Until 31 July arrivals into Qatar are only permitted for Qatari Nationals, their travelling companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other exceptionally approved Visa holders. From 1 August pre-approved QID resident permit holders will also be able to travel to Qatar. We are awaiting more details from the relevant authorities about the pre-approval process.
Eligibility – Who is eligible to return to/enter Qatar, on which dates, and under what conditions.
- Who needs to go into quarantine upon arrival into Qatar, and can I self-isolate or book my own hotel?
- All permitted arrivals into Qatar must go into Government approved hotels to quarantine for a 14 day period upon arrival into Qatar. Some exceptions are detailed below. The following is a summary of who is currently permitted to arrive into Qatar and what quarantine conditions apply (subject to change so please check out the rules and conditions on regular basis):For Qatari Nationals, their travel companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or those with approved entry, returning to Doha from 15 June – 15 September:
- All travellers departing from Qatar will need to book and pay for one of the approved quarantine hotel packages for a period of 14 days, which must be booked before departure from Qatar, if the return date is planned on or before 15 September. Check in at HIA will not be permitted without a confirmed quarantine reservation, if arrival back into Qatar is before 15 September. Eligible travellers currently outside Qatar will also need to book and pay for one of the approved quarantine hotel packages for a period of 14 days if arriving back into Doha on or before 15 September. Bookings can be made at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar. Only Qatari Nationals, their travelling companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other eligible Visa holders, will be permitted to arrive into Qatar before 1 August 2020.Exceptions
Foreign Diplomats, with approval to enter Qatar, are exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirements.Holders of ID cards issues by MOFA are exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirements.Qatari Diplomats are required to complete a 7 night mandatory quarantine stay, which is available for booking from Discover Qatar – for details and booking please email Discover Qatar at dqwelcomehome@qatarairways.com.qa or call us on +974 4423 7999.All eligible travellers arriving into Doha from the Republic of Turkey will be exempted from the 14 days quarantine condition in a self-funded hotel, and will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days at their respective homes, as long as they are able to prove that they were tested at one of the accredited medical centers in Turkey and found free from the Corona Virus (COVID – 19) within 48 hours of arriving into Doha, and hold a certificate of proof from one of the 4 authorized medical centers:1- Ankara Sehir Hospital in Ankara2- Yeshel Koi Murat Delmanlar Hospital in Istanbul3- Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura Hospital in Istanbul4- Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital in IstanbulPassengers arriving from Turkey, meeting the conditions outlined above, will also need to satisfy the existing entry requirements for arrival into Qatar; which currently permits Qatari Nationals, their travel companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card and other eligible Visa holders.QID holders returning from 1 August – 15 September: - QID holders will not be able to board a flight to Qatar without first receiving authorisation to travel to Qatar, and then by also providing confirmation of a 14 day government approved welcome home package reservation.
QID holders are advised not to book a quarantine package until approval to return to Qatar has been confirmed. Details of the approval process will be published when the eligibility and guidelines are confirmed by the relevant authorities. Please check back regularly to this page for updates. - What if I am planning to return to Qatar after 15 September?
- We recommend that you wait until closer to your planned date of arrival into Qatar before confirming your return travel plans, in case any of the quarantine requirements have changed.
- Can I self-quarantine at home?
- All eligible travellers arriving into Doha from the Republic of Turkey will be exempted from the 14 days quarantine condition in a self-funded hotel, and will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days at their respective homes, as long as they are able to prove that they were tested at one of the accredited medical centers in Turkey and found free from the Corona Virus (COVID – 19) within 48 hours of arriving into Doha, and hold a certificate of proof from one of the 4 authorized medical centers:1- Ankara Sehir Hospital in Ankara2- Yeshel Koi Murat Delmanlar Hospital in Istanbul3- Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura Hospital in Istanbul4- Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital in IstanbulFor all other eligible travellers, as per Ministry of Public Health regulations, the 14 day self funded quarantine is required at an approved and designated quarantine hotel.
- What if my Qatar ID has expired?
- If your QID has expired whilst you have been outside of Qatar you may be permitted to re-enter Qatar to renew your QID, after you been approved to travel and have successfully completed your 14 day quarantine.
- Can I fly with an airline other than Qatar Airways?
- Yes, but the same entry conditions will be present for Qatari Nationals and QID holders.
- If I have already had a positive test for Covid-19, can I travel?
- No, once you have recovered and tested negative you can travel, by adhering to the entry and quarantine requirements already outlined.
How to book – to enable a smooth return/entry to Qatar, Discover Qatar outlines the official approved booking process.
- Where can I make my hotel booking?
- For all other permitted arrivals, quarantine bookings can be made at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar.
- Can I cancel or amend the booking?
- Yes, bookings can be amended, up to 24 hours prior to your arrival, without any penalty. There is no refund for any unused quarantine reservations or if you fail to check in on the date of your arrival.
- Can I choose the Hotel?
- Yes, you will be able to choose between different star rated hotels available, depending upon your preferred hotel category and budget.
- How much will it cost?
