The testing policy, which applies to visitors aged six and older, is “regardless of the individual’s vaccination status.
The organisers of World Cup due to start on November 20, in Qatar have stated that fans attending must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test regardless of their vaccination status.
The testing policy, which applies to visitors aged six and older, is “regardless of the individual’s vaccination status.
All visitors aged six and over must are said to present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before their departure or from a rapid antigen test taken in the 24 hours before arriving.
This is contained in statement published on Thursday by the country’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy on their website.
It noted that the results of the rapid antigen tests will only be accepted if they are from official medical centres and not self-administered.
It also stated that no further tests will be required in Qatar if visitors do not develop symptoms of COVID-19.
According to the report, visitors aged 18 and above will also be required to download a government-run contact tracing phone application called Ehteraz.
The statement reads in part; "Regardless of the individual’s vaccination status, the following COVID-19 testing measures are required for visitors entering Qatar for the FIFA World Cup.
"Any visitor aged six and over is required to present an official negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before departure time or an official negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result no more than 24 hours before departure time. The test result will need to be submitted at the airport check-in counter. NB: The test should be conducted at a medical centre in the country of origin. RAT self-tests are not valid for travel purposes.
"Children under six are exempt from submitting a negative COVID-19 test before departure to Qatar.
"People arriving in Qatar are not required to undergo quarantine, regardless of vaccination status or country or origin.
"Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Qatar will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines. Visitors are not required to take a COVID-19 test after arrival in Qatar.
"Qatar does not require any traveller to take a COVID-19 test before departing Qatar. However, travellers should check the requirements of their destination country and follow their specific COVID-19 travel requirements.
"A green Ehteraz status (showing the user does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19) is required to enter any public closed indoor spaces," the statement added.
Fans will have to wear masks on public transport but vaccination is not mandatory for the unprecedented influx of 1.2 million visitors expected for the November 20 to December 18 tournament.
Qatar has recorded more than 440,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 692 deaths from the virus, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health.