World Cup Qatar 2022

20 November – 18 December 2022

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All of us at U.S. Embassy Doha are excited to join you in cheering on our team at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar! Our top priority this fall is to ensure that U.S. citizens in Qatar have a safe and enjoyable visit. Check back to this page regularly for updates including the latest tips and guidance for Americans visiting Doha, Qatar.

A limited number of American Citizen Services appointments for routine services are available from November 13, 2022 to January 2, 2023 due to the FIFA World Cup. This includes passport and notary services. Appointments in January are available on our website. If you have a time sensitive need for routine services, email ACSDoha@state.gov to request an appointment.

Adults renewing their passports at U.S. Embassy Doha will no longer require an appointment and can use our new quick drop service. Use our Passport Appointment Wizard to see if you are eligible. Eligible applicants may submit payment via U.S. or international credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer from a U.S.-based bank account, Amazon Pay, or PayPal.

For further inquiries, please contact: +974 4496 6000 or ACSDoha@state.gov.

For all other alerts for U.S. citizens, click here.

Everything You Need to Know

Check out our pocket-guide to all you need to know about attending the World Cup Qatar 2022.

We recommend that you download a copy for future reference here [PDF File].

Entry to Qatar and Getting Around

Special Requirements for the World Cup:

Travelers during the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup that takes place from November 20, 2022 to December 18, 2022 must apply for a Hayya Card. A Hayya Card is a form of Fan ID and serves as your entry permit (visa). It is required to enter the country as of November 1, 2022 and attend matches during the tournament period. It will also provide free public transport access on match days. The card will be required regardless of whether you intend to attend a match. See the Hayya portal website for the latest information.

Check the FIFA website for ticket information. Only purchase match tickets from official providers. Match tickets bought through unofficial means may not be valid.

Please note: World Cup related entry restrictions will remain in place until January 23, 2023.

Prohibited Items for Spectators:

Not all items are permitted at the World Cup stadiums. See full list here [PDF File].

Getting Around:

While in Qatar, several transportation options are available, please visit: https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/getting-around

Accessibility:

Learn more about accessibility for persons with disabilities in Qatar through the Accessibility Guide found here.

Staying in another country in the Gulf region?

Map of the GCC If you are staying in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait or other countries in the region while attending the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, please read the Travel Advisory for each country you will visit and save the emergency contact information for your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens living in or visiting Iran.

Entering Qatar by land, by sea, or by air? See the government of Qatar’s guide to entering the country through ports of entry.

Prepare to travel

RENEW YOUR PASSPORT BOOK AHEAD COVID TESTING (Update) ENROLL IN STEP READ THE TRAVEL ADVISORY ACCOMODATIONS

RENEW YOUR PASSPORT

Before making any definite travel plans, check your passport expiration date. Make sure your U.S. passport’s expiration date is more than six months after your planned departure from Qatar. If you need to apply for or renew a U.S. passport, start the process as soon as possible. Routine passport processing can take eight to eleven weeks and expedited processing takes five to seven weeks.

Apply or Renew

BOOK AHEAD

Have your match tickets (only available through the official FIFA website), your Hayya card, your accommodation, proof of health insurance, and return flight booked before you travel to Qatar. You will need to show proof of these to Qatari officials before being allowed to enter the country.

Book FIFA Tickets

COVID TESTING (Update)

COVID testing is not currently required for entry to Qatar. For the most up to date guidance on Qatar’s COVID-19 policies, please see the Qatar Ministry of Public Health Travel and Return Policy website. 

Qatar MOPH Travel and Return Policy website

ENROLL IN STEP

Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling ensures that you will receive important information from the U.S. Embassy in an emergency, along with other safety benefits.

Enroll in STEP

READ THE TRAVEL ADVISORY

Check out the Travel Advisory and Country Information Page for Qatar on travel.state.gov. See the Department of State’s website www.state.gov for information on U.S. – Qatar relations. Those sites will be your starting point for research on Qatari law, culture, and security information. Check back regularly for updates, which will be ongoing in the months before the World Cup. Read about what types of Emergency Assistance will be available to U.S. citizens in Qatar. Note that cyber incidents and phishing attacks increase during major international events. Be wary of fraudulent ticketing and booking sites and only share information with verified sources.

Travel Advisory

ACCOMODATIONS

Learn more about accommodations by visiting the link below and selecting Accommodations among the FAQ categories.

Accomodations

PREPARE YOUR PHONE: Smartphones can be a tool for travel safety and preparedness.

Check out the official World Cup Hayya app and the government of Qatar’s Ehteraz COVID-19 tracking app.
The country code for phone calls to Qatar numbers is +974.
The emergency phone number within Qatar is 999, and operators speak both Arabic and English.
Save the emergency after-hours phone number for the U.S. Embassy: +974 4496 6000.
Download maps to your phone so you can navigate Qatar in offline mode.
Decide whether you will get international phone service through your U.S. provider, purchase temporary service in Qatar, or use a hotspot to maintain connectivity while abroad.

Follow U.S. Embassy Doha’s official social media accounts for Qatar travel tips, COVID-19 updates, match day celebrations, and more.

On Twitter @USEmbassyDoha

On Facebook @USEmbassyDoha

On Instagram @USEmbassyDoha

On YouTube @USEmbassyDoha

Cultural Considerations

Remember that important aspects of daily life in Qatar are different than what we are used to in the United States, due to both law and culture. Qatar is a diverse, fascinating country with a rich history and culture, and a variety of entertainment options. Many Americans live, work, or travel in Qatar every day, and enjoy all it has to offer. To make the most of your visit during the World Cup, we encourage all Americans to learn about Qatar before traveling. For example:

The First Amendment protections of the U.S. Constitution do not apply to U.S. citizens outside of the United States. Activities like protests, assemblies of large groups, religious proselytizing or advocacy of atheism, and speech critical of the government of Qatar or the religion of Islam, may be criminally prosecuted in Qatar. Qatar allows some non-Muslim religious practice in designated areas like Doha’s Religious Complex, but all faiths are not accommodated equally.

Traffic accidents and tickets are treated seriously in Qatar, and road rules differ from those in the United States. Violations caught by traffic cameras are tracked virtually, and drivers are responsible for checking the online system regularly to learn if they owe any fines. Drivers may have a ticket on their records without ever being contacted directly. Travelers with unresolved vehicle accidents or fines may be prevented from departing Qatar. If you plan to drive while in Qatar, read up on driver’s license requirements and the rules of the road.

Many public areas in Qatar have dress codes requiring that both men and women cover shoulders, chests, stomachs, and knees, and that tight leggings be covered by a long shirt or dress. These attire standards can vary between neighborhoods and facilities. Many buildings require masks that cover the mouth and nose as a COVID-19 mitigation measure.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications from the United States are unavailable or restricted in Qatar. Confirm the legality of your medications before attempting to bring them into Qatar, especially things like stimulants and strong pain relievers. You should travel with a copy of your prescription, if applicable, and discuss a health care plan with your doctor before you travel. Please consult Qatar’s Travel Advisory and the list of banned medicines, which can be found here and here, prior to travel.

Sexual intercourse outside of marriage is illegal in Qatar. As such, pregnant women must present a marriage certificate to receive prenatal care at medical facilities in Qatar. Unmarried pregnant women and victims of sexual assault should consult the U.S. Embassy prior to pursuing care.

Homosexuality is criminalized in Qatar. LGBTQI+ travelers should consult the official Department of State Travel Advisory for Qatar for more detailed information.

Journalists, including independent content creators and vloggers, need specific visas and permissions to use photography and videography equipment, or to conduct interviews or reporting within Qatar. There is no legal guarantee of press freedom or freedom of expression in Qatar. For questions regarding the conducting of media and journalist activity in Qatar during the World Cup, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has created a media portal, accessible at: https://media.qatar2022.qa/

Alcohol is legal in Qatar, but highly regulated and only available in limited locations, to non-Muslim non-Qatari adults aged 21+. Public intoxication can cause legal consequences, including deportation. Some venues that do serve alcohol may refuse entry or service to patrons they believe to be Muslim, regardless of the patron’s actual religion, nationality, or personal choice. However, most hotels and restaurants catering to international patrons will serve alcohol to guests who are 21+, including via room service.

Most drugs that are illegal in the United States are also illegal in Qatar, including marijuana/THC. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and steep fines.

Emergency Contact Information for U.S. Citizens

999 is the phone number for emergency services within Qatar.
+974 4496 6000 is the U.S. Embassy in Qatar emergency contact line during and outside of office hours.
From outside of Qatar, family or friends concerned about a U.S. citizen in Qatar can call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-260-4381.
If a U.S. citizen is a victim of sexual assault in Qatar, we strongly encourage you to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately, prior to contacting the local authorities.

This is a limited list of some legal, security, and cultural differences U.S. citizens may encounter in Qatar. Please follow US Embassy Doha social media, sign up for STEP, read the Travel Advisory, and prepare thoroughly before you travel to enjoy a safe, fun World Cup experience.

U.S. Embassy in Qatar