Catherine W Gichuki

Doha

Qatar will suspend entries through visit visas from November 1 to December 23, 2022, making Hayya Card the only means to enter the country for visitors during the FIFA World Cup.

Qatari citizens and residents are exempted from this entry requirement, said the Ministry of Interior, along with GCC nationals bearing Qatari IDs, work-entry-permit holders, personal recruits (such as housemaids and drivers) and travellers warranting humanitarian consideration.

Hayya Card-holders can enter the country from November 1 until December 23, 2022, said Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, Director of Public Relations Department and Head of the Media Unit, World Cup Safety and Security Committee. Once entered, they can stay in the country until January 23, 2023, he added.

Hayya Card is a personalised fan ID issued by Qatar to those who have purchased a ticket for the FIFA World Cup. They are permitted to bring up to three non-ticketed fans along with them to Qatar. Ticketholders can link their guests to their Hayya Cards.

Colonel Jassim Al Sayed, the Commander of the Championship Security Operations, called on the public to abide by the laws and regulations to ensure a successful organisation of the upcoming football event.