- Welcome Home package rates and options will be available from 15 June. If eligible, check availability for your chosen dates at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar.
- Can I book direct with a hotel?
- No, you will need to make your booking directly with Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar for a stay at an approved quarantine hotel.
Your safety and comfort are the highest priority – upon arrival and at your hotel.
- What will happen on arrival at the airport?
- Upon arrival at HIA, you will be directed to a transfer to take you to the hotel.
- How will I go from the Airport to the Hotel?
- A compulsory one way transfer will be provided.
- Is there any limit to how much luggage I can bring in the transfer which is provided?
- Luggage space is limited to one piece of checked in luggage and one piece of hand luggage per passenger. Additional charges will apply if you have excess luggage that cannot be accommodated into the transfer vehicle provided.
- Can I pre-book additional luggage allowance on my transfer?
- Yes. Pre-booking is strongly recommended to avoid delays at the airport.
You will be able to book this on our website, or you can email one of the Discover Qatar team at dqwelcomehome@qatarairways.com.qa to add and pay for your additional luggage allowance.
Passengers arriving into Hamad International Airport without pre-booking the additional luggage allowance will need to need to pay the fees prior to boarding the transfer. - What steps are in place to ensure safety in the hotels?
- Your hotel will be compliant with the Qatar Clean program. Qatar Clean is a collaborative effort by the National Tourism Council, Ministry of Public Health, and the hospitality and tourism sectors. The program has been carefully designed to align with best practices and expert protocols to ensure remarkable levels of cleanliness, hygiene and safety for our guests and front line workers. For more information please visit www.qatarclean.com
- What precautions are in place for hotel staff?
- Hotel staff will also be under quarantine and will follow MOPH guidelines.
- Have hotel staff been tested / are they routinely tested for Covid-19?
- Yes.
- What will happen if there is an outbreak in a hotel?
- You will be required to follow instructions of Ministry of Health staff in the hotel.
- What medical services are available?
- Medical teams will be at the hotel 24/7.
- Will testing for Covid-19 be available at any stage?
- Yes.
- What happens if somebody in my travelling party tests positive for Covid-19 at any time of quarantine?
- You will be directed to follow the instructions provided by MOPH staff at the hotel. This may mean that you are required to extend your period of quarantine. Should this happen, you will be charged for any additional nights you are required to stay in the hotel.
- How many meals will be served?
- All hotel reservations will be on full board basis. This will consist of breakfast, lunch and evening meal as a minimum.
- Will food be delivered to my room?
- Yes, food will be left at the door of the room.
- Can I share the room?
- Only with direct relatives. A maximum of 2 adults and 1 child 6 years or under may share a room.
- Can I book a family room or interconnecting rooms?
- Once you have confirmed your booking online, email us your booking reference and we will do all that we can to secure a family room for you. Please be aware, that under no circumstances can this be guaranteed.
Similarly, if you wish to request interconnecting rooms, please call or email us to make your booking. We will not be able to guarantee the request, but will do everything that we can to make the arrangements. - Will I have access to laundry facilities?
- Yes, but this might be at additional cost. This will be advised at the time of booking.
- How often will bed linen be changed?
- Once a week as minimum.
- Will I be able to use extended room services?
- Yes – this might be available, depending upon your chosen hotel, at an additional cost.
- Can I use outdoor facilities at the hotel (e.g. Pool)?
- No, leaving the room is prohibited.
- What facilities are there for children?
- There are no specific facilities for children; leaving the room is not allowed for any reason.
- Will I have access to cooking facilities?
- No.
- Will I have access to Hotel facilities like gym, pool, restaurant, bar etc?
- No, leaving the room is prohibited.
- Will there be an accessible prayer room?
- No, leaving the room is prohibited.
- Can personal items or food be delivered to the hotel?
- Yes. Items can be delivered to the hotel, but no items are allowed to leave the hotel until the quarantine period is completed. If food is being delivered, this must be safely packaged in disposable containers. Any cutlery or similar items should also be disposable.
- Is there provision for outdoor exercise?
- No.
- Will I be able to have contact with family members or friends who are based in Qatar, at any time during quarantine?
- No. Physical contact is not allowed.
- Will I be able to have contact with family members or friends at any time during quarantine (where they are also in quarantine)?
- No, only unless you will be sharing a room.
- If anyone on my travelling party has special needs, how do we communicate this?
- Please make Discover Qatar aware of any special requirements at the time of making your Welcome Home package booking.
- What if we are a large group and / or have specific requirements?
- Please call or email one of the Discover Qatar team with any special request or requirements, including wheelchair access, existing medical conditions, dietary requirements, room requests, groups rates and more.
- Can I talk to someone or email a question?
- Yes, you can call one of the Discover Qatar team if you would prefer to talk to someone, on +974 4423 7999
Alternatively you can email your question to dqwelcomehome@qatarairways.com.qa
Some More Important Queries
Which countries can I travel to and undergo home quarantine on return?
To view the list of countries classified as low risk of COVID-19 click here https://essenceofqatar.com/2020/07/22/list-of-low-risk-countries-by-moph/
How long must I undergo home quarantine on my return from a low-risk country?
