For almost a month, Qatar will be the center of world attention for hosting the 2022 World Cup. From November 20 to December 18, 32 teams will play against each other to become the best team in the world, and the Arab country has prepared to welcome thousands of fans who will travel there to enjoy the beautiful sport and support their teams.
This small emirate of 11,581 km2 has a population of only 2.8 million, which means that during the World Cup its population will increase by around 37%, so it can be a bit chaotic. If you already have your ticket, there are some things you should know before going, here are some basic tips:
This is the great stadium of the World Cup in Qatar designed by Norman Foster
Necessary documentation
From November 1, only non-residents who are holders of a Hayya card will be allowed to enter, and a visa will not be necessary (but you do have to request a permit, free of charge, upon arrival at the airport). To apply for the Hayya, you must first be in possession of a ticket for a World Cup soccer match and also have an accommodation reservation.
This card is requested through the portal https://hayya.qatar2022.qa/. The Hayya card holder may authorize up to three people who do not have football tickets to accompany him, it also serves to enter and exit football stadiums, gives free access to public transport on match days and events for fans, it even serves to get a free SIM.
Corniche in the bay of Doha with the skyscrapers in the background.
Accommodation
The Qatar Accommodation Agency has provided an accommodation search portal with prices starting at 122 dollars per night for two people. Hotels range from one to five star and include international chains, to local establishments, as well as serviced apartments and villas, campsites, cruise hotels, dhow boats and holiday homes.
The days before the matches as there will be even more types of accommodation available
The authorities recommend looking at the portal the days before the matches as there will be even more types of accommodation available.
Appetizer
At this point, whoever does not have tickets may have a difficult time, but you can always try. You have to access the official FIFA Tickets portal, no other website has the right to sell tickets for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 202 or, once in the country, at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center – DECC or at the Ali Center Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena – ABHA Arena in Al Sadd.
Tram in downtown Doha, Qatar.
How to get around in Doha
With the entry visa to the Hayya country, visitors will be able to use all available public transport free of charge.
Metro
Doha will have 79 kilometers of metro distributed in 3 lines, the red, the green and the gold, with a total of 37 stations. There are 110 trains with direct access to five of the eight World Cup stadiums, which will also have free bus services or whose distance to the stadium can be done on foot.
Trolley car
The tram has three lines: the Lusail Tram that connects with the red line of the metro, the Education City Tram (useful for the games in the stadium with the same name) and the Msheireb Tram that leads to emblematic places in the center of Doha .
Bus
The bus will offer a free express service to transport fans between the stadiums and the FIFA Fan Festival, and they are the following:
Bus- Stadium
- ES923 – Al Janoub
- S923 – City of Education
- S943 -Khalifa International
- S953 – Al Bayt
- S963/S974/S973 – Ahmad Bin AlÃ
- S973 – 974
- S983 – Al Thumama
- S993 – Lusail
Medical care
Although it is not mandatory, the Qatari government recommends that tourists purchase travel insurance, as medical services are expensive. Even so, in case of needing minor medical assistance, in the places related to the World Cup and free of charge, medical services will be offered. 
The Sidra Medical Research Center in Doha care center for women and children.
Additionally, four Qatari public hospitals will offer emergency medical services: Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Hamad General Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital. To receive these services free of charge, it is necessary to be in possession of the Hayya card.
Qatar has removed the need to perform PCR or antigens to enter the country. As a consequence, it is not necessary to present a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR or antigen result. It is recommended, although not mandatory, to download the Ehteraz app and upload the vaccination certificate to it before traveling to the country in order to be treated in hospitals.
Another questions
We must remember that Qatar has religious and social customs that are different from ours, and there are a series of prohibitions that can be considered a crime, even if they are quite normal for us, such as:
- Public expressions of same-sex affection, including between family members.
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages outside hotels and licensed establishments.
- Street celebrations.
- Women’s clothing that exposes something other than their face. Garments must be worn that fully cover the shoulders and torso, and whose length covers the knees. It is suggested to avoid tight and/or see-through clothing.
- Sex outside of marriage and adultery.
- Photographing or filming another person without their prior consent, especially if it is women or public buildings.
