Fans can enter Qatar without World Cup tickets, says official
Qatari authorities announced that football fans will be allowed to enter the country without tickets for the World Cup after the end of the group stage, starting from Dec. 2, according to Qatar News Agency.
The announcement was made by Col. Dr. Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al-Nuaimi, the official spokesman for the Qatari Ministry of Interior and the World Cup Security Force.
The World Cup Organizing Committee said that the decision aims to give fans the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere with the rest of the fans and teams in the country.
Qatari authorities require fans to only obtain a Hayya Card, a Qatar entry permit for international fans and needed to enter stadiums, which they may apply for through the online platform in accordance with the requirements listed on the website, starting today.
Qatar has trained more than 50,000 people to provide security during the World
Cup, with foreign forces helping out under Qatari command.
“The participation of forces from friendly countries with specialized skills will constitute a real addition to the security forces of the tournament ... and these forces will work under a unified Qatari leadership,” the spokesperson said.
The maximum demand on Qatar’s accommodation — including hotels, apartments, hired cruise ships and
campsites — is when all 32 teams are competing in the group stage that starts Nov. 20.
Fans are being encouraged to stay in neighboring states and take flights to Doha for games.
The pressure should ease when just 16 nations will advance to the knockout rounds that start Dec. 3. The final is on Dec. 18.
All eight stadiums built in and around the city of Doha can be reached by metro trains and buses.