Europe 1 with AFP 7:43 p.m., October 26, 2022

The announcement could make the last undecided think.

Qatar has just announced that Covid tests will no longer be compulsory, from November 1, to enter the country.

An announcement effect a few weeks before the World Cup (November 20 to December 18), to encourage supporters from all over the world to make the trip. 

Covid tests to enter Qatar will no longer be compulsory for visitors from November 1, 20 days before the start of the FIFA World Cup, the public health ministry announced on Wednesday.

The Mondial-2022 (from November 20 to December 18) is the first major world sporting event open to the public since the start of the pandemic in 2020 and more than a million spectators are expected in the small Gulf emirate.

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Vaccination and optional Covid tests

Qatar had previously announced that vaccination was not compulsory to enter the country, but visitors over the age of 6 had until then had to present a negative result at the airport less than 48 hours before their departure for a PCR test, and less than 24 hours for an antigen test.

For citizens and residents of Qatar, getting tested within 24 hours of arrival will also no longer be mandatory from 1 November.

As of this date, only visitors with a Hayya card are allowed to enter the emirate.

To obtain this visa, you must either have a match ticket, or be invited by a spectator, or be part of the organization of the World Cup.

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Drop in Covid cases

The Ehteraz tracing application, previously required to enter closed public places such as the metro or shopping centers, will no longer be mandatory after November 1, except in health establishments.

These decisions follow "the continued decline in the number of Covid-19 cases worldwide and in Qatar, and the ongoing deployment of the national Covid-19 vaccination program in Qatar", the ministry said.

Wearing a mask is only required in health establishments.