U.S. Embassy in Qatar

Country-Specific Information:

For information on testing and quarantine requirements in Qatar, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Travel and Return Policy page . All questions and inquiries about Qatari requirements should be directed to the MOPH.  Please note that the U.S. Embassy is not able to intercede in matters of quarantine, COVID-19 testing, and entry to Qatar in individual cases. 

COVID-19 Testing

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Qatar? Yes.
• If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? Yes.
• COVID-19 tests are available from many local medical providers and hospitals.  Start by asking your primary care provider in Qatar.  Contact information for Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health center is available here and a list of local hospitals and physicians is available on the U.S. Embassy website.  While some health insurance plans and employers may cover the cost of testing for travel, the U.S. Government does not provide funding for travel related COVID testing.
• Private hospitals are charging 160 QR per PCR test.  Rapid antigen tests may be less expensive and are offered at over 100 private clinics across Doha. Please consult with the provider you select, as many only submit PCR tests for processing once daily.  Test results are usually provided by email, but some clinics require you to pick up the travel certificate in person.  Please refer to the Ministry of Public Health’s (MOPH) COVID-19 webpage   for additional information.

Effective November 8, 2021, all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa) airline passengers traveling to the United States, must demonstrate proof of vaccination as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Order prior to boarding a U.S. bound aircraft. More details regarding what constitutes full vaccination are available on this page of the CDC website . 

Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or rapid antigen) taken within one calendar day of travel.   For example, a passenger whose flight to the United States is at any time on a Sunday would need to have a negative test taken at any time on Saturday. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.   Check the CDC website   for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions .  For more information about travel guidelines to the United States, please visit State Department’s International Travel page .

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Qatar approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes.
• Are vaccines available in Qatar for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes.
• Which vaccines are available in Qatar? The Pfizer and BioNTech, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for emergency use by the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control in the Ministry of Public Health. The Qatari authorities continue vaccination efforts for citizens and residents in Qatar. The MOPH has information on vaccination in Qatar on its website.  
• Visit the FDA’s website   to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
• The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination. Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
• Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination is available here.  

 

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, with restrictions.
• Beginning July 12, 2021, Qatar expanded entry beyond Qatari citizens and residents. The travel policy  requires travelers to register prior to travel.
• Entry requirements, including quarantine requirements, are based on the updated MOPH Travel and Return Policy.
• Please note that the U.S. Embassy is not able to intercede in individual matters of quarantine, COVID-19 testing and entering the country.
• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes, sometimes.  It depends on vaccination status and origin of travel.

• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.
• Please see details above or visit the MOPH website and this page for further information.  All details above are subject to change by the government of Qatar at any time.
• U.S. citizens who have been exposed to COVID-19 may find themselves quarantined by the Government of Qatar.  If you are a U.S. citizen in quarantine, please email the American Citizen Services Unit at ACSDoha@state.gov, provide a phone number, and a consular officer will call you.

 

Quarantine Information 

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?  Yes, depending on the status of the country from which they enter Qatar and whether they are vaccinated.
• Entry procedures, including quarantine requirements, are based on the updated MOPH travel and return policy
• U.S. citizens may be subject to quarantine depending on their COVID 19 vaccination status.
• For details on quarantine, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Travel and Return Policy. 

 

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes.
• There are multiple commercial flights to the United States every week from Qatar. U.S. citizens may depart and transit Qatar.
• Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
• Is public transportation operating? Yes.
• Public transportation is available. The metro, buses, excursion boats, and taxis are operating.

Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)

• Effective January 8, 2022, masks are required in all indoor and outdoor public places except when exercising outdoors.  Penalties, including referral to the Public Prosecutor, for non-compliance do exist and vary depending on the circumstance.  

Consular Operations:

• All American Citizen Services are being provided.  Priority is given to emergency cases.  Individuals can schedule an appointment for services online.
• All visa services are also available.  For more information, please visit  https://qa.usembassy.gov/visas.

 Local Resources:

• https://covid19.moph.gov.qa  
• https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx  
• https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/preventative-measures  
• https://www.facebook.com/MOPHQatar  

Other links:

• COVID-19 information page on travel.state.gov  
• CDC page on COVID-19  
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Qatar.html  
• CDC – Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers  
• Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing for International Travel  

Last Updated: July 7, 2022