Qatar updates 'travel policy', India in 'exceptional red' list

Qatar has announced an updated COVID-19 'travel and return policy' that includes restrictions on visitors from India. The changes will come into effect from October 6.

The latest update issued by Qatar's Ministry of Public Health has denied entry to non-vaccinated visitors.

Qatar has classified countries into two lists - Green and Red, in addition to a secondary list of Exceptional Red Countries based on international and local health risk indicators and the epidemiology of Covid-19 in the different countries.

India, along with Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, Kenya, Bangladesh, Sudan and Sri Lanka, falls among the 'Exceptional Red List' countries.

Policy for residents
Hotel quarantine for two days will be applicable to those aged 12 and above and children aged 11 years and accompanied by one/both parents/family members who are fully vaccinated.

They must undergo a PCR test with a negative result 72 hours before reaching Qatar.

The Arab nation has also mandated a PCR test within 36 hours of arriving reaching there. Those taking the test must quarantine at a hotel.

Non vaccinated/partially vaccinated
Passengers who are not vaccinated or who have not completed the necessary vaccination doses will be subjected to hotel quarantine for 7 days.​

They must undergo a PCR test with a negative result 72 hours before reaching Qatar. Once there, the individual must undergo a PCR test on the sixth day of quarantine. He/she "will be released on the seventh day if the result of the COVID-19 test is negative".

Policy for visitors
Visitors holding all types of visas, who are fully vaccinated, will be subject to a hotel quarantine for two days. Non-vaccinated visitors will not be allowed to enter, Qatar has said.