The globe’s greatest sporting occasion, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is simply days away from commencing.
The match might be held from 20 November and run by 18 December 2022.
Australia have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Tunisia and Denmark and might be enjoying all three of its group matches on the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, roughly 21 kms south of the capital Doha.
In the event you’re travelling to attend, there are some vital issues it’s essential to know which you’ll learn beneath.
Extra info may also be discovered on the smartraveller.gov.au web site.
Getting into Qatar through the FIFA World Cup
It’s essential to have an accepted Hayya Card to enter Qatar between 1 November 2022 and 22 December 2022. Up till 2 December, to get a Hayya Card, you will want a ticket to a World Cup match. Tickets will not be required for Hayya Playing cards from 2 December onwards. No customary visas might be issued for Qatar throughout this time. For a price, ticket holders can use their Hayya Card to herald three associates or family who do not maintain tickets. Hayya Playing cards can be utilized for entry to Qatar till 23 January 2023.
A Hayya Card is a type of Fan ID required to enter Qatar and attend matches through the World Cup match. The cardboard may even present entry to free public transport on match days.
Apply early to keep away from delays. See the Hayya portal web site for the most recent info.
From 1 November, you are not required to current a damaging COVID-19 (PCR or RAT) check to enter Qatar. You are additionally not required to pre-register on the Ehteraz well being software previous to arrival. You may nonetheless have to current proof of your well being standing through the Ehteraz app to enter healthcare services.
Entry and exit situations can change at quick discover. You need to contact the closest embassy or consulate of Qatar for the most recent particulars.
Extra info:
The Qatari Authorities has launched a media portal for the FIFA World Cup.
Buying Tickets
Examine the FIFA web site for ticket info and solely buy match tickets from official suppliers. Match tickets purchased by unofficial means will not be legitimate.
Lodging through the World Cup
Qatar’s World Cup Lodging Company web site would be the predominant reserving platform, however various choices are additionally accessible. You may want a legitimate occasion ticket quantity to e-book lodging.
In the event you plan to stick with associates or household in Qatar through the match, your host should register your lodging throughout the Hayya portal web site.
Learn the Qatar Authorities’s web site for extra info on transport choices.
Monitor the Hayya portal web site for the most recent info.
Getting round Qatar through the World Cup
All World Cup stadiums are inside a compact space. Transport routes are more likely to be very busy for the match period. Some main roads – together with Doha’s Corniche – might be pedestrianised through the match. Ensure you plan your journeys rigorously, significantly on match days. Not all objects are permitted at World Cup Stadiums, see the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Stadium Code of Conduct.
You need to plan to make use of public transport wherever potential.
A Hayya Card provides you with free entry to public transport on match days, together with bus, metro and tram.
Learn the Qatar Authorities’s web site for extra info on getting round Qatar and for info on the FIFA Fan Pageant and different actions occurring round Qatar.
Native legal guidelines and customs
Alcohol and medicines
There are strict legal guidelines across the sale and consumption of alcohol in Qatar.
- The authorized ingesting age in Qatar is 21.
- Alcohol is generally solely accessible to guests at licensed premises, corresponding to eating places and bars.
- It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public locations.
- Importing alcohol into Qatar will not be permitted. This implies you will not be capable of buy duty-free alcohol on the airport or on arrival.
Throughout the World Cup, alcohol may even be accessible in designated FIFA Fan Zones from 6.30pm and in FIFA precincts outdoors stadiums from three hours previous to a match. Alcohol won’t be permitted inside stadiums.
There might be no flexibility on Qatar’s zero tolerance for drug-related offences. The penalties for drug use, trafficking, smuggling and possession (even residual quantities) are extreme. Punishment can embrace prolonged custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation.
In the event you’re taking prescription remedy with you, ensure that it is authorized.
Learn the journey recommendation for Qatar for extra info on native legal guidelines and customs. Additionally see our normal recommendation on carrying or utilizing medication and travelling with remedy.
Different legal guidelines
Qatari legal guidelines and customs are very completely different to these in Australia. There could also be severe penalties for doing one thing which may not be unlawful in Australia.
There are conservative codes of costume and behavior in Qatar. Guests are anticipated to cowl their shoulders and knees when visiting public locations like museums and different authorities buildings. Followers attending World Cup matches ought to notice that the removing of shirts inside stadiums will not be permitted.
Concentrate on your actions to make sure that they do not offend, particularly for those who plan to go to non secular areas.
- Keep away from public shows of affection. Any intimacy between individuals in public can result in offence, no matter gender, sexual orientation or intent.
- It is an offence to make use of obscene language or make obscene gestures.
- Whereas homosexuality is against the law in Qatar, authorities have publicly said that there might be no restrictions on non-married associates or {couples} (together with LGBT) staying in the identical room.
Photographing native individuals in Qatar, significantly girls, is against the law with out permission. Ensure you search consent earlier than doing so.
See our recommendation on staying throughout the legislation. Additionally see our normal recommendation for girls and LGBTI travellers.
Learn the Qatar Governments web site for extra info on cultural consciousness.
Staying within the area for World Cup
In the event you’re staying outdoors of Qatar and commuting in to attend matches, learn the journey recommendation for the vacation spot you’re staying in. Examine the entry necessities, native legal guidelines and customs for neighbouring locations:
Keep updated on the completely different entry processes and necessities for coming into Qatar through regional shuttle flights or street. Entry and exit situations can change at quick discover. Contact the closest embassy or consulate of Qatar for the most recent particulars.
In the event you’re planning to journey elsewhere within the area through the match, test the entry necessities and journey recommendation for each nation you intend to go to or transit by.
Learn our normal recommendation on getting round abroad.
The place to get assist
Misplaced or stolen passport
Make sure you hold your passport protected and in a safe place. To exchange a misplaced or stolen passport, you will want to finish a full software type and supply authentic images to Australian Embassy in Doha.
Most nations within the area don’t permit entry for Australian emergency passport holders. In the event you lose your passport in Qatar, it’s possible you’ll not be capable of journey within the area and should return to Australia and apply for a alternative full validity doc.
In case your passport is misplaced or stolen:
Consular help
Learn the Consular Providers Constitution for what the Australian Authorities can and might’t do that will help you abroad.
In Qatar, you may get consular help from:
Australian Embassy, Doha
Twister Tower
Majlis Al Taawon Avenue
Doha, Qatar
Telephone: (+974) 4007 8500
E mail: [email protected]
Web site: qatar.embassy.gov.au
Examine the Embassy web site for particulars about opening hours and any momentary closures.
Availability of non-emergency passport and notarial appointments on the Embassy could also be restricted through the FIFA World Cup from 20 November – 18 December 2022.
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you cannot contact an embassy, name the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from abroad
- 1300 555 135 in Australia