Changes to Travel Policy in Qatar
Governments around the world, including Qatar, continue to make changes to public health and travel policies in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens in Qatar remain vigilant regarding these policies. Recently, the State of Qatar eliminated exemptions from hotel quarantine for travelers arriving from countries not on the green list (the United States is not on the green list). Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has announced the reimposition of certain COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar, to include more stringent restrictions on social gatherings. U.S. citizens may want to follow the MOPH on social media. They consistently post updates to policy on Facebook and Twitter. Keep in mind that these sites generally require users to have their own accounts to view information.
Quarantine requirements for all arrivals in Qatar have been extended through May 31, 2021. These requirements also apply to land arrivals via Qatar’s recently opened border with Saudi Arabia who must book specific quarantine packages for this method of arrival. Qatari citizens, residency permit holders, and certain people undertaking new employment may enter Qatar. All travelers should coordinate closely with their sponsors, as advance permission may be required to enter Qatar in addition to quarantine and testing regulations. Per recent changes in travel policy, residents who are currently in the State of Qatar can receive an exceptional entry permit upon departure. Tourists and visitors are currently not allowed to enter Qatar. Please also note that quarantine rules for travelers arriving in Doha from the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Denmark mandate quarantine at specific hotels.
All details mentioned above are subject to change by the government of Qatar. For details on quarantine, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Travel and Return Policy page. Please note that the U.S. Embassy is not able to intercede in matters of quarantine, COVID-19 testing, and entering the country in individual cases.
COVID-19 Test Required to Travel to the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order requires all air passengers, including U.S. citizens, arriving to the United States from a foreign country to get tested no more than three days before their flight departs. Travelers must provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Testing is required regardless of vaccination status. Travelers departing from Qatar should contact their health care provider to determine where they can be tested. 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.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the controlled lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions Plan for Qatar on the Ministry of Public Health’s (MOPH) website for more information about phased reopening. Consider following MOPH on Facebook and Twitter for the latest developments.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations and consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Call the Qatar MOPH hotline at 16000 if you experience flu-like symptoms.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Qatar.
- Be prepared when traveling! You may unexpectedly test positive for COVID-19 and be unable to fly home as planned. Before you travel, have medical travel insurance that covers you overseas and a financial plan if you or your family have to extend your trip abroad. Check with the airlines regarding any flight cancellations and/or restrictions on flying.