Previously, international visitors who did not have tickets to watch World Cup matches could not enter, unless they were accompanied by a Hayya card owner. Hayya cardholders can invite up to three people who do not have tickets to watch the World Cup to travel to Qatar, at a cost of $ 140.
Good news for fans
Ali Adil, 45, from Iraq, who had a ticket to watch Brazil and Cameron on December 2, said that thanks to this latest change, he could stay longer to enjoy the World Cup.
I booked a flight to Doha with my son to watch the match between Brazil and Cameron, but I felt 24 hours in Doha was not enough to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament. Thanks to the new regulations, I explore the city and fan areas, Adil told The National.
"I think the new regulation will bring opportunities for many fans. Many people cannot get tickets and do not know what other way to get to Doha, Adil added.
tarik Saif, 36, from the UAE, said his dream was to watch the World Cup but he could not find a ticket.
The new rules arouse in me the hope of being in Qatar for the World Cup. Even without a ticket, I still dream of going to a country that will host the World Cup to enjoy the passionate atmosphere, Saif said.
When he arrived in Doha, he would try to buy a ticket for any match in the knockout round. If I cant buy tickets, I can watch the match on the big screen with other fans. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any football fan, he said.
Qatar is expected to welcome about 1.2 million international visitors during the one-month World Cup, with about 3 million tickets sold for 64 matches.
The new regulation will boost the number of international visitors to Qatar for the round of 16, with the final four group stage matches taking place on December 2. The matches of the round of 16 will start on December 3, with the final on December 18 at Lusail Stadium in Doha.
Demand for hotels, apartments, cruise ships for rent and camping areas in Qatar will decrease somewhat. Fans have traveled to neighboring cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat to book accommodation and flights to Doha.
Hayya card
All fans who have tickets to the World Cup still have to register for a Hayya card. Those who do not have a ticket to Qatar from December 2 also need to register for a Hayya card.
The Hayya card allows fans to use the metro and bus for free in Doha, as well as attend events, enjoy discount programs, free SIM cards from Ooredoo travel agency and emergency medical treatment. Hayya cardholders can enter Qatar multiple times from November 1 to December 23. From November 1, international visitors also do not need to have PCR testing within 48 hours or a quick test within 24 hours of entering the country.
Fans' Hayya card registration will take five working days to be approved, depending on the quality of the passport and photocopy; a maximum of 24 hours to confirm the accommodation, depending on the type of accommodation.
Hayya cardholders can register online to apply for a multiple-entry visa to the UAE. The visa costs 100 Dh (about $28), is valid for 90 days and can be extended by another 90 days.
Hayya cardholders are not required to enter Qatar before entering the UAE. Tourists can also apply for a free electronic visa to the UAE, allowing fans to stay for up to 60 days. Cardholders can also apply for a free 60-day visa to Oman, and are allowed to travel with a relative.
From now until December 23, international fans must have a vehicle entry permit and pay a fee when driving through Abu Samra border gate. The fee does not apply to citizens, residents and citizens of Gulf countries in the GCC with Qatari ID cards and driving with Qatari license plates.
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