Visitors to Qatar now have an extended stay permit until January 2024 with the renewal of Hayya Cards.
All visitors to Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, including Hayya Card holders, are required to purchase health insurance as a mandatory condition for their stay. This insurance covers healthcare services at accredited facilities within Qatar.
The premium for visitor health insurance starts at around QAR 50 per month, providing essential financial protection against medical costs during the stay. The requirement for health insurance applies to all Hayya Card types and remains in place, regardless of any extensions to the card's validity.
Despite some queries suggesting an extension of the Hayya Card validity until January 24, 2024, the current official sources indicate that insurance is always required for any stay under the Hayya Card or its equivalents, regardless of the period of validity. There have been no official announcements exempting previously extended card holders from this requirement.
Insurance can typically be purchased online during the Hayya Card or e-visa application process, or upon arrival in Qatar. The insurance covers basic medical services at public healthcare centers and hospitals in Qatar.
**Key Requirements and Updates:**
- **Mandatory Health Insurance:** All visitors, including those on Hayya Cards, must purchase health insurance upon arrival or as part of their visa process. - **Affordable Premiums:** The premium for visitor health insurance starts at around QAR 50 per month. - **Extension of Hayya Card Validity:** While the Hayya Card validity has been extended to January 24, 2024, the requirement for health insurance has always been in place for visitors, and there have been no official announcements exempting previously extended card holders. - **Where to Buy:** Insurance can typically be purchased online during the Hayya Card or e-visa application process, or upon arrival in Qatar. - **Coverage:** The insurance covers basic medical services at public healthcare centers and hospitals in Qatar.
**Summary Table**
| Requirement | Details | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Health Insurance Mandatory | Yes, for all Hayya Card holders and visitors | | Insurance Purchase | Online or upon arrival | | Minimum Premium | QAR 50 per month | | Coverage | Medical facilities in Qatar | | Extension Impact | No exemption from insurance for extended validity cards |
In addition to the mandatory health insurance, other requirements for Hayya Card holders during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 include a valid key, return ticket, a validated hotel reservation or accommodation confirmation via the Hayya site, and the use of the e-Gate system for access and exit through Qatar's ports. The 'Hayya with Me' attribute, multiple-entry permit, and cost-free procedures remain unchanged.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is essential, and this includes purchasing the mandatory health insurance as a necessary condition for stay. The insurance not only provides financial protection against medical costs but also covers basic medical services at public healthcare centers and hospitals within Qatar.
