In April 2022, in preparation for receiving fans from all over the world to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar (the “Competition”), the Cabinet approved the decision of the Minister of Interior regarding entry visas for hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which has not yet been published in Official Gazette. Qatar is still in the process of issuing some executive decisions regarding the entry visa to ensure the country’s compliance with its obligations by facilitating and accelerating the entry procedures for the public and other groups working to organize the Competition.
Whereas, the Security Committee is the authority responsible for issuing entry visas for the Competition in accordance with Article 5 of Law No. (10) of 2021 regarding the arrangements for hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Security Committee was established by the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy pursuant Decision No. 2 of 2011, and it is responsible for issuing entry visas for the Competition.
In order to enter Qatar for the Competition, it is a general requirement to obtain an entry visa, whether as a Spectator, FIFA personnel or its affiliated organizations or others. The entry visa can be obtained before the start of the Competition or during the course of the Competition by completing and submitting the required form and providing a copy of the passport/travel documents valid for a period of no less than six months.
In addition to the above, some categories of persons may be required to submit a copy of a letter of invitation issued by FIFA or the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy or the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (the “Invitation Letter”). Where applicable, a Volunteer Agreement with FIFA or the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy or the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Company LLC (the “Volunteer Agreement”) may also be required.
Please find below the specific requirements for each category of entity or person obtaining an entry visa and the timeline required for issuing each:
|
Visa Issuance Timeline |
Volunteer Agreement |
Invitation Letter |
Copy of passport/valid travel document |
Entry visa form |
Category |
|
24 hours from Submission |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
FIFA and its affiliated organizations |
|
48 hours from Submission |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
FIFA Contractors |
|
72 hours from Submission |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Volunteers |
|
96 hours from Submission |
|
|
✓ |
✓ |
Spectators |
|
48 hours from Submission |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
FIFA Service Providers, & FIFA Host Broadcasters |
|
48 hours from Submission |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
FIFA Confederations, & FIFA Member Associations |
|
48 hours from Submission |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC. & Persons Participating in the Events |
The entry visa is valid until the end of the Competition; however, its extension may be requested within ten days prior to its expiry by submitting a written request to: (a)FIFA, (b) the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy; or (c) the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC. In an effort to facilitate the issuance of the entry visa, the government has accelerated the process for obtaining visas for all categories as shown in the table above. Entry is distinguished by being free for all, and multi-trip, so that Spectators can enter Qatar more than once during the Competition without the need to obtain an entry visa for each trip during the Competition.
It is worth noting that the Security Committee has the right to deny or cancel entry visas for security or health concerns, and in particular to maintain the security of the Competition or public order. The entry feature is directly linked with the Hayya card, in order that applying for the Hayya card may expedite application of the entry visa, hotel reservations and other services, such as benefiting from free transportation.
Applying for entry visas and the Hayya card will contribute to regulating the entry and exit of the public and contributors to organizing the Competition, and its use and application is highly encouraged by the Competition’s organizers. While many of the spectators and other event participants have started applying for entry, the State of Qatar is continuingly aiming to develop and expedite the entry procedures for the categories highlighted above in order to ensure a unique experience for all during the Competition.
Key Contact
Salman Al-Ansari
Partner
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