Qatar scraps COVID test requirement for World Cup fans

FIFA World Cup host Qatar has scrapped a requirement for visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test result, its health ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Previously, Qatar had told fans attending the World Cup they must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test regardless of their vaccination status, before departing by air or at the border crossing.

Citizens and residents of Qatar are also no longer required to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of returning to the country from abroad.

The health ministry also dropped a requirement that adults show their COVID-19 status on a government-run contact tracing smartphone application called Ehteraz before entering stadiums or other establishments like shops and restaurants.

Visitors and residents must still show the application before entering a healthcare facility.

The changes will come into effect on Tuesday, November 1. 

Qatar is easing restrictions because "the number of COVID-19 cases (is) continuing to drop around the world and in Qatar, and the ongoing roll-out of Qatar's National COVID-19 Vaccination Program," the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) announced in a statement.

Last week, Qatar eased its mask rules and now only requires masks for people visiting healthcare facilities.

Ministry of Public Health Announces Updates to COVID-19 Restrictions, Read More @ https://t.co/6kFORsx3jq pic.twitter.com/STLDoGLmA2

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) October 26, 2022