MASCOT Message: U.S. Embassy Doha, Qatar
The Government of Qatar has announced two significant changes to its travel policy. First, residents who are currently in the State of Qatar will automatically receive an exceptional entry permit upon their departure. A press release from the Qatari Government Communications Office reports that residents or their employers will be able to print out the reentry permit from the Ministry of Interior’s website at any point after departure. Requests will no longer need to be submitted for these travelers through the Qatar Portal. Please note that this amended policy goes into effect November 29 and only applies to residents departing Qatar after that date. Those who are outside the State of Qatar must continue to obtain the exceptional return permit via the Qatar Portal.
Second, the quarantine period has been reduced to one week with home quarantine available to those arriving from the Ministry of Public Health’s Green List. Hotel quarantine is still required for those coming from countries not included on the Green List, with some exceptions. For details on quarantine, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Travel and Return Policy page. The United States is not on the Green List.
Qatar is in Phase Four of its reopening and continues to implement new measures. Many businesses including restaurants, gyms, schools and mosques are open, but safety measures, including limits on the number of people gathering and mask requirements, remain in place.
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 needed to enter Qatar in addition to quarantine and testing regulations. Tourists and visitors are currently not allowed to enter Qatar.
All details mentioned above are subject to change by the government of Qatar. Please refer to the MOPH website for complete information. Please note that the U.S. Embassy is not able to intercede in matters of quarantine, COVID-19 testing, and entering the country.
U.S. citizens with expired or expiring passports and families with newborn U.S. citizens without passports, can schedule appointments online here.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the controlled lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions Plan for Qatar on the Ministry of Public Health’s website for more information about phased reopening.
- 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 Ministry of Public Health 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.
- Check with the airlines regarding any flight cancellations and/or restrictions on flying.