When is the Qatar World Cup 2022?
The FIFA World Cup will take place between 20th November 2022 and 18th December 2022 with a total of 64 games and 32 teams. The first England match kicks off on Monday 21st November at 1pm (GMT). And yes it’s ‘Coming Home’!
What are the entry requirements for Qatar?
First of all, you must apply for a Hayya Card. This is a form of fan ID, which you will need to be able to enter the country between 1st November 2022 and 23rd December 2022. Even if you’re not travelling to Qatar for football purposes, you still need a Hayya Card during this period.
Main ticket holders can apply through the Hayya Portal to bring an additional three people without match tickets (for example, family or friends who’d rather top up their tan by the pool) with them into Qatar.
Covid
We know, you’re sick of hearing about it… But good news! You’re currently NOT required to take any pre-departure Covid-19 tests to enter Qatar. And there’s no need to fill out the Ehteraz health application prior to arrival - woohoo!
However, it’s always best to keep checking the FCDO for the latest advice, should anything change before you travel.
Passport
Match tickets? Check! Luggage? Check! Travel Money? Check, check, check! But is your passport valid?
If you’re visiting Qatar your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you arrive. As for visas, you can get a free 30-day tourist waiver on arrival if you hold a full British Citizen passport.
Fancy sticking around a bit longer? You can extend your visa waiver before it expires through the Ministry of Interior.
Health
As always, we advise you to take out travel insurance to cover your trip and any planned activities. Emergency medical treatment in Qatar is of a high standard and can be expensive, so being prepared pays off - especially among football fanatics!
Visit the FCDO health section for more information, including what to do if you need to bring a prescription or over-the-counter medication into Qatar.
Getting around Qatar
Please be mindful that the football stadiums used throughout the World Cup are within compact areas and transport routes will be very busy. Plan ahead and leave plenty of time, especially on match days. Your Hayya Card will give you free access to public transport on these days, this includes the bus, metro and tram.
By bus: A free shuttle bus operates between Souq Waqif metro station and Al Bidda Park for fans stopping at various locations across the B-Ring and C-Ring roads. You can find the latest timetables and routes here.
By taxi: Look out for turquoise-coloured vehicles, these are official Karwa taxis which are metered and operate 24/7. You can order or pre-book a cab via the Hayaa to Qatar 2022 app, the Karwa Taxi app or by phoning (+974) 800 8294. An Uber can also be reserved via the app.
By metro: Another free option is to hop on the metro at Al Messila on the green line or the metro line at Metro Station. There are also routes from Qatar University and Umm Ghuwailina via the red line.
By tram: The Lusail tram connects to the metro via Legtaifiya Station between Saturday and Thursday from 6am to 3am and Fridays from 9am to 3am (these are extended hours during the World Cup period). You can also catch the Msheireb Tram which connects Msheireb Metro Station to landmark locations within Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Useful information:
- Stadium gates open 3 hours before kick-off
- Taxi and Uber drop-off/pick-up areas will be open 4 hours before the match and close 1.5 hours after the final whistle
- The metro will run until 3am every day during tournament time
- The Hayya to Qatar App has a handy journey planner
To keep up to date with the latest advice and requirements, sign up for email alerts from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. You’ll also find useful updates on the Qatar World Cup and FIFA website.
About the author
As a frequent jetsetter, Danielle is an expert in all things travel. From foodie trips in Rome to hunting down the best beaches in the Balearics and Christmas shopping in New York. She’s also the mum of a very cute but mischievous toddler, meaning she has some great family holiday hacks too. Check out all her travel tips & tricks!