Ultimate Travel Guide: Qatar

The globe's biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is just days away from commencing.

The tournament will be held from 20 November and run through 18 December 2022.

Australia have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Tunisia and Denmark and will be playing all three of its group matches at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, approximately 21 kms south of the capital Doha.

If you're travelling to attend, there are some important things you need to know which you can read below.

More information can also be found on the smartraveller.gov.au website.

Entering Qatar during the FIFA World Cup

You must have an approved Hayya Card to enter Qatar between 1 November 2022 and 22 December 2022. Up until 2 December, to get a Hayya Card, you'll need a ticket to a World Cup match. Tickets are not required for Hayya Cards from 2 December onwards. No standard visas will be issued for Qatar during this time. For a fee, ticket holders can use their Hayya Card to bring in three friends or relatives who don't hold tickets. Hayya Cards can be used for entry to Qatar until 23 January 2023.

A Hayya Card is a form of Fan ID required to enter Qatar and attend matches during the World Cup tournament. The card will also provide access to free public transport on match days.

Apply early to avoid delays. See the Hayya portal website for the latest information.

From 1 November, you're no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR or RAT) test to enter Qatar. You're also no longer required to pre-register on the Ehteraz health application prior to arrival. You'll still need to present evidence of your health status via the Ehteraz app to enter healthcare facilities.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar for the latest details.

More information:

The Qatari Government has launched a media portal for the FIFA World Cup.

Qatar


Purchasing Tickets

Check the FIFA website for ticket information and only purchase match tickets from official providers. Match tickets bought through unofficial means may not be valid.

Accommodation during the World Cup

Qatar's World Cup Accommodation Agency website will be the main booking platform, but alternative options are also available. You'll need a valid event ticket number to book accommodation.

If you plan to stay with friends or family in Qatar during the tournament, your host must register your accommodation within the Hayya portal website.

Read the Qatar Government's website for more information on transport options.

Monitor the Hayya portal website for the latest information.

Getting around Qatar during the World Cup

All World Cup stadiums are within a compact area. Transport routes are likely to be very busy for the tournament duration. Some major roads – including Doha’s Corniche – will be pedestrianised during the tournament. Make sure you plan your journeys carefully, particularly on match days. Not all items are permitted at World Cup Stadiums, see the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Stadium Code of Conduct.

You should plan to use public transport wherever possible.

Hayya Card will give you free access to public transport on match days, including bus, metro and tram.

Read the Qatar Government's website for more information on getting around Qatar and for information on the FIFA Fan Festival and other activities occurring around Qatar.

Al Janoub Stadium

Local laws and customs

Alcohol and drugs

There are strict laws around the sale and consumption of alcohol in Qatar.

  • The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21.
  • Alcohol is normally only available to visitors at licensed premises, such as restaurants and bars.
  • It's an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public places.
  • Importing alcohol into Qatar is not permitted. This means you won't be able to purchase duty-free alcohol at the airport or on arrival.

During the World Cup, alcohol will also be available in designated FIFA Fan Zones from 6.30pm and in FIFA precincts outside stadiums from three hours prior to a match. Alcohol will not be permitted inside stadiums.

There will be no flexibility on Qatar's zero tolerance for drug-related offences. The penalties for drug use, trafficking, smuggling and possession (even residual amounts) are severe. Punishment can include lengthy custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation.

If you're taking prescription medication with you, make sure it's legal.

Read the travel advice for Qatar for more information on local laws and customs. Also see our general advice on carrying or using drugs and travelling with medication.


Other laws

Qatari laws and customs are very different to those in Australia. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in Australia.

There are conservative codes of dress and behaviour in Qatar. Visitors are expected to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting public places like museums and other government buildings. Fans attending World Cup matches should note that the removal of shirts inside stadiums is not permitted. 

Be aware of your actions to ensure that they don't offend, especially if you plan to visit religious locations.

  • Avoid public displays of affection. Any intimacy between persons in public can lead to offence, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.
  • It's an offence to use obscene language or make obscene gestures.
  • While homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, authorities have publicly stated that there will be no restrictions on non-married friends or couples (including LGBT) staying in the same room.

Photographing local people in Qatar, particularly women, is illegal without permission. Make sure you seek consent before doing so.

See our advice on staying within the law. Also see our general advice for women and LGBTI travellers.

Read the Qatar Governments website for more information on cultural awareness.

Qatar

Staying in the region for World Cup

If you’re staying outside of Qatar and commuting in to attend matches, read the travel advice for the destination you’re staying in. Check the entry requirements, local laws and customs for neighbouring destinations:

Stay up to date on the different entry processes and requirements for entering Qatar via regional shuttle flights or road. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar for the latest details.

If you're planning to travel elsewhere in the region during the tournament, check the entry requirements and travel advice for every country you plan to visit or transit through.

Read our general advice on getting around overseas.

Where to get help

Lost or stolen passport

Ensure you keep your passport safe and in a secure place. To replace a lost or stolen passport, you'll need to complete a full application form and provide original photographs to Australian Embassy in Doha.

Most countries in the region do not allow entry for Australian emergency passport holders. If you lose your passport in Qatar, you may not be able to travel in the region and will have to return to Australia and apply for a replacement full validity document.

If your passport is lost or stolen:

Consular assistance

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

In Qatar, you can get consular assistance from:

Australian Embassy, Doha

Tornado Tower
Majlis Al Taawon Street
Doha, Qatar
Phone: (+974) 4007 8500
Email: embassy.doha@dfat.gov.au
Website: qatar.embassy.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Availability of non-emergency passport and notarial appointments at the Embassy may be limited during the FIFA World Cup from 20 November – 18 December 2022.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
  • 1300 555 135 in Australia
Cahill's in-camp pump up speech to the Socceroos before matches against UAE and Peru in June.