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The Interior Ministry announced that wishing to enter a car without a Qatar registration number needs to meet specific requirements and obtain a special permit
Photo: AFP
As the date for the long-awaited FIFA World Cup in Qatar draws nearer, there has been a multi-faceted increase in ticket prices. Tickets in Qatar are now around Dh960, and will soar to more than Dh6,000 in some cases during the World Cup season. Given this, many football fans who choose to settle here are considering driving to watch a FIFA World Cup match.
However, the Qatari Interior Ministry has announced that from Tuesday 1 November to Friday 23 December, only cars with Qatar registration numbers will be allowed into the country for day trips. Others wishing to use a car to enter the country need to meet specific requirements and have special permissions.
Here’s an explainer of the rules and regulations about driving from Dubai to Qatar.
driver
Drivers can enter Qatar through the Abu Samra border crossing located on Salwar Road. The drive from Dubai to Doha is approximately 650 kilometers and takes an average of 6 to 7 hours. From Abu Dhabi, the journey is only about 550 kilometers and can be completed in less than 6 hours. The border crossing has free parking and is open to tourists with a capacity of 4,000 passengers per hour.
who can enter
Previously, during sporting events, only those with match tickets could enter the country. However, it was announced last week that international fans who have purchased tickets for the match will be able to invite up to three guests with or without tickets into the Qatar Experience fan area. While ticket holders need to be at least 18 years old, there is no age limit on who can be invited.
license
There are four categories of people travelling to Qatar:
1. One-day tours: Citizens, residents and GCC nationals who come to Qatar for one-day tours are only allowed to bring their cars in if they have Qatar license plates. Others must pre-book a border parking space, where they can park for free within 24 hours of entering the country. They can then take the shuttle bus to Doha Central Station or the Al Qalayel meeting point. A service charge of QAR 1,000 will be charged for vehicles parked at the border the next day. Parking reservations will be available starting November 1.
2. Fans with special permission: International tourists with match tickets can enter Qatar in their own private car if they meet certain requirements. Vehicles must have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people, and the ticket holder must book a hotel stay in Qatar for a minimum of five nights. Visitors can apply for an entry permit using the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app for AED 5,043 and must also purchase vehicle insurance.
3. Fans arriving by bus: Fans who come to watch the game can choose to take a bus and get off at the border terminal. Visitors must carry a Hayya card. After immigration, take the free bus from the terminal to Al Messila Metro Station in Doha, or take the shuttle bus to the Al Qalayel Friends Pick-Up Area.
4. Exceptional Circumstances: While all borders in Qatar are closed to those who did not participate in the World Cup, special humanitarian circumstances will be considered. Those interested in entering the country can apply for a permit through the website of the Ministry of the Interior, and the application will be reviewed and answered within 6 hours.
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