Qatar mandates testing, home quarantine for international travelers
The new requirements for travel come as Qatar continues its phased reopening of the economy.
Qatar updated its coronavirus travel guidelines on Wednesday, permitting citizens and residents to travel in and out of the country at any time beginning next month.
As of Aug. 1, travelers arriving from low-risk countries must take a coronavirus test upon landing at the airport and sign a pledge that they will quarantine at home for one week. After the quarantine period ends, travelers will be required to take a second test, which, if positive, will require they be put in isolation.
The list of countries deemed low-risk will be evaluated every two weeks, the Government Communications Office said. The 40 countries on the current list include China, Turkey and much of Europe.
Under the new rules, those coming from countries not on the list must obtain a “virus-free certificate” no more than 48 hours before their flight and are also required to home quarantine for a week upon arrival. Travelers arriving from countries that lack accredited testing centers will be required to pay for a one-week quarantine in a hotel.
