As Qatar prepares to welcome fans from all over the world, the organizing committee has announced the rules that will govern the competition in the Muslim and conservative state.
Clothing instructions, alcohol consumption, behavior in public: here are the practical recommendations for this Mondial-2022.
Arrival in Qatar
Due to limited accommodation, only those with match access tickets are permitted to enter Qatar from 1 November – accompanied by up to three guests who will be required to pay an entry fee 500 Qatari riyals (140 euros) if they are over 12 years old.
After having obtained their tickets and reserved their accommodation, on the official platform of the organizers or elsewhere (if they stay more than 24 hours), the spectators must register online to obtain a Hayya card, which acts as a visa what a match ticket.
This card also allows free access to public transport and emergency health care in public hospitals.
Alcohol, drugs and medication
Consuming alcohol is legal for non-Muslims over 21 but strictly regulated.
It is forbidden to bring it in your luggage, even purchased "duty free".
Residents can get them in a dedicated store but it is not open to visitors.
Spectators will be able to drink in most international hotels, where a beer or glass of wine can cost around ten euros and a cocktail more than 15 euros.
Beer stands will open around the stadiums from three hours until 30 minutes before the start of matches.
They will reopen for an hour after the final whistle.
In the main Fifa fan zone, drinking will only be possible from 6:30 p.m. In the other fan zones (some of which will be chargeable), the rules will vary.
But anyone found to be excessively drunk will be taken to "a place where they can sober up," World Cup 2022 CEO Nasser Al-Khater told Skynews.
"A place where we make sure that they (the supporters editor's note) are safe and that they do not harm anyone else," he added.
Drugs are also illegal.
“Expect a severe sanction (jail, fine, deportation, editor’s note) even for the possession of small quantities”, specifies the embassy of the United Kingdom.
The US Embassy also recommends verifying the legality of his medical treatments, "especially strong stimulants and painkillers", and traveling with his prescription.
It is also recommended not to import pork or products that may be "perceived as pornography" (videos, sex toys).
Dress and behavior
The veil is not compulsory for women.
On the other hand, everyone is asked to dress "modestly" in public, covering themselves from the shoulders to the knees.
In official buildings, this rule is applied.
In places frequented by expatriates, this is not respected.
Given the temperatures (15 to 30 degrees) and the use of air conditioning, it is recommended to have warm clothes.
Since sex outside marriage is prohibited, the US Embassy recommends that pregnant women bring a marriage certificate in case they need medical attention.
For unmarried pregnant women and victims of sexual assault, she advises contacting the embassy before the Qatari authorities.
A consular center will be open to everyone from November 1 to December 25 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the West Bay district, outside the DECC metro station.
Despite laws criminalizing same-sex sexual relations, the Hayya map site assures that there are "no restrictions" preventing "unmarried friends of different sexes or couples (including LGBTQ+) from stay in the same room".
"Privacy in Qatar is widely respected," notes the British Embassy.
She nevertheless warns, like the organizers, that public displays of affection, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, "may be considered offensive".
“Activities such as protests, gatherings of large groups, religious proselytizing or advocacy of atheism and speech critical of the Qatari government or Islam may be criminally prosecuted,” the US embassy said.
FIFA stresses that rainbow flags are welcome in stadiums but the Qatari authorities urge caution outside.
Transport during the competition
Qatar, which "expects traffic jams", recommends visitors to favor public transport, which is free for ticket holders.
The metro, which serves five of the eight stadiums, will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day except Friday – traffic begins at 9 a.m. that day.
Bus traffic will be increased to reach stadiums, airports, certain accommodations and the main fan zones.
Taxis and VTCs will be available.
On one of Doha's main expressways, a line will be reserved for buses, taxis, medical and official vehicles.
Those who take it without authorization risk a fine of 500 Qatari riyals (140 euros).
Covid-19
Vaccination is not compulsory and the Ministry of Health has lifted the requirement for testing before travel to Qatar.
It will also not be necessary to carry out a test, except in the event of symptoms or on D +1 in the event of contact with a patient.
For non-immune visitors, it will then be necessary to wear the mask for ten days.
Anyone who tests positive will have to self-isolate for five days, then wear a mask for five days.
For everyone, the mask will only be compulsory in health establishments.
Visitors over 18 must register before departure on the Ehteraz tracking application and download it.
It will be required to enter closed public places, such as the metro or shopping malls, but not in stadiums.
All private and public hospitals, medical centres, clinics and pharmacies will be accessible to visitors.
With AFP
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