The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has raised an unprecedented number of questions from fans, ranging from whether they can drink alcohol, hold hands with a partner or simply enter the Islamic Gulf state.
Here is a guide to rules and customs in Qatar for fans at the tournament between November 20th and December 18th:
— Entry into Qatar
Expecting at least one million visitors during the World Cup, Qatar has said only people with a Hayya fan pass and match ticket will be able to enter the country. Each ticket holder can invite three people but must pay an entrance fee of 500 riyals (US$140).
Once a game ticket is purchased and accommodation is reserved, fans must register online for the Hayya card, which serves as a visa, game ticket and free pass for transportation and emergency medical treatment.
– Drugs and drinks
Alcohol is strictly reserved for mainly foreign residents over the age of 21. Passengers are not allowed to bring alcohol into the country. Residents need a permit to buy beer, wine and spirits for their own consumption from two government-run shops. Residents and fans can visit more than 30 hotels and restaurants where drinks are allowed and a beer can cost at least $10.
No alcohol is sold in the eight stadiums, but there are beer stands around the venues, which are open up to 30 minutes before each game and one hour after. In the main FIFA fan zone, the beer stands open at 6:30 p.m. Different opening rules apply in other private fan zones.
Narcotics are illegal and the British embassy website warns people they can face a “harsh” penalty for possession of even small amounts of drugs. This can range from imprisonment to a fine or deportation.
The US embassy even recommends travelers to check the legality of some medicines they are bringing to Qatar and make sure they have a prescription with them.
The embassies also recommend travelers not to import pork or products that could be interpreted as “pornography”.
— gender and sex
Wearing a Muslim veil is not compulsory for women, but they must dress “modestly” in public and be covered from shoulders to knees. The rule is used in official buildings, but rarely in places where expatriates congregate.
Sex outside of marriage is illegal and can be punished by flogging, although there is no record of when the sanction was last used. The US Embassy recommends that pregnant women carry a marriage certificate in case they need medical attention.
Many embassies say that a woman who has been the victim of sexual assault should contact her mission before going to the Qatar police.
Despite laws criminalizing homosexual sex, the Hayya card’s website has no restriction on “unmarried opposite-sex friends or couples (including LGBTQ+)” staying in the same room.
FIFA has announced that carrying an LGBTQ rainbow flag will be allowed inside stadiums. Authorities say fans in other areas should be cautious.
Authorities have indicated that some social morale indulgence will be shown for the World Cup. But senior organizers have warned that “public displays of love” could be considered “offensive”, whether by a man and his wife or a same-sex couple.
The US embassy says demonstrations and gatherings of large groups, “proselytizing,” insulting the Qatari government or Islam could result in criminal charges.
– Transportation
Qatari authorities have warned that a “congestion” is likely in the first two weeks of the World Cup, when most fans will be in attendance. They encourage people to use public transport and taxis.
The subway, which has stations at five of the eight stadiums, will be open from 6am to 3am every day – except on Fridays when it opens at 9am. More than 3,000 additional buses were deployed to take fans to the stadiums, fan zones and the two international airports.
The main road by the sea, the Corniche, will be closed and other roads will be restricted. Driving on restricted roads without a permit can result in a fine of 500 riyals (US$140).
— Pandemic
Coronavirus vaccinations are not mandatory, but before boarding a flight to Qatar, everyone over the age of six must have a negative PCR test of less than 48 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours. Adults need to download the Ehteraz health app and show it when needed.
Visitors who do not have a vaccine will be required to wear a mask for 10 days upon arrival. Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must isolate themselves for five days. Masks are mandatory in healthcare facilities and recommended in stadiums.
