Qatar Announces New Restrictions to Combat Omicron
In response to the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Government of Qatar announced numerous new restrictions and measures that go into effect Saturday, January 8, 2022. These changes include suspending in-person schooling until January 27, limiting the number of people on public transport, and prohibiting unvaccinated people to enter certain facilities, including malls. Qatar previously announced that masks are required to be worn in public indoor and outdoor spaces, except when exercising. For a comprehensive list of COVID-19 policies, guidelines, and restrictions in Qatar, please visit the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) COVID-19 Restrictions website.
Effective January 1, 2022, the United States and several other countries have been added to the Red List for entry to Qatar. COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements vary depending on your COVID-19 vaccination status and whether you are a Qatari citizen, resident, or tourist. Full details on Qatar’s travel, testing, and quarantine policies are available at MOPH’s Travel and Return Policy page.
As a reminder, effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States age 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 more information about travel guidelines to the United States, please visit State Department’s International Travel page.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit U.S. Embassy Doha’s COVID-19 Information page or
CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions.
Actions to Take:
- Visit state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Doha: +974-4496-6000 or ACSdoha@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Qatar Country Specific Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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