one or both parents who are fully vaccinated are exempt.
- Passengers with a conditionally certified vaccine must perform a Serology Antibody test before arriving in Qatar and if the passenger is unable to take the test in the country of departure, the passenger must undergo hotel quarantine for 7 days.
After arrival: |
2. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated or who have not completed the required vaccine doses:- This group (all ages) will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country.
- The following category will be subject to home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country:
- Travelers with pre-issued family visas to visit one of their first-degree relatives residing in Qatar (on the condition that they provide proof of the relationship and national address data).
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative.
PCR test places:- In the case of hotel quarantine: in the quarantine hotel.
- In the case of home quarantine: private clinics/hospitals approved by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
Policies for those coming from RED list countries
To see the latest Green, Red, and Exceptional Red list countries, please check our COVID-19 page.
Group A: Citizens, GCC citizens, and residents of Qatar
1- Citizens and residents of Qatar
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Travelers who are fully vaccinated, inside or outside Qatar, by a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health, or who have a conditionally approved vaccine, or who have recovered from COVID-19 inside Qatar and 14 days have passed from the date of recovery:
- The following categories will be exempted from home quarantine upon arrival in the country after a negative PCR test result appears:
- Everyone aged 12 years and above.
- Children aged 11 years and below accompanied by one or both of their parents/family members who are fully vaccinated.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (all age groups).Passengers with a conditionally certified vaccine must perform a Serology Antibody test before arriving in Qatar and if the passenger is unable to take the test in the country of departure, the passenger must undergo home quarantine for 7 days.
After arrival: - Conduct a PCR test within 36 hours of arriving in Qatar (All age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR):- Primary Health Care Corporation health centers
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
2. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated or ineligible for the vaccine or who have not completed the required vaccine doses:- This group (all ages) will be subject to home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (all age groups).
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative (all age groups)
Places to take a test (PCR):- Primary Health Care Corporation health centers
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
|---|
2- GCC Citizens
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Travelers who are fully vaccinated, inside or outside Qatar, by a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health, or who have a conditionally approved vaccine, or who have recovered from COVID-19 within a GCC country and 14 days have passed from the date of recovery, provided that one dose of a MOPH approved vaccine has been given:
- These travelers (all age groups) will be subject to hotel quarantine for two days upon arrival in the country.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (all age groups).
- Passengers with a conditionally certified vaccine must perform a Serology Antibody test before arriving in Qatar and if the passenger is unable to take the test in the country of departure, the passenger must undergo hotel quarantine for 7 days.
After arrival: - Conduct a PCR test at the quarantine hotel (All age groups)
|
2 . Travelers who are not fully vaccinated or who have not completed the required vaccine doses:- This group (all ages) will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 upon arrival in the country.
- The following category will be subject to home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country:
- GCC citizens (non-residents) coming to stay with first-degree relatives residing in Qatar (on the condition that they provide proof of the relationship and national address data).
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative (all age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR):- In the case of home quarantine: private clinics/hospitals approved by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct the test.
- In the case of hotel quarantine: in the quarantine hotel.
|
|---|
Group B: Visitors to Qatar with pre-approved and on-arrival visas
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Travellers who are fully vaccinated by a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Public Health or a conditionally approved vaccine
- The following categories will be subject to hotel quarantine for two days upon arrival in the country:
- Everyone aged 12 years and older.
- Children aged 11 years and below accompanied by one or both of their parents/family members who are fully vaccinated.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups)
- Passengers with a conditionally certified vaccine must perform a Serology Antibody test before arriving in Qatar and if the passenger is unable to take the test in the country of departure, the passenger must undergo hotel quarantine for 7 days.
After arrival: - Conduct a PCR test at the quarantine hotel (All age groups).
|
2. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated or who have not completed the required vaccine doses:- This group (of all age groups) will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country.
- The following category will be subject to home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country:
- Travelers with pre-issued family visas to visit one of their first-degree relatives residing in Qatar (on the condition that they provide proof of the relationship and national address data).
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative (all age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR):- In the case of home quarantine: private clinics/hospitals approved by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct the test.
- In the case of hotel quarantine: in the quarantine hotel.
|
|
Policies for those coming from the Exceptional Red List countries:
To see the latest Green, Red, and Exceptional Red list countries, please check our COVID-19 page.
