Qatar scraps COVID testing ahead of World Cup
Many of the region's pandemic restrictions are ending and the United Arab Emirates also recently removed its longstanding mask mandate.
Qatar is removing some of its coronavirus-related health measures in time for the World Cup.
The Qatari Ministry of Public Health today announced that people entering Qatar will no longer need to test for COVID-19 within 24 hours of entry starting Nov. 1. Visitors will also not need to present a negative test before flying to Qatar, the ministry said in a press release.
Why it matters: The announcement means that soccer fans attending the World Cup in Doha next month will not need to test before entering Qatar. The change will make travel arrangements significantly easier.
The 2022 World Cup will begin Nov. 20 and run until Dec. 18. It is a major sporting event, and this is the first time a Middle Eastern country is hosting the tournament.
