Entry procedures for Qatar to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Entry procedures for Qatar to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

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                                                                

salansari@alansarilaw.com                                

About Al-Ansari & Associates

Al-Ansari & Associates is a leading law firm based in Doha, the State of Qatar. Being the fastest growing firm in the State of Qatar, we are proud to have supported both local and international clients with multi jurisdictional qualified lawyers. The firm's practice is focused on core areas such as corporate and commercial, Banking and Finance, regulatory and compliance, Labour and Employment, TMT, Intellectual Property and Copyright, Real Estate and Contraction, Energy and Natural Resources, Transport and Infrastructure and Dispute Resolution. Al-Ansari & Associates provides its clients legal expertise with international standards.

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