Qatar drops World Cup Hayya card entry requirement for Gulf residents

New rules came into force on Tuesday and will apply for the rest of the tournament

Brazil's Neymar celebrates scoring their second goal with Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta. Reuters

South Korea's Son Heung-min holds his protective mask after the match. Reuters

Brazil's Neymar scores their second goal from the penalty spot past South Korea's Kim Seung-gyu. Reuters

Brazil's Lucas Paqueta in action with South Korea's Son Heung-min. Reuters

A tribute to Pele by Brazil's fans before the last 16 match against the Republic of Korea. EPA

A Brazil fan with star player Neymar written on their sunglasses. Reuters

Fans of Japan show their emotions after their defeat to Croatia. AP Photo

Japan's Daizen Maeda has been a nuisance for Croatia in the first half. AP

Japan's Ritsu Doan, right, and Croatia's Josko Gvardiol have been enjoying a solid contest. AFP

Japan supporters are sliding into the spirit of the World Cup in Qatar. AFP

Others are finessing their selfie game. Reuters

When in doubt, dress the whole family in gold. Reuters

One fan's journey around the world in flag form. AFP

You won't find someone else wearing the same outfit if you put a boat on your head. Getty Images

Croatia fans are warming up for the last-16 tie. Reuters

Lively Croatia supporters are in town. EPA

Croatia face Japan in the last 16. EPA

Fans, young and old, are ready for the two teams in the knockout rounds. Reuters

Japan's fans are also at Souq Waqif, Doha. EPA

Residents, both with and without feathers, are enjoying the World Cup atmosphere. PA

Switzerland's team are preparing for their last-16 tie. EPA

Brazil fans in the Souq area of Doha. PA

Croatia fans in the Souq area of Doha. PA

Supporters have been kitted out with themed ghutras in the Souq area of Doha. PA

Crescent Towers at Lusail, Doha. They have become a beacon of direction for tourists traversing the city. AP Photo

Qatar has dropped the Hayya card entry requirement for Gulf citizens and residents, paving the way for thousands of fans without tickets to soak up the final leg of the World Cup.

“GCC citizens and its residents will be allowed to enter the country without the need to obtain a Hayya card for non-ticket holders as of December 6,” the Ministry of Interior said on Tuesday.

New rules will apply for the rest of the World Cup.

The decision is likely to lead to a boom in last-minute trips to Doha for fixtures such as England v France this Saturday.

Although tickets for the finals sold out months ago, many fans from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere are expected to want to take in the atmosphere on Sunday, December 18.

Fans with tickets are still required to use the Hayya card system, which prevents fraudulent entry to stadiums.

Driving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

GCC citizens and residents hoping to drive to Qatar will be allowed to enter without a Hayya card from December 8.

To do this, you need to apply for a vehicle entry permit through Qatar Ministry of Interior website 12 hours before crossing.

There are no fees to pay, officials said.

Fans still have an option of crossing land borders and leaving their car in a designated car park on the Saudi side, before taking buses to Doha. We have a full guide on that here.

“This step is in line with the country efforts to allow citizens and residents to enjoy the World Cup’s atmosphere,” the ministry said in a statement.

Rules for non-Gulf residents

The Hayya card acts as an entry visa to Qatar during the World Cup and is still required by those wishing to attend the matches, or people without a Gulf residency visa.

New entry rules brought in last Friday — in time for the start of the knockout stages of the competition the following day — allow fans to enter Qatar even if they do not plan to or are unable to attend a game.

For example, a tourist on holiday in Dubai would still need to apply at the Hayya website or through the Hayya to Qatar 2022 mobile app, for a Dh500 ($136) fee.

Fans without tickets must apply through the “Early December” Hayya option and must provide proof they have booked accommodation in Qatar. This can be done at qatar2022.qa/book.

Fans can collect a physical copy of their digital Hayya card at one of two Hayya service centres, at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The Hayya card can be printed only once.