Doha is ready for the FIFA World Cup 2022, are you? There are quite a few things to keep in mind when travelling to the breathtaking Arab country of Qatar. One of the most awaited sporting events, FIFA World Cup 2022, is happening from November 21 to December 18, across eight state-of-the-art stadiums in the country. To prepare for a seamless game, Qatar FIFA stadium will see a massive footfall of tourists that will fly from all over the world daily for at least a month.
There are some things to know before you go to Qatar. Hamad International Airport in Doha is expected to receive 1,300 flights daily during the FIFA World Cup 2022. An event of this scale post-pandemic will witness extra safety and security measures, leaving tourists in a state of frenzy if they arrive unprepared. From visa to travel and accommodation to COVID-19 restrictions, our travel guide will help you with all your questions about how to plan a trip to Qatar.
FIFA World Cup 2022: How to plan a trip to Qatar
1. Documents required
If only your Qatar FIFA World Cup tickets sufficed as an entry into the country! But the Arab nation is very strict about tourist documents and you must have the two most important pieces of travel proof with you — a Hayya card and a visa.
The Hayya card works as an entry permit to the match and as a fan ID. This is mandatory for local and international visitors and must be on you during your entire stay in the country.
Indian travellers enjoy the benefit of a visa-on-arrival that is valid for a month and can be extended for another month. To enter a FIFA World Cup 2022 match, medical insurance is mandatory.
2. How to reach Qatar
There are innumerable airline options for India to Qatar flights from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Airlines are also offering special World Cup packages that include a round trip to and from Doha, hotel booking with meal choices, stadium seats and visa applications. With everything booked in advance, you can plan your holiday and experience the opulent Qatar lifestyle after the game.
3. Stay options in Qatar
Qatar hotel quarantine is no longer required upon your entry into the country. You can choose from a plethora of hotel options that suit your budget and comfort. A very safe and tourist-friendly spot, don’t fret about how to plan a trip to Qatar. There are luxury seven-star resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village and the Four Seasons for an indulgent holiday.
The city also has several budget accommodations like Centro Capital Doha and Four Points by Sheraton, that offer an equally comfortable stay. Pick any hotel in the city and you’ll find one of the eight stadiums in your vicinity.
4. Travelling in and around Qatar
When it comes to traversing within the city, Doha has a cheap and well-connected public transport system. You can get a reusable travel card that gives you metro access. Hire a swanky car if you please, but given all the extra traffic due to the World Cup 2022 and driving rules, it is best to use the metro to reach the major stadiums. To get your daily dose of exercise, hire a bicycle and use the city’s distinguished cycling route to reach your destination.
5. Sightseeing in Qatar
With a 560-kilometre-long coastline, Qatar is blessed with resplendent beauty and architectural marvels. Get a tan at Fuwairit beach as you soak up the sun and enjoy a camel ride along the shore. Nature lovers will get their fix by spotting rare hawksbill sea turtles and their hatching places along the shores. Adventure enthusiasts can engage in activities like desert safari, camel rides and kite surfing.
6. Authentic Qatari cuisine to try
One of the things to know before you go to Qatar is you need not pack munchies from home. Their authentic Qatari cuisine is lip-smacking. From the machboos, luqaimat, ghuzi and thareed, Qatar’s exquisite culinary treats will tickle your tastebuds and take you on a gastronomic journey of happiness.
Check out Petra restaurant and Chai Halib for a delightful Turkish coffee experience. And if you miss the good old Indian food, Bharat Vasanta Bhawan is every vegetarian lover's paradise in a foreign land.
7. Pandemic regulations
Whether you plan a leisure holiday to the Arab country or gear up for the FIFA World Cup 2022, all travellers need to present a negative RT-PCR test report taken within 48 hours of their arrival at Doha. Though there is no Qatar hotel quarantine rule at the moment, you must check their official website before travelling for daily updates.
Adults will require a double vaccination certificate, while children below the age of 12 need to take a rapid antigen test within a day of arrival at any certified clinic in the city.
8. Ticket details
Tickets for the Qatar World Cup 2022 will be available on its official website.
9. Game schedule
Wondering how to plan a trip to Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2022? Plan your holiday around the match schedules that will kick off on the afternoon of November 21 between Senegal and the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium. Thereafter, you can get access to the entire game schedule here to plan your vacation accordingly.