Group A: Citizens, GCC citizens, and Residents of Qatar
A- Citizens
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Fully vaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to a home quarantine for 2 days upon arrival in the country.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- Conduct a PCR test within 36 hours of arriving in Qatar (All age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR):- Primary Health Care Corporation health centers
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
|---|
2. Unvaccinated travelers:- These travelers will be subject to a home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country.
| Before arrival:
- Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar
After arrival:
- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative (all age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR):
- Primary Health Care Corporation health centers
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
B- Residents of Qatar and GCC citizens
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Fully vaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to hotel quarantine for 2 days upon arrival in Qatar.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival (all age groups).
|
|---|
2. Unvaccinated travelers:- These travelers will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in Qatar.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- A PCR test is required on the sixth day of quarantine and the individual will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative (all age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR): |
Group B: Visitors to Qatar with pre-approved and on-arrival visas
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
1. Fully vaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to hotel quarantine for 2 days upon arrival in Qatar.
| Before arrival:- Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival (all age groups).
|
2. Unvaccinated travelers
|
Policies for those coming from SOME Exceptional Red List countries (listed below):
- Botswana
- Egypt
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
Group A: Citizens, GCC citizens, and residents of Qatar
A- Citizens
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Fully vaccinated and Unvaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to a home quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the country, with the option to choose to undergo hotel quarantine if desired.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival in Qatar.
After arrival:- In the case of home quarantine (all age groups):
- Conduct a PCR test on arrival in Qatar at one of the ports.
- A PCR test will be performed on arrival on the sixth day and if a negative test result appears, the person will be released from quarantine on the seventh day.
- In the case of hotel quarantine (all age groups):
- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival.
- A PCR test will be performed on the sixth day and if the test result is negative, the person will be released from quarantine on the seventh day.
|
B- GCC citizens
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Fully vaccinated and Unvaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in Qatar.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival in Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival (all age groups).
- A PCR test will be performed on the sixth day and if the test result is negative, the person will be released from quarantine on the seventh day (all age groups).
|
C- Residents of Qatar
|
|---|
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
|---|
1. Fully vaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to quarantine for 7days upon arrival as follow:
- Hotel quarantine for 2 days
- Home quarantine for 5 days
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival in Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival (all age groups).
- A PCR test will be performed on the sixth day and if the test result is negative, the person will be released from quarantine on the seventh day (all age groups).
Places to take a test (PCR):
- In case of hotel quarantine:
- In case of home quarantine:
- Primary Health Care Corporation health centers
- Private clinics/hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Public Health to conduct this test.
|
|---|
2. Unvaccinated travelers:- These travelers will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in Qatar.
| Before arrival: - Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival in Qatar (All age groups).
After arrival:- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival (all age groups).
- A PCR test will be performed on the sixth day and if the test result is negative, the person will be released from quarantine on the seventh day (all age groups).
|
Group B: Visitors to Qatar with pre-approved and on-arrival visas
Quarantine policy
| Test policy
|
1. Fully vaccinated travelers:
- These travelers will be subject to hotel quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in Qatar.
| Before arrival:- Conduct a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival to Qatar (All age groups)
After arrival:- The PCR test will be done on the first day at the quarantine hotel after arrival (all age groups).
- A PCR test will be performed on the sixth day and if the test result is negative, the person will be released from quarantine on the seventh day (all age groups).
|
2. Unvaccinated travelers
|
Ehteraz application policies:
- Passengers arriving in Qatar must download and activate the Ehteraz app on their mobile devices upon arrival at Qatar’s entry ports. To do so, the traveler must have the following:
- SIM card from one of Qatar's service providers (Ooredoo or Vodafone) or an international SIM card.
- Mobile internet connection.
- The smartphone should support Android 6, newer versions or IOS 13.5 and later versions.
- Download and install the app on the mobile phone either via Google Play, Apple App Store or from any online search engines.
- SIM cards and smartphones are available for purchase at Hamad International Airport and Abu Samra border crossing if the passenger does not own them before arrival.
- Diplomats, administrative card holders and VIP visitors arriving on official state visits are excluded from this measure.
- The Health Status on the Eheterz app will remain yellow throughout the quarantine period, until the result of the COVID-19 test comes out negative in accordance with the above quarantine policy.
- The Heath Status on the Ehteraz mobile app for fully vaccinated persons in Qatar will remain green with a golden frame to indicate that they are excluded from quarantine if the result of the PCR test is negative and that they have completed 14 days from the date of the prescribed doses of the vaccine.
- The Health Status for citizens and residents who have received the vaccine outside Qatar will remain green without a golden frame until their vaccine data is updated in the system.
- The Health Status on the Ehteraz app for visitors who have received the vaccine outside Qatar will remain green without a golden frame until their vaccine data is updated in the system.
Passengers returning from performing Umrah:
- Citizens and residents arriving from Umrah who are unable to obtain a valid PCR test from the departure country are allowed to board their flights provided they undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Hamad International Airport or Abu Samra border crossing for a specific fee for each test.
- According to Saudi Arabia's rules, only people who receive vaccine doses licensed by the Ministry of Public Health can perform Umrah and visit Mecca.
- People planning to travel to Umrah should review the policies and procedures announced by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
COVID-19 tests cost:
Type of Test
| Cost Per Test
|
|---|
PCR Test
| QR 160
|
Rapid Antigen
| QR 50
|
Serology Antibody test
| QR 50 |
Source: Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)
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