You should know the FIFA World Cup 2022 rules and regulations before traveling to Qatar. The countdown has begun. And you are planning to watch the international soccer event FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar stadiums. This is the first time that the Middle East will host the biggest football event. The Arab world is very excited, and the Arabic soccer fans are ready to enjoy the event in Qatar stadiums. The excitement level can be easily understood with the words of a Saudi soccer fan, Abdullah Alsulmi. He said, “I would get to Doha no matter what, even if I have to walk!”. So, the hype of the World Cup is at the next level.
This post will be very informative for you as we have listed a set of rules that the Qatar government has announced for international soccer fans. This time, the rules will be different as the Muslim country will be organizing the event. First check the list of guidelines.
- COVID-19 Rules
- Hayya Cards
- Health Insurance
- Clothing
- Smoking
- Alcohol
Now go through the details.
COVID-19 Rules
Whether you are vaccinated or not, you should have a negative COVID-19 report in your hand. Soccer fans aged six and above should get their PCR test done within 48 hours before leaving for Qatar. The negative report will allow them to depart. You can also enter Qatar with a negative rapid antigen test result. But the test should be performed not more than 24 hours before entering the Qatar territory. Face masks are mandatory while using public transport in Qatar according to COVID-19 rules.
Hayya Cards
The Hayya card is mandatory for all visitors. It is an ID that acts as an entry visa, and it also provides access to the public transportation system free of cost across Doha.
The supreme committee for delivery and legacy made a service center for Hayya Cards at
Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The center timings are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, except Fridays. You can catch the service between 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Fridays. Those soccer spectators who do not have a digital Hayya Card can collect the hard copy from this service zone. The center will be providing its services until 23rd December.
Health Insurance
For the compensation of any health issues, you will have to pay about QR 50 ($13.00) for health insurance. It is written in the official newspaper of Qatar. This package will provide coverage of basic services. It will also serve you in case of any accidents and emergency situations.
Clothing
According to the Qatar Tourism Authority, a modest dressing is recommended for soccer fans. Your shoulders should be covered. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed. If you do not follow it, you cannot get access to some official buildings in Qatar.
Smoking
The public places in Qatar, like museums, sports clubs, shopping malls and restaurants, are declared as smoke-free zones. So, smoking in these areas is strictly prohibited. You may be subjected to fines in case of violations.
E-cigarettes have been strictly banned in Qatar since 2014. In case of violation, the offender will be sent to the locker for three months, and a fine of roughly QR 10,000, which is equivalent to 2750 dollars, will be imposed.
Alcohol
According to the government rules, if you are 21 or above, you can use licensed beverages. Some relaxation will be given to purchasing licensed beverages for soccer fans during the World Cup. Beer will be available in the compound of eight stadiums before and after the matches. You can also have it in the fan zones after 6:30 PM and also in the Doha Park “Fan Festival” in the evening. Like smoking, drinking is also prohibited in public places. The cost of alcohol will be less in fan zones as compared to hotels.
Conclusion Paragraph
Now you are well aware of all the FIFA World Cup 2022 rules that you should know before visiting Qatar. Qatar is ready to welcome millions of soccer fans wholeheartedly.
State-of-the-art stadiums have been built. The luxury and budget rooms have been designed for the accommodation of international guests. Qatari officials are working hard day and night to provide you with a high level of services that will give you more pleasure. But you should stick to the government rules to avoid any mishap during your stay in Qatar. So get your tickets done well before time and enjoy the grand football event with the rules in mind.