Qatar has further extended strict quarantine rules that require travellers to isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival in the country.
The latest report in ‘The Peninsula’ said “For all arrivals – including nationals, residents and visa holders – quarantine requirements are now extended for all arrival dates upto 31st December 2020.”
Arrivals to Qatar from ‘low-risk countries’ will have to take a coronavirus test at the airport, sign an official pledge to adhere to quarantine at home for a week.
The travellers will then have to undergo a second test, with the quarantine period ending if the results turn negative. However, if it is positive, the person will be transferred to a government facility for isolation.
Those arriving from ‘high-risk countries’, will have to produce a ‘virus-free certificate’ from an accredited Covid-19 facility, which is no more than 48 hours prior to travelling. They should then adhere to the home quarantine policy while in Qatar.
In case the travellers are unable to obtain a virus-free certificate in their country of departure, they will have to book a hotel at their own expense for a week to quarantine for seven days, before undergoing a Covid-19 test here.
All these rules were due to expire on 31st October, however, it has been further renewed now.
Qatari nationals, approved visa holders, permanent resident cardholders are all allowed entry into the country at present. But they will have to undergo a test for Covid-19 or quarantine, depending on whether their country of departure is a low-risk one or not.
The list of low-risk countries is mentioned in the public health ministry website.
Qatar has marked a daily limit for arrivals, but the demand is extremely high. Qatar is one of the worst-hit countries in the region after Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel and Morocco.