You must undergo at least a 7 day period of home quarantine following your return to Qatar.
Will I be tested during my period of home quarantine?
Yes. Upon your return to Doha’s Hamad International Airport from low-risk countries where MOPH approved testing centers are not in place (currently only Turkey) you will be tested at the airportand then required to undergo home quarantine for one week (7 days). You will then be tested on day 6 of your home quarantine by arranging a drive through an appointment in one of the designated primary health centers. If the test is negative, you will be released from home quarantine on day 7. If your test result is positive, , you will be placed under appropriate isolation.
Are there any requirements to undertaking home quarantine?
Yes, there are Ten Rules of Home Quarantine that you must adhere to:
1. You must have suitable housing conditions with the availability of your own room and linked bathroom when you confine yourself to your own room and not mix with the rest of the family
2.You must sign an undertaking (including all the family members and household helpers living in the same house) to abide by the rules of home-based quarantine
3.You must watch a short video onboard of the flight before arrival and review the pamphlet on home quarantine.
4.You must apply preventive measures at home to protect others
5. You must have a swab taken on day 6 after your arrival back to Doha at a designated drive through primary healthcare center
6.You must answer the phone calls from the public health team during your home quarantine.
7.You must agree to receive a visit from the public health team every 2 to 3 days.
8.You must inform the public health team if you develop any symptoms (fever, cough, body aches, change in taste or smell)
9. You must download the Ehteraz app.
10.You should not receive visitors while under home quarantine.
Will my Ehteraz status change when I return from travel?
Yes. Upon arrival back to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, your Ehteraz status will change to Yellow (Quarantine). If your 6-day test result is negative, your Ehteraz status will change to green on day 7 if you returned from low-risk countries. However, if this test result is positive, your Ehteraz status will change to red. If you returned from other countries, then your health status on Ehteraz will remain yellow (Quarantine) on day 7, and you should continue the remaining 7 days home quarantined (total 14 days).
Do I have to have a COVID-19 test at Hamad International Airport if I have traveled to Turkey and had a test in one of the MOPH approved centers?
No. If you have been tested at an approved MOPH testing center, you will not require a test on arrival at Hamad International Airport. You should present your COVID-19 free certificate to authorities at Hamad International Airport and begin your 7-day period of home quarantine. You will then be tested for COVID-19 on day 6 of your home quarantine by arranging a drive through an appointment in one of the designated primary health centers. If the test is negative, you will be released from home quarantine on day 7. If your test result is positive, the existing protocol for positive cases will be applied.
Is there any documentation that I must complete on my return to Qatar?
Yes. Each traveler must complete and sign a Health Checklist for Returning Travelers form/card that will be distributed among passengers by cabin crew onboard. On arrival back to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, the form/card is submitted to the Medical officer. The form/card includes questions about the individual’s medical history and the rules of home quarantine.
I’ve already booked my travel and hotel quarantine stay – will I get a refund for the hotel quarantine?
If you are traveling to an approved low-risk country and have already booked and paid for a hotel quarantine stay on your return to Qatar, you will be able to get a full refund for the hotel quarantine as you will be eligible for home quarantine. Contact Discover Qatar to request your refund.
Can I undergo home quarantine if I travel to a country that is not on the official low-risk list?
No. If you travel to a country that is not on the low risk approved list, you will be required to undergo a one week period of hotel quarantine. You should book a hotel quarantine stay for one week from the listed hotels on the Discover Qatar website. You will be tested on day 6 of your hotel, quarantine. If the test is negative and you are asymptomatic (displaying no symptoms), you will be able to leave the hotel on day 7 to begin a further period of home quarantine for 7 days (14 days total quarantine). If, after 14 days, you are still asymptomatic, your Ehteraz status will turn green.
Are there any exemptions from hotel quarantine for people returning from countries, not on the low-risk list?
Yes. The following vulnerable groups returning from travel (Qatari and non-Qatari) and their immediate family members living in the same household, including their domestic helpers returning with them, are eligible for home quarantine and not hotel quarantine:
1. Aged 55 years old and above.
2. Organ transplant recipients.
3. Patients with hypertension who are on treatment.
4. Bone marrow transplant recipients.
5. Patients with conditions that require immune-suppressive treatment.
6. Patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease.
7. Patients with moderate to severe asthma.
8. Cancer patients with metastasis and those on treatment (Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy).
9. Pregnant females (any trimester).
10. Nursing mothers with children aged 0-5 years.
11. Patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRD) or on dialysis.
12. Patients with CLD (Chronic Liver Disease) and decompensation.
13. Patients with lower-limb amputations.
14. People with disabilities where they are dependent on others for their activities of daily living.
15. Children with disabilities and their mothers.
16. Patients with epilepsy and on treatment.
17. Patients with diabetic foot infections.
18. People with deceased first degree relatives in the last 10 days.
19. People with mental health problems on antipsychotic medications and whose condition is aggravated by staying in closed spaces
20. Diabetic patients on treatment (any HbA1C level).
