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The FIFA World Cup is the second most popular sporting event in the world after the Olympics. Qatar will be the host of this tournament in 2022 as the first country from the Middle East that has ever held the FIFA world cup.

Qatar was officially announced as the 2022 FIFA World Cup host on December 2nd, 2010. Since that day, Qatar has made plenty of effort to make this world cup count. Since their election, the Qatari government has invested hundreds of billions in its projects. They have summoned stadiums from dust, made cities emerge out of nothing, and have grown thousands of acres of grass and trees in the desert sand and built them into the proposal.

This article will look at the Qatar 2022 world cup, its schedule, stadiums, and other subjects related to the upcoming FIFA world cup.

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Qatar 2022 World Cup Visa on Arrival

Why Qatar for the 2022 World Cup?

During his time as FIFA president, Sepp Blatter stood by the decision and endorsed the idea of holding a World Cup in the Arab world. In April 2010, Blatter said: “The Arabic world deserves a World Cup. They have 22 countries and have not had an opportunity to organize the tournament”. Blatter was also confident in Qatar’s progress because of their past accomplishment in the 2006 Asian Games and said: “When I was first in Qatar, there were 400,000 people here, and now there are 1.6 million. So in terms of infrastructure, when you can organize the Asian Games with more than 30 events, that is not in question”. This is needless to say that Qatar received automatic qualification to the next world cup as host.

When is the 2022 World Cup?

The next World Cup is set to take place in Qatar in 2022. This world cup is different because it is going to be held in the usual summer months. However, this tournament is set to happen in the winter months due to the heat.

The tournament will start on Monday, November 21st. The first match will feature the host country’s team at the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor. The tournament will be finished a week before Christmas on Sunday, December 18th, at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.

What are the World Cup Format and Schedule?

The Qatar 2022 world cup will be one of the most compact tournaments ever because soccer fans can watch one or two live matches every day. 32 national teams are playing in 8 stadiums, and these teams will play against one another for a total of 65 soccer matches.

Schedule

These national teams will be divided into eight groups of four. In the group stage, which will last 12 days, four matches will be played each day, and the winners and runners-up will advance to the round of 16. In order to accommodate television audiences in different countries as well as supporters in Qatar, matches will only be assigned to particular venues after the finals draw. A draw for the finals will take place in April 2022, following the international fixture window in March.

At Euro 2020, There wasn’t a third-place play-off game. Opposite that, the Qatar world cup will feature a match for a third-place play-off. Here, you can see the summarized schedule of the tournament:

MatchesStarting dateFinishing date
Group stageNovember 21December 2
Round of 16December 3December 6
Quarter-finalsDecember 9December 10
Semi-finalsDecember 13December 14
FinalDecember 18 

Qatar 2022 World Cup Stadiums

Qatar has done wonders with its stadiums. There is less than an hour’s travel time between all the stadiums in Qatar. Fans can travel between stadiums via metro, car, rail, and bike.

Located in Lusail city, it is the largest stadium in Qatar, with 80,000 seats. It is currently under construction and will open on November 22nd, 2021.

This stadium will feature five group matches, one round of 16 matches, one quarter-final match, one semi-final match, and the finale.

This stadium is constructed in Al Khor city with a 60,000-seat capacity. It is the second-largest stadium in Qatar and was opened on February 11th, 2020.

This stadium will have five group matches (including the opening match), one round of 16 matches, one quarter-final match, and one semi-final match.

This stadium is in Al Wakrah city. It was opened on May 16th, 2019, with 40,000 seats for capacity. This stadium will hold five group matches and one round of 16 matches.
Located in Al Rayyan, it is a stadium in Qatar with 40,000 seats. It was opened in November 2020. This stadium will feature five group matches and one round of 16 matches.
This stadium is in Doha. It was opened in 1976 with a capacity of 40,000. It was renovated from 2014 to 2017. This stadium will feature five group matches, one round of 16 matches, and the match for third place.
Education City Stadium is in Doha. It was opened in February 2020. It has a capacity of 40,000 people. This stadium will hold five group matches, one round of 16 matches, and one quarter-final match.
This stadium is located in Ras Abu Aboud. It was opened in 2021. It has a 40,000-seat capacity. This stadium will have five group matches and one round of 16 matches.
Located in Doha, it is a stadium in Qatar with 40,000 seats. It was opened on October 22nd, 2021. This stadium will hold five group matches, one round of 16 matches, and one quarter-final match.

What are National Teams Qualified?

Qatar 2022 world cup includes 32 teams. There are 29 qualified teams, including the host nation, for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Three spots need to be filled by June. There have also been 12 European nations, four South American, four Asian, five African, and three North American nations invited to the competition.

