As Qatar gears up for the kick-off of the month-long FIFA World Cup , authorities have decided to suspend entry of all visitors from November 1, 2022, with some exceptions.

The Qatari Interior Ministry tweeted that it will not allow visitors to enter the country by air, land and sea between November 1 to December 23, but only Hayya Card holders will be permitted.

Operated by Qatar, Hayya Card is mandatory for all the fans, who want to attend the World Cup matches, as it is an entry permit to Qatar and its stadiums during the football tournament. In addition, the card holders also must have their match tickets to watch the games at the venues.

The ruling will not affect those with personal visas, work entrance permits, GCC citizens with Qatari ID cards, Qatari citizens, residents, and approved humanitarian cases. 

The entry ban will remain in effect until December 23 this year, said Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, director of Public Relations Dept and head of Media Unit, Security Committee.

To ensure the successful organization of the upcoming football event, the Ministry of Interior urged everyone to comply with the laws and regulations issued in this regard.
The World Cup will kick off on November  20.