Qatar announces further easing of travel regulations

Taking a PCR test is now optional for GCC and EU nationals and residents

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has announced updates to its Covid-19 Travel and Return Policy, which will take effect from 7pm local time on 16 March 2022. 

The changes aim to facilitate smooth entry into Qatar for all travellers, while safeguarding Qatar’s population from Covid-19 through the implementation of appropriate health checks on travellers entering the country. 

According to the new regulations, a PCR test for GCC and EU nationals and residents is now optional before travelling to Qatar, unless the country of departure is listed in the Red Health Measures.

Travellers with a negative pre-travel PCR test result are exempt from taking a Rapid Antigen Test on arrival, while those who do not perform a pre-travel PCR test must take a Rapid Antigen Test at an authorised medical centre within 24 hours of arrival in Qatar.

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The validity of Covid-19 immunity from receiving the Covid-19 vaccine booster dose or following recovery from infection has been extended to 12 months, in line with the Ministry’s recent announcement.

GCC and EU nationals and residents who are fully immunised can use the authorised Covid-19 health information app from their country of residence and will not need to complete the Ehteraz website pre-travel registration.

The Ministry clarified that although it isn’t required to enter the country, travellers must still download and activate the Ehteraz app to gain entry to public places in Qatar.

For more information, visit www.covid19.moph.gov.qa