Europe has 13 places. Currently, these teams from Europe have been qualified:
Germany Denmark Belgium France Croatia
Spain Serbia England Switzerland Netherlands
Poland Portugal Wales vs. Scotland or Ukraine
  Europe has 55 national teams, and their qualifying matches began in March 2021. To compensate for the lost June 2021 World Cup qualifying dates, treble headers were held in March and September among 10 groups of 5-6 teams.
South America has 4.5 places. At the moment, the Qualified teams are:
Brazil Argentina Uruguay Ecuador Australia or UAE vs. Peru
  All 10 national teams face one another home and away. These four national teams with the highest-ranking advance directly to the final. The fifth-place team will compete in an intercontinental play-off.
At the moment, the Qualified teams are:
Mexico Canada USA Costa Rica vs. New Zealand
  CONCACAF team control has 3.5 places in the world cup. It was announced that the qualification process would be revamped for the 2022 edition, scheduled to begin in September 2020 and run until September 2021. However, this was left out because of the coronavirus pandemic.

At the moment, the African Qualified teams are:

SenegalMoroccoCameroonTunisiaGhana

 

African teams control 5 places. The 28 nations with the lowest rankings played two-legged ties in September 2019. The other 26 African nations joined the 14 winners from the first round. 40 teams were divided into ten groups of four teams, with the top two teams advancing to the finals.

These matches began in March 2020 and ran through October 2021, when football was suspended.

Four years ago, the first two rounds of qualifying were completed exactly the same way. The national teams with the lowest ranks played in June 2019. Those teams were Guam, Macau, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, and Cambodia advanced. Thus, there were six teams from the first round that joined the other 34 Asian national teams, playing in eight groups of five teams as qualifiers for the Asian Cup finals in 2023. At the moment, the Qualified teams are:
Iran Qatar South Korea
Saudi Arabia Japan Australia or UAE vs. Peru
At the moment, Oceania might have a chance to have a team. There must be a match to determine that: Costa Rica vs. New Zealand. Oceania holds power over 0.5 places. 11 FIFA-affiliated teams are split into two groups. The top two national teams of each group can progress. It has been canceled and rearranged several times, and there is no date specified. However, the most likely date is March 2022, just before the intercontinental play-offs in June 2022. These four teams would play home and away semi-finals and finals for the right to advance to the intercontinental play-off. Intercontinental Playoffs These games feature one team in each of the following places:
  • Asia
  • CONCACAF
  • Oceania
  • South America
There will be a single-leg play-off for this edition on neutral ground. These national teams race for the last two places.

The Result of the World Cup Group Stage Draw

The Group Stage draw took place on April 1 in Doha, Qatar.  The results are as follows:

Group AA1: QatarA2: EcuadorA3: SenegalA4: Netherlands
Group BB1: EnglandB2: IranB3: USAB4: WAL/UKR/SCO
Group CC1: ArgentinaC2: Saudi ArabiaC3: MexicoC4: Poland
Group DD1: FranceD2: AUS/UAE/PERD3: DenmarkD4: Tunisia
Group EE1: SpainE2: CRC / NZE3: GermanyE4: Japan
Group FF1: BelgiumF2: CanadaF3: MoroccoF4: Croatia
Group GG1: BrazilG2: SerbiaG3: SwitzerlandG4: Cameroon
Group HH1: PortugalH2: GhanaH3: UruguayH4: South Korea

What are the World Cup Draw Pots?

The FIFA World Rankings published on March 31 were used to sort the teams into pots before the draw on April 1. There is one representative from each of the four pots below in each World Cup group.

It was decided that the eight best teams would go into Pot 1, the next eight into Pot 2, and so on. The three slots that have not been claimed go into Pot 4. This process ensures that each group has a competitive balance.

It is a FIFA tradition at World Cup events to place the host nation in Pot 1.

Pot 1Pot 2Pot 3Pot 4
QatarMexicoSenegalCameroon
BrazilNetherlandsIranCanada
BelgiumDenmarkJapanEcuador
FranceGermanyMoroccoSaudi Arabia
ArgentinaUruguaySerbiaGhana
EnglandSwitzerlandPolandIntercont’l Playoff 1
SpainUSASouth KoreaIntercont’l Playoff 2
PortugalCroatiaTunisiaEuro Playoff

World Cup 2022 Matches

Find the links of the websites and applications explained in the video here:

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Ehteraz website 

Monday, November 21

GroupTeamsStadium
ASenegal vs. the NetherlandsAl Thumama Stadium, Al Khor
BEngland vs. IranKhalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
AQatar vs. EcuadorAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
BUSA vs. WalesAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

Tuesday, November 22

GroupTeamsStadium
CArgentina vs. Saudi ArabiaLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail
DDenmark vs. TunisiaEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
CMexico vs. PolandStadium 974, Doha
DFrance vs. UAE/Australia/PeruAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah

Wednesday, November 23

GroupTeamsStadium
FMorocco vs. CroatiaAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
EGermany vs. JapanKhalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
ESpain vs. Costa Rica/New ZealandAl Thumama Stadium, Al Khor
FBelgium vs. CanadaAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

Thursday, November 24

GroupTeamsStadium
GSwitzerland vs. CameroonAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
HUruguay vs. South KoreaEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
HPortugal vs. GhanaStadium 974, Doha
GBrazil vs. SerbiaLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Friday, November 25

GroupTeamsStadium
BWales vs. IranAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
AQatar vs. SenegalAl Thumama Stadium, Al Khor
ANetherlands vs. EcuadorKhalifa International Stadium
BEngland vs the USAAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Saturday, November 26

GroupTeamsStadium
CTunisia vs. UAE/Australia/PeruAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
CPoland vs. Saudi ArabiaEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
DFrance vs. DenmarkStadium 974, Doha
CArgentina vs. MexicoLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Sunday, November 27

GroupTeamsStadium
EJapan vs. Costa Rica/New ZealandAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
FBelgium vs. MoroccoAl Thumama Stadium, Al Khor
FCroatia vs. CanadaKhalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
ESpain vs. GermanyAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Monday, November 28

GroupTeamsStadium
GCameroon vs. SerbiaAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
GSouth Korea vs. GhanaEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
HBrazil vs. SwitzerlandStadium 974, Doha
HPortugal vs. UruguayLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Tuesday, November 29

GroupTeamsStadium
ANetherlands vs. QatarAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
AEcuador vs. SenegalKhalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
BWales vs. EnglandAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
BIran vs. the USAAl Thumama Stadium, Al Khor

Wednesday, November 30

GroupTeamsStadium
DUAE/Australia/Peru vs. DenmarkAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
DTunisia vs. FranceEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
CPoland vs. ArgentinaStadium 974, Doha
CSaudi Arabia vs. MexicoLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Thursday, December 1

GroupTeamsStadium
FCroatia vs. BelgiumAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
FCanada vs. MoroccoAl Thumama Stadium, Al Khor
ECosta Rica/New Zealand vs. GermanyAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
EJapan vs. SpainKhalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan

Friday, December 2

GroupTeamsStadium
GSouth Korea vs. PortugalEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
GGhana vs. UruguayAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
HSerbia vs. SwitzerlandStadium 974, Doha
HCameroon vs. BrazilLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Saturday, December 3

Match NumberTeamsStadium
1Winners of Group A vs. Runners-up of Group BKhalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
2Winners of Group C vs. Runners-up of Group DAhmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

Sunday, December 4

Match NumberTeamsStadium
3Winners of Group D vs. Runners-up of Group CAl Thumama Stadium, Doha
4Winners of Group B vs. Runners-up of Group AAl Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Monday, December 5

Match NumberTeamsStadium
5Winners of Group E vs. Runners-up of Group FAl Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
6Winners of Group G vs. Runners-up of Group HStadium 974, Doha

Tuesday, December 6

Match NumberTeamsStadium
7Winners of Group F vs. Runners-up of Group EEducation City Stadium, Al Rayyan
8Winners of Group H vs. Runners-up of Group GLusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Friday, December 9

Match NumberTeamsStadium
9Winners of 5 vs. Winners of 6Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
10Winners of 1 vs. Winners of 2Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Saturday, December 10

Match NumberTeamsStadium
11Winners of 7 vs. Winners of 8Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
12Winners of 3 vs. Winners of 4Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Tuesday, December 13

Match NumberTeamsStadium
13Winners of 9 vs. Winners of 10Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Wednesday, December 14

Match NumberTeamsStadium
14Winners of 11 vs. Winners of 12Al Bayt Stadium, Al Kho

Saturday, December 17

MatchTeamsStadium
Third-place play-off Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan

Sunday, December 18

MatchTeamsStadium
The World Cup final Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Why is Qatar World Cup in the Winter?

The temperature in Qatar is one of the biggest concerns of the next world cup. The World Cup has always been administered in June and July, which is the European off-season. During this period, the average high temperature during the day exceeds 40 °C or 104 °F. On the other hand, the average low temperatures during the day do not drop lower than 30 °C or 86 °F.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who is the 2022 Qatar bid chairman, has addressed this issue and said: “The event has to be organized in June or July. We will have to take the help of technology to counter the harsh weather. We have already set in motion the process. A stadium with controlled temperature is the answer to the problem. We have other plans up our sleeves as well”.

A Qatar 2022 Bid official site member also explains the basis for the stadiums’ carbon neutrality. He said that all five stadiums would harness the energy of the sun to provide fans and players with a cool environment by converting solar energy into electricity which will then be used for cooling fans and players. In the absence of a match, the stadium’s solar installations will export energy to the grid. Energy will be drawn from the grid by the stadiums during matches. In addition to the stadiums, we plan to make the cooling technology we have developed available to countries with hot climates so they too can host major sporting events.

This technology was once used on October 8th, 2015. It was during the 2018 World Cup qualifier with China under the air conditioning.

Infographic Qatar Visa for World Cup, Qatar Visa 2022

infographic Qatar Visa for World Cup, Qatar Visa 2022

Update 2022: Qatar Visa On Arrival

According to some accounts, the Qatar visa-on-arrival service has been reinstated after being discontinued in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, approximately 95 countries are qualified for a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar.

Qatar visa on arrival eligible countries

Nationals of 95 qualifying countries can receive a visa waiver upon arriving in Qatar by providing a passport valid for at least six months and a verified return ticket. These nations’ nationals are not required to get visas before traveling to Qatar. However, visitors who wish to remain in Qatar must have a valid hotel reservation for the duration of their trip.

The nations eligible for the Qatar visa on arrival will be classified into two groups based on the kind of visa on arrival.

90-day Qatar visa on arrival

The Qatar visa waiver will be applicable for 180 days from the date of issuance for citizens of the countries mentioned below and permit its owner to travel up to 90 days in Qatar, on a single trip or on successive trips:

LatviaTurkeySpainCyprusHolland
Antigua and BarbudaSerbiaMaltaThe Czech RepublicLiechtenstein
BahamasSwedenSlovakiaDenmarkSlovenia
LuxembourgLithuaniaGreeceRomaniaIceland
GermanyUkraineAustriaItalySeychelles
PortugalEstoniaCroatiaSwitzerlandBelgium
NorwayFinlandFranceBulgariaDominican Republic
ArgentinaNetherlandsPolandMalaysiaHungary

30-day Qatar visa on arrival

A 30-day visa-free stay is allowed for citizens from the following countries, which may be extended for another 30 days.

The United StatesCanadaThe United KingdomJapanBrunei
Costa RicaChinaMoldovaBrazilGuyana
South AfricaMaldivesColombiaAustraliaUruguay
ParaguaySurinameFrench GuianaIrelandAndorra
AzerbaijanIndonesiaFalkland IslandsLebanonMexico
MacauHong KongThailandPanamaBolivia
MacedoniaCubaNew ZealandRwandaPeru
VenezuelaChileBelarusMonacoSan Marino
KazakhstanGeorgiaEcuadorPakistanMontenegro
RussiaVatican CitySouth KoreaMauritiusIndia
Singapore

Qatar visa on arrival for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, and the Philippines

Qatar offers Visa on Arrival (VoA) to citizens from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) can be used once or on multiple trips within the same 30-day period. In addition, upon meeting the following terms and conditions, the period can be extended for another 30 days:

  • Passports must have validity for a minimum of six months.
  • The return flight must be confirmed.
  • The incoming traveler must have at least US $1400 in cash or a valid credit card; the same is true for the entire family.
  • Travelers from the countries mentioned above must pre-book hotel accommodations for the duration of their stay in Qatar. Bookings will be valid only if made through Discover Qatar.
  • Must have been completely immunized with vaccinations recommended by the Ministry of Public Health and have completed a 14-day interval following the final dosage.
  • Must have a document verifying a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival.
  • Before traveling, you must complete an electronic registration on the Ehteraz platform and acquire Ministry of Public Health permission.
  • Please remember that this also applies to people who have family members or friends in Qatar and want to stay with them.

Visa Exemption for GCC Countries

A visa is not required for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to enter Qatar, in addition to the countries eligible for visa-free entry.

Qatar Visa on Arrival Requirements 2022

Travelers from countries qualified for the Qatar visa on arrival can enter Qatar visa-free and acquire a visa waiver on arrival if they match the following criteria:

  • The traveler must be a citizen of one of the countries listed.
  • A passport holding validity of at least six months must be shown.
  • A verified return ticket is required.
  • Passengers who wish to stay in Qatar must have a valid hotel reservation for their visit.

Pakistani and Indian passengers may additionally require:

  • To be qualified for a Qatar visa on arrival, you must have evidence of funds or a credit card. Carry an International Debit/Credit Card in your name with a QAR 5000 minimum balance.
  • A bank statement from the previous three months may also be required to demonstrate that the balance equals QAR 5000.
  • Please remember that, as previously stated, travelers from India and Pakistan will be subject to additional procedures to receive a Qatar visa on arrival.

Qatar Visa on Arrival Application Process

Application for an Ehteraz travel permit

  1. Before applying for a Qatar visa on arrival, visitors who qualify for visa-free admission must first register on the Ehteraz website. Passengers will be contacted after their travel permission has been issued. Make sure to download and print the travel permit and keep it with you when traveling.
  2. Following that, travelers must produce their Ehteraz travel permission to the airline check-in agent.
  3. Please ensure you have downloaded the Ehteraz mobile application before your trip to Qatar.

Visiting the immigration desk

  1. In Doha, go to the Immigration desk and present the officer with your travel authorization.
  2. Make sure all the documents you need are submitted to the immigration officer, such as your passport, your return or onward ticket, your hotel reservation confirmation, your vaccine certificate, and three months’ bank statements (for India and Pakistan).
  3. If your application is approved, the Immigration Officer will place a little sticker on your passport to indicate that you have been granted a visa on arrival in Qatar.

Do you Need Qatar Pre-Entry Registration for the 2022 world Cup?

Since July 12, 2021, all travelers to Qatar must fill out pre-entry registration unless they use another qualifying app as outlined above.  Pre-entry registration is mandatory for all visitors to the country, and anyone who fails to do so may face delays at the border, mandatory quarantines, or even denial of entry. For more information about the Qatar pre-entry registration, visit our article about Qatar visas.

Update 2022: What is a Hayya Card? Is a Hayya Card Mandatory?

A Hayya Card is a type of Fan ID that will be necessary to enter the nation and attend tournament matches. On game days, it will also offer free public transportation. If you plan to visit Qatar between November 1, 2022, and January 23, 2023, you must have an authorized Hayya Card, irrespective of if you plan to attend a World Cup match.

To prevent delays, apply as soon as possible. At this time, only match ticket holders are eligible to apply. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Hayya portal website.

Ticket owners are reminded that all local and foreign fans must obtain a Hayya Card at the demand of Qatari officials. The Hayya Card is your admission permission into Qatar and your stadium entry permission (along with the match ticket). According to FIFA, international supporters will also need to verify their lodging arrangements.

It further stated that to apply for the Hayya Card and reserve accommodations, supporters must go to the World Cup portal set up by Qatar (hayya.qatar2022.qa). In addition, the Hayya Card offers various advantages, including free Doha Metro use.

For ticket information, visit the FIFA website and only buy match tickets from authorized sellers. Unofficially obtained match tickets may not be valid. If you want to travel outside the region during the championship, you should verify the entrance rules for each nation you intend to visit or transit through.

Hayya Card and Accommodation in Qatar

If you want to stay in Qatar for longer than 24 hours, you must validate your lodging to finish the Hayya Card application procedure. To enter the nation, you must have an authorized Hayya Card.

If you want to stay with friends or relatives in Qatar during the tournament, your host must register your lodging on the Hayya portal website. Unfortunately, this is not yet feasible, so keep an eye on the Hayya portal website for updates.

Hayya Card and Travelling around Qatar

All World Cup stadiums are nearby, and transportation routes are anticipated to be congested throughout the competition. Therefore, ensure you properly plan your trips, especially on match days. On match days, a Hayya Card grants free access to public transportation, such as buses, subways, and trams.

Update 2022: Qatar 2022 World Cup New Entry Restrictions

Last month, Qatar also implemented hotel reservations through Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways’ destination management firm. It is essential for Indian, Pakistani, and Iranian citizens who want to use the visa-on-arrival service.

With massive numbers streaming in, notably from India, the Ministry of Interior was making another effort to limit admission into the nation.

COVID Vaccines for Qatar 2022 world cup

Qatar authorities announced in mid-2021 that they plan to administer the 2022 world cup as safely as possible with little to no problems. To ensure the 2022 world cup’s success and the safety of travelers, Qatari authorities declared that they would only allow people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel to Qatar for the next year’s World Cup. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani announced in an interview with media members that while Qatar expected that most countries would have to perpetuate their vaccination process in their countries and vaccinate their populations by the end of 2022, Qatar was still determined in taking necessary measures to make sure a successful event.

All attending soccer fans must be fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus with the vaccines below:

  • Pfizer BioNTech (two shots)
  • Moderna (two shots)
  • AstraZeneca (two shots)
  • Johnson & Johnson (one shot)

These international travelers must present an RT-PCR test. This PCR test must be Negative. Their tests must be done within 72 hours of arrival.

Update: According to the latest information on Tuesday, December 2021, travelers should apply for Ehteraz pre-travel permission at least three days before their entry. The RT-PCR test result is no longer necessary for Ehteraz pre-registration. However, travelers must submit the original hardcopy of the PCR test outcome to the airline companies at the country’s ports in order to board the flight.

FIFA Qatar 2022 World Cup for Indians

World Cup 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater stated that they expect big participation from Indian people to attend soccer matches. This expectation comes from the last word cup in Russia, where the Indians comprised the third biggest group that purchased tickets from countries that had not qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Qatar CEO Nasser Al Khater insisted that things would be easier for the Indian fans this time. He also said that the visa for Indian attendance is extended due to Qatar’s geographical proximity to India.

UPDATE: On November 9th, 2021, Some messages were being circulated that indicated that Indian people cannot renew their visa on arrival over 30 days after November 11th. Bear in mind that this statement was issued in November 2018 and is no longer applicable. Indian citizens will be able to renew their visas on arrival for an additional 30 days beginning in November 2021. (Qatar allows a maximum stay of 60 days). The visa extension can be requested at any moment during the first 30 days.

Can you drink alcohol in Qatar during World Cup?

Muslim nations have zero tolerance and strict rules around alcohol consumption. However, recently, it has been agreed with serving alcoholic drinks like beers at the venues during the 2022 world cup.

In Qatar, alcohol sales and consumption are tightly regulated. There are just a few bars and restaurants tied to luxury hotels that serve alcohol, and there is one state-controlled off-license store that sells liquor to permit holders.

Due to current regulations, temporary visitors, including soccer fans, will not be allowed to purchase from the bottle store.

Qatar 2022 World Cup Ball

The name of the Adidas 2022 World Cup ball will be “Rihla.” Rihla is an Arabic word for travel books that refers to a journey or a travelogue documenting it. This word implies a design affected by the look of old Arabic books for the Adidas 2022 World Cup ball.

Qatar 2022 World Cup Mascot

The Qatar 2022 World Cup mascot and a countdown clock for the Doha waterfront are Orry the Oryx.

At the Qatar 2022 World Cup, One-Night Stands will Be Prohibited

Any adulterous sexual contact in Qatar during the World Cup in 2022 might result in a seven-year prison term. It is the first time a World Cup has been staged in a Gulf state. Therefore, many viewers will have to adjust to some cultural variations.

In a comment, Qatar’s Supreme Committee stated, “Qatar is a conservative culture, and public shows of intimacy are frowned upon irrespective of sexual preference.” According to the Daily Star, UK law enforcement is increasingly concerned about the likelihood of British fans incurring harsh consequences for doing something they would not think twice about.

“Unless you come as a husband and wife combination, sex is very much off the table,” a police source told the Daily Star. “This championship will not feature any one-night stands. There will be absolutely no partying.

“Everyone must keep their heads above water if they do not want to end up in prison. “For the first time, there is virtually a sex prohibition in force during this year’s World Cup. Fans must be prepared.”

Are LGBTQ Fans Safe in Qatar?

In Qatar, homosexual activities are considered crimes. Therefore, the sentence might be as harsh as the death sentence.

Qatar, which is the official host of the World Cup in 2022, has provided the strongest signal yet that LGBTQ fans would be welcome, connecting with gay supporters when hosting the Club World Cup despite criminalizing homosexuality.

Al-Khater confirmed in December 2021 that “homosexuality is not permitted” in the emirate but assures that LGTBIQ+ supporters would be able to come to the nation and watch matches.

According to people informed about the encounter, the organizing committee of the Qatar 2022 World Cup visited the UK in recent months to visit with the Liverpool fan clubs, such as the club’s LGBT supporters’ organization.

Is there a dressing code in Qatar for the 2022 world cup?

While there is no limiting dress code in Qatar, traditional Qatari attire is modest and conceals the majority of the body. Foreigners are not bound to keep the same standards as locals. However, it is encouraged that tourists be sensitive and show respect for cultural beliefs and practices by wearing clothes that hide the shoulders and knees.

How Much is the Price Ticket for Qatar 2022 World Cup?

Fans from all around the globe may now purchase tickets as Qatar begins ticket sales. The beginning price will be $70 (roughly Qatari Rs 5250) for international fans, while the lowest priced ticket for Qatar locals is set at $11. (approximately Qatari Rs 825).

The championship match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, on the other hand, will cost between $604 and $1000 in the ticket price (nearly Rs 45,000 to Rs 75,000). The World Cup final match ticket price has increased by 46 percent since the previous FIFA World Cup, which was hosted in Russia.

FIFA will issue the tickets in a controlled manner. There will be no open sale for football fans. Instead, at the end of the first application phase, which runs through February 8, there will be a random draw like a lottery selection. The entire pricing range has yet to be published.

Fans may register to follow their club all through the season and witness four games in four different stadiums by registering for specific game tickets.

Iran Considers Granting Free Visas to World Cup Guests from Qatar

According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran, the neighboring country of Qatar, is deciding on giving World Cup fans free visas. The proposal will cover all international visitors to Qatar for the World Cup 2022, except nationals of the US, the UK, Canada, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

According to the article, visas granted under the program will be valid for two months and 20-day visits, and travelers can apply for one, two, or numerous entries. According to the source, nationals of nations that qualified for the World Cup 2022 would be issued free visas to visit Iran without needing further papers.

Others, it stated, should provide match tickets or documentation demonstrating their reason for visiting Qatar to acquire visas. The statement is part of Iran’s efforts to capitalize on the World Cup to encourage tourism. However, since February 2020, the coronavirus outbreak has harmed Iran’s tourism industry.

Iran also intends to assist Qatar in organizing the event, which will take place from November 21 to December 18.

Qatar might Give World Cup Ticket Owners Priority over other Regular Tourists

As Qatar hosts the world’s most geographically constrained World Cup in 2022, it may turn down regular visitors in November and December to satisfy football fans’ accommodation needs. Due to limited hotel options, Qatar may restrict access to tourists with a valid World Cup ticket for November and December.

Meanwhile, Qatar has devised novel methods to handle the projected 1.5 million tourists who are scheduled to attend the event over five weeks. Qatar Airways recently said that regional carriers would operate more than 160 daily shuttle flights, enabling football fans from neighboring cities to travel into Doha and return on the same day.

According to reports, airfares to Doha have been rising in the run-up to the World Cup, with the economy class UAE-Qatar price increasing by about 1,900 percent.

Accommodation Options for Qatar World Cup 2022 Fans

When visiting the Host Country Housing Portal, fans now access a wider choice of accommodation alternatives. With Qatar prepared to host the smallest compact FIFA World Cup in modern history, spectators can stay in the exact location throughout the event, minimizing travel expenses and drastically decreasing their carbon impact.

One primary housing unit would be flats and villas, which would be managed by hospitality behemoth Accor and provide an extra 60,000 rooms.

Ticket holders may also stay in a choice of fan villages, which all provide a variety of amenities, including cabin-style lodging and various sorts of private vacation houses around the nation.

This fresh lodging supply includes a wide range of alternatives to suit various budgets. When Qatar earned the right to host the event, it promised to produce a tournament available to football fans worldwide. The announcement of this latest batch of lodging alternatives fulfills that promise.

While investigating traditional lodging options like hotels, apartments, and villas, Qatar will also house tourists in “floatels,” or floating hotels, cabins on cruise ships. For example, football fans may stay on one of two MSC cruise lines with 6,000 cabins moored at Doha’s new grand terminal.

What are the Best Hotels in Qatar in 2022?

Qatar’s development has been phenomenal. In a few years, it has grown from a desert environment of semi-nomadic Bedouins to a stylish modern center and, more recently, a center of world events and international tourists conveniently accessible via Doha International Airport.

Culture may be found among the towers; for instance, the Museum of Islamic Art is well-known for its collection. The shore provides several chances for watersports and fishing, and a trip into the desert to view the dawn is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Qatar’s world-class hotel selection has immaculate service, first-rate amenities, and top-tier restaurants.

Here are 14 modern hotels in Qatar that are appropriate for football fans during the 2022 World cup games.

Banana Island is a tiny island. The ferry voyage from the Doha shoreline takes around 20 minutes. There’s over a kilometer of beach to sprawl out on and a slew of amenities that make this a popular family destination, including a surf pool, dive center, theater, and bowling alley. However, the superb spa, wellness center, and Turkish baths will gratify parents who wish to relax while their children are in the kids’ or adolescents’ clubs.

Rooms feature pool or sea views, but there are villas with private swimming pools and others radiating from a wooden walkway perched over the ocean. Several eating alternatives range from a typical regional eatery to an American-style throwback diner. Because the resort is alcohol-free, you’ll drink mocktails rather than anything heavier at the pool bar.

The Marsa Malaz Kempinski, situated on an island in the middle of the Pearl, the sleek waterfront renovation boasts 281 rooms with spectacular ocean views and a decor that mixes European and Arabian elements.

The amenities are as luxurious as you’d imagine, with seven restaurants, various bar spaces, a gym, a spa, and a tennis court. Even better, the hotel boasts a private beach with excellent water sports activities for kids and adults alike and several outdoor pools. The latter was also amused at the specialized kids’ club, making this a perfect choice for families.

The Mondrian Doha is located in the desired West Bay, making it convenient to access all of the city’s attractions. In addition, it boasts exquisitely luxurious suites inspired by Arabian Nights tales, with wall paintings and ornate lights.

The hotel’s amenities include:

  • An indoor pool.
  • A 24-hour gym housed in a black and white tower.
  • A spa with mirrored mosaic walls and Turkish baths.
  • A spectacular rooftop bar inspired by Los Angeles’ Skybar.

Among the eateries are a steakhouse managed by award-winning chef Wolfgang Puck and a Japanese sushi bar and dining room offering dishes by Japanese culinary maestro Masaharu Morimoto.

This prominent luxury brand’s Doha hotel is ideally located in the city’s Msheireb neighborhood, which features several ancient buildings and the lively Souq Waqif (a must-see for a colorful and vibrant nighttime promenade).

The hotel overlooks a patterned square topped with a modern awning to keep the sun at bay. It features two rooftop pools, a health and wellbeing section with an indoor pool, several bars, and restaurants, including Izu, which specializes in dishes with Italian white truffle, and a patisserie serving cakes and ice cream. There are serviced flats with kitchens in addition to the exquisite rooms and suites.

The W Doha’s attention to design is evident everywhere, from the brilliant accent colors in the suites to the pair of battling polar bears in the lobby. The hotel lies in trendy West Bay, with its lit, sleek towers, and is close to all of the city’s major attractions.

In addition to approximately 300 rooms, there are more than 150 flats (or “residences”) accessible by a different entrance and reception, as well as an atmospheric pool, an equipped gym, and a high-end spa where the hotel arranges facials, massages, and other treatments for its guests.

With Italian and Latin American cuisines and two restaurants supervised by famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the dining selections are excellent and sufficiently sophisticated. In addition, the motel offers free on-site parking and claims to be pet-friendly.

Banyan Tree Doha is one of the city’s newest hotels, located in the historic Msheireb district, with rooms overlooking the sea, a cultivated garden, or the city itself. You can choose guest rooms, suites, or two- and three-bedroom apartments for extended stays.

Visit the Rainforest Hydrotherapy region, which is separated into male and female sections, each section equipped with a pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and rain walk. Later in the evening, dine at restaurants serving Italian, Thai, and Indian cuisine, or linger over a drink at the Vertigo bar on the 28th floor.

This beachfront resort is located in Qatar’s southwest. This resort offers an alternative to the more typical urban-focused Doha stays and is ideal for a family vacation. There’s a swath of private beach for sunbathing or watersports, and you’ll have unrestricted accessibility to one of the Middle East’s largest theme parks, the Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, which has a variety of pools and flumes.

Choose from a standard guest room, a suite, or a villa with its pool and direct beach access, as well as a variety of restaurants specializing in foods to satisfy all ages and tastes. If you want to get away from the action for a while, go and enjoy the spa, which has a variety of treatments as well as thermal baths and a hammam.

The Torch is Qatar’s highest hotel, with 51 stories and an intriguing past. It was designed to resemble a big torch and held the flame representing the 15th Asian Games on its rooftop in 2006. The silhouette is as unique as it is gratifying, towering above the Aspire Zone, a vast sports area west of the city center featuring sports facilities, shops, and restaurants.

The hotel’s 163 modern rooms feature iPads to regulate the temperature, mood lighting, and other amenities. Among the three restaurants is a revolving restaurant on the 47th level with breathtaking views along with the Mediterranean fare. There’s also a Sky lounge, a tea garden, an outdoor swimming pool, and superb workout facilities for those who want to sweat.

The Jouri Hotel is a little smaller than some of Doha’s other luxurious hotels, giving it a boutique feel. Its 110 rooms and 26 suites are decorated in neutral tones and contain feature walls with geometric motifs, rainforest showers, and a “do not disturb” note that can be triggered from the bed with a button.

The location is excellent, on the south side of Doha Bay, and the amenities include a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and a gym with windows overlooking the city skyline. Yansoon Restaurant is open daily and serves modern international and local cuisine, while the Daymah Café Lounge serves coffee and beverages.

This towering Marriott-owned facility in Doha’s famed West Bay neighborhood is a massive beast, with 336 rooms, marble baths, and Arabian-inspired décor. In addition, this place has 10 restaurants, each exhibiting a distinct region of the world’s culinary traditions.

The beach is outside your door, providing watersports and tanning. There’s also an Olympic-sized pool and a highly equipped fitness facility, and the spa offers all the pampering you could want.

Sharq Village & Spa is a stunning resort meant to resemble a royal palace, complete with arches and ponds, massive wooden doors and pillars, and hanging Arabian-style lamps. The hotel is a short walk from the excellent National Museum and the atmospheric Souq Waqif, and guests enjoy access to a secure beach.

The 174 rooms and suites all feature balconies, three outdoor swimming pools, and a spa designed after a typical Qatari hamlet, with treatment rooms offering anything from beauty treatments to physical therapy. There are seven restaurants, lounges, and pubs to choose from, featuring anything from Persian cuisine to Mediterranean meals of fresh seafood.

The Alwadi Hotel is located during the activity. The colorful Souq Waqif, with its small lanes offering everything from spices to falcons, is a stone’s throw away, as are the museums and galleries of the Msheireb area. The hotel features 213 rooms with huge windows, earthy tones, Arabic geometric patterning on the interior, and doors embellished with golden leaves to represent Qatari hospitality.

Three restaurants serve a variety of local and foreign cuisine, as well as two bars, one of which is a rooftop lounge with a spectacular view of the city. The spa provides treatments utilizing local oils and herbs, has different spaces for men and women, a fitness center, the main pool, and a pool for kids.

Four Seasons guarantees impeccable styling, first-rate facilities, and five-star service. The hotel was recently renovated, and Qatar’s sand and sea inspired the guest room palette of blues and beiges.

Large windows give beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, while outside, you have access to a private beach, and the complex boasts five swimming pools and a spa center spread across three levels. In addition, there are tennis and squash courts available for active guests, and food connoisseurs are pretty well catered for with restaurants such as the Shisha Terrace serving regional dishes and a landmark Nobu specializing in contemporary Japanese cuisine. The Seasons Tea Lounge also features a beautiful outside patio that provides the impression of a Parisian café.

If you want to rejuvenate your body and spirit, this facility on the northern tip of Qatar is one of the premier wellness facilities in the Middle East. It is tied to Thailand’s famed Chiva-Som resort, and the emphasis is on wellness and health based on traditional Arabic and Islamic treatment and old philosophy, whether you’re looking for weight reduction or a more profound and spiritual lifestyle change.

A wellness center and 64 treatment rooms are part of Zulal Serenity, the hotel’s program for adults. Zula Discovery, the hotel’s schedule for the entire family, includes activities for kids and an emphasis on nature. In addition, the resort features pools, a lagoon, restaurants selling nutritious cuisine, and beautiful gardens, ensuring that you are well energized and ready to take on the world.

The Bottom Line …

Qatar 2022 world cup is set to open the way for other Middle Eastern countries to become hosts in the future. However, Qatar’s performance will be under strict supervision due to concerns regarding its weather conditions and alcohol policies.

FAQs

Do you have to apply for a Qatar visa to enter the country?

Yes, if you are not among the visa-waived countries.

Can you apply for Qatar visa on arrival now?

Yes, the program was stopped in 2020 but now it’s available.

Can Indians travel without a visa to Qatar?

No, they need a visa to enter the country.

Who can apply for Qatar visa on arrival?

The list of qualified countries is provided in the article.

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