Local All You Need to Know About Returning to Qatar with Hotel Quarantine Guidelines

Discover Qatar, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays is the online portal authorized to offer hotel quarantine packages by the Qatar Government for returning residents on gradual lifting of travel restrictions in Qatar.

On its official website www.discoverqatar.qa, Discover Qatar recently announced that it is now able to provide hotel and transfer packages only to Qatari Nationals in this first phase.

For non-Qatari QID holders, you are asked NOT to book a quarantine package until approval to return to Qatar has been confirmed. The website is working to obtain clarification on some of the procedural requirements before it can launch hotel packages for you. It will provide an update on this website once more information is available. It will also post updates to Facebook and Instagram and it recommends that you follow Discover Qatar on these social media platforms to receive further updates.

For Qatari Nationals, before making your booking, you are advised to ensure that you read all of the information below to ensure that you understand the booking terms and conditions.

If you need to book more than three rooms, please call +974 4423 7999 or send e-mail to dqwelcomehome@qatarairways.com.qa.

Eligibility - Who is eligible to return to/enter Qatar, on which dates, and under what conditions

Who needs to go into quarantine upon arrival into Qatar, and can I self-isolate or book my own hotel?

All permitted arrivals into Qatar must go into Government approved hotels to quarantine for a 14-day period upon arrival into Qatar. The following is a summary of who is currently permitted to arrive into Qatar and what quarantine conditions apply (subject to change so please check out the rules and conditions on regular basis):

For Qatari Nationals returning from 15 June - 22 September:

Qatari Nationals will need to book and pay for one of the approved quarantine hotel packages for a period of 14 days, which must be booked before departure from Qatar. Qatari Nationals currently outside Qatar will also need to book and pay for one of the approved quarantine hotel packages for a period of 14 days. Check in at HIA will not be permitted without a confirmed quarantine reservation, if arrival back into Qatar is before 22 September. Bookings can be made at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar. Only Qatari Nationals will be permitted to arrive into Qatar before 1 August 2020.

QID holders returning from 1 August - 22 September:

QID holders will not be able to board a flight to Qatar without first receiving authorisation to travel to Qatar, and then by also providing confirmation of a 14-day government approved quarantine package reservation.

QID holders are advised not to book a quarantine package until approval to return to Qatar has been confirmed. Details of the approval process will be published when the eligibility and guidelines are confirmed by the relevant authorities. Please check back regularly to this page for updates.

What if I am planning to return to Qatar after 22 September?

Discover Qatar recommends that you wait until closer to your planned date of arrival into Qatar before confirming your return travel plans, in case any of the quarantine requirements have changed.

Can all QID Holders return on 1 August?

No, only QID holders from selected “low risk” countries will be permitted to travel from 1 August, and pre-authorisation to enter Qatar will be required for all QID holders. Further details and a list of approved “low risk” countries will be provided when available.

Can I self-quarantine at home?

No, as of now, and as per Ministry of Public Health regulations, the 14-day quarantine is required at an approved and designated quarantine hotel. Check the rules and regulations on a regular basis for future updates.

What if my Qatar ID has expired?

If your QID has expired whilst you have been outside of Qatar you may be permitted to re-enter Qatar to renew your QID, after you been approved to travel and have successfully completed your 14-day quarantine.

Can I fly with an airline other than Qatar Airways?

Yes, but the same entry conditions will be present for Qatari Nationals and QID holders.

If I have already had a positive test for Covid-19, can I travel?

No, once you have recovered and tested negative you can travel, by adhering to the entry and quarantine requirements already outlined.

How to book – to enable a smooth return/entry to Qatar, Discover Qatar outlines the official approved booking process.

Where can I make my hotel booking?

For all other permitted arrivals, quarantine bookings can be made at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar.

Can I cancel or amend the booking?

Yes, bookings can be amended, up to 24 hours prior to your arrival, without any penalty. There is no refund for any unused quarantine reservations or if you fail to check in on the date of your arrival.

Can I choose the Hotel?

Yes, you will be able to choose between different star rated hotels available, depending upon your preferred hotel category and budget.

How much will it cost?

Quarantine package rates and options will be available from 15 June. If eligible, check availability for your chosen dates at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar.

Can I book direct with a hotel?

No, you will need to make your booking directly with Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar for a stay at an approved quarantine hotel.

Your safety and comfort are the highest priority – upon arrival and at your hotel.

What will happen on arrival at the airport?

Upon arrival at HIA, you will be directed to a transfer to take you to the hotel.

How will I go from the Airport to the Hotel?

A compulsory one way transfer will be provided.

What steps are in place to ensure safety in the hotels?

Your hotel will be compliant with the Qatar Clean program. Qatar Clean is a collaborative effort by the National Tourism Council, Ministry of Public Health, and the hospitality and tourism sectors. The program has been carefully designed to align with best practices and expert protocols to ensure remarkable levels of cleanliness, hygiene and safety for our guests and front line workers. For more information please visit www.qatarclean.com

What precautions are in place for hotel staff?

Hotel staff will also be under quarantine and will follow MOPH guidelines.

Have hotel staff been tested / are they routinely tested for Covid-19?

Yes.

What will happen if there is an outbreak in a hotel?

You will be required to follow instructions of Ministry of Health staff in the hotel.

What medical services are available?

Medical teams will be at the hotel 24/7.

Will testing for Covid-19 be available at any stage?

Yes.

What happens if I test positive for Covid-19 at any time of quarantine?

You will be directed to follow the instructions provided by MOPH staff at the hotel.

How many meals will be served?

All hotel reservations will be on full board basis. This will consist of breakfast, lunch and evening meal as a minimum.

Will food be delivered to my room?

Yes, food will be left at the door of the room.

Can I share the room?

Only with direct relatives. A maximum of 2 adults and 1 child 6 years or under may share a room.

Will I have access to laundry facilities?

Yes, but this might be at additional cost. This will be advised at the time of booking.

How often will bed linen be changed?

Once a week as minimum.

Will I be able to use extended room services?

Yes - this might be available, depending upon your chosen hotel, at an additional cost.

Can I use outdoor facilities at the hotel (e.g. Pool)?

No, leaving the room is prohibited.

What facilities are there for children?

There are no specific facilities for children; leaving the room is not allowed for any reason.

Will I have access to cooking facilities?

No.

Will I have access to Hotel facilities like gym, pool, restaurant, bar etc?

No, leaving the room is prohibited.

Will there be an accessible prayer room?

No, leaving the room is prohibited.

Can food/shopping be delivered to the hotel?

No.

Is there provision for outdoor exercise?

No.

Will I be able to have contact with family members or friends who are based in Qatar, at any time during quarantine?

No. Physical contact is not allowed.

Will I be able to have contact with family members or friends at any time during quarantine (where they are also in quarantine)?

No, only unless you will be sharing a room.

If anyone on my travelling party has special needs, how do we communicate this?

Please make Discover Qatar aware of any special requirements at the time of making your quarantine package booking.

What if we are a large group and / or have specific requirements?

Please call or email Discover Qatar with your request and they will be happy to see if this can be accommodated.

Email: dqwelcomehome@qatarairways.com.qa

Telephone: +974 4423 7999

Can I talk to someone or email a question?

Yes, you can call Discover Qatar if you would prefer to talk to someone, on +974 4423 7999

Alternatively you can email your question to dqwelcomehome@qatarairways.com.qa.