Fans without World Cup tickets will be allowed to enter Qatar from December 2, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has announced.
You might also like: Hotel bookings open for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket holders
It was previously announced that Qatar would not accept visitors who did not have tickets to the World Cup matches. Today, the decision has been reversed as a tweet from Road to 2022 confirmed that tourists will be allowed to enter the country during the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Those wishing to visit the state can now do so from Friday December 2, though you will still need to apply for a Hayya Card.
All match ticket holders can apply for a Hayya Card.
Prior to December 2, international Hayya Card holders can invite up to three non-ticketed fans to come with them, and the platform for doing so is now open. Non-ticketed fans will have to pay a fee of QR500.
The group stages of the FIFA World Cup kick-off in Qatar on Sunday November 20 when Ecuador plays the host nation Qatar at Al Thumama Stadium. Group stages will run from Monday November 21 until Friday December 2.
After the initial group matches, the knockout stages (or round of 16) will commence on Saturday December 3.
The new rules mean fans without tickets can enjoy all the football fever of the knockout stages.
The round of 16 will run between Saturday December 3 and Tuesday December 6.
Quarter-finals will be held on Friday December 9 and Saturday December 10, followed by the semi-finals on Tuesday December 13 and Wednesday December 14.
The showdown for third place will happen on Saturday December 17, followed by the final on Sunday December 18 – which coincides with Qatar National Day.
Between Tuesday November 1 and Friday December 23, international arrivals passing through the Abu Samra border crossing must have a vehicle entry permit. However, bear in mind that this will cost you.
Find out how much, and more about driving to Qatar for the World Cup here.
This rule does not apply to citizens, residents and GCC nationals who have a Qatari ID card driving a vehicle with Qatari number plates.
