Important Updates
Important Updates
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 26, 2025 | Moldova Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Program Forthcoming
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
August 26, 2025 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas
August 25, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Family Reunification Pathway Restrictions
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 26, 2025 | Moldova Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Program Forthcoming
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
August 26, 2025 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas
August 25, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Family Reunification Pathway Restrictions
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Re-Entering Qatar: Implications for Employers and Travellers

August 31, 2020

Related contacts

Azeem Mohiuddin

Partner

Doha, Qatar

Email

[email protected]

T:+974 4019 1101

Related offices

  • Doha

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Azeem Mohiuddin

Partner

Doha, Qatar

Email

[email protected]

T:+974 4019 1101

Related offices

  • Doha

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Azeem Mohiuddin

Partner

Doha, Qatar

Email

[email protected]

T:+974 4019 1101

Related offices

  • Doha

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Re-Entering Qatar: Implications for Employers and Travellers

This is the second entry in a series of blog posts on the reopening of Qatar after the COVID-19 lockdown. To read the previous blog, please visit “COVID-19 and Reopening Qatar: What You Should Know.”

On 1 August 2020, Qatar opened its borders for Qatar Resident Permit (RP) holders to re-enter the country. This marked the third phase of Qatar’s reopening plan announced on 8 June 2020.

Qatar is exercising caution, mindful that an unrestrained reopening could potentially stimulate a second wave of infections. In managing the flow of travellers back into the country, Qatar adopted a phased approach. In this blog, we will discuss this approach and consider the implications for employers and travellers.

Immigration Activity in Qatar

Especially since Eid al-Adha, a sense of a “new normal” has descended onto Qatar. The roads are busier, and the streets and malls are filling up. Yet the new normal has also ushered in significant changes to the country. Most people wear masks, social distancing is promoted, temperatures are checked before entering most buildings and the contact tracing app “Ehteraz” is mandatory for all.  

The authorities are gradually resuming operations, with many in person applications now permitted. The full gamut of services is still, however, not being offered: entry visas such as Work, Family and Business visas are not being issued. Non-residents still cannot enter the country. For residents looking to return, the process is not a simple one. 

Progressive Approach to Entry

There are five elements to Qatar’s approach to allow RP holders back into the country, which we will consider in turn:

  1. Applying for the Entry Permit

Before a RP  holder can travel to Qatar, his or her sponsor must apply on the Qatar Portal for an Entry Permit (EP). This applies to employees sponsored by companies and family members sponsored by a spouse or parent. Previously, it was understood that family members would automatically obtain EPs once the main applicant had the EP approved. This no longer is the case family members will need to obtain permission to enter separately. Without the EP, the RP holder will not be allowed to re-enter Qatar. The EP is only valid for 30 days, and if the RP holder does not enter Qatar within that period, the sponsor will need to apply for a new EP.

As part of the application for an EP, the sponsor is required to answer several questions relating to place of departure, the number of days the RP holder has spent in the respective country, along with health details. Individuals over 55 or who suffer from specified conditions and who are coming from a country that is not classified as “low risk” may be able to avoid the mandatory one-week quarantine at a hotel.  

Processing times for an EP vary; some have been issued as quickly as two working days, while others have been pending since 1 August.

  1. Country of origin “risk” determination

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is regularly updating a list of countries considered low risk for the spread of COVID-19. 

The presence (or absence) of the country on the list will determine the quarantine requirements in Qatar for the returning RP holder. If the RP holder is entering from a country that is on the list, and he or she has spent more than one week prior to departure in the respective country, the individual will be able to Home Quarantine for a period of seven days.

In general, if RP holders are coming from countries not on the list, they need to Hotel Quarantine in an approved hotel for seven days followed by Home Quarantine for an additional seven days. However, as noted above, Hotel Quarantine may be waived depending on how the authorities assess responