Hayya card holders can stay in Qatar until January 23, 2023, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Safety and Security Operations Committee has announced.
Qatar expects around 1.2 million fans for the World Cup taking place from November 20 to December 18, 2022.
FIFA announced recently that 2.45 million tickets have already been sold. The Hayya card (a fan ID) is a personalised document required for entry into Qatar. An approved Hayya application, alongside a valid match ticket, will grant spectators access to stadiums.
The Hayya card also ensures fans enjoy several public services like transportation and access to fan zones. Last month, a Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy official said over 260,000 Hayya cards had been issued to fans, which is expected to grow as the tournament approaches.
During a press conference yesterday to announce entry and exit procedures for the World Cup, Brig. Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, Director of Public Relations Department and Head of the Media Unit, World Cup Safety and Security Committee; and Col. Jassim Al Sayed, Executive Director, Office of the Commander of the Championship Security Operations, also announced that the entry of visitors to Qatar would be suspended from November 1, 2022. Visit visa holders are, however, allowed to enter the country from December 23, 2022.
Meanwhile, Hayya card holders can enter Qatar from November 1, 2022, until December 23, 2022.
Authorities also explained that if a Hayya cardholder doesn’t leave the country after January 23, 2023, the government-approved length of stay, the cardholder will be subject to legal proceedings. They also disclosed that Hayya Card could be used for multiple entries and exits.
While these policies come into place, Qatari citizens, residents and GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card can enter the country during the tournament.
Holders of personal recruitment visas and work entry permits can also enter Qatar during the football fiesta. Authorities also noted that humanitarian cases, including death, sick patients, marriage and other incidents classified under this, will be dealt with via an electronic platform to be launched soon. Entry exemption will be given based on approval through this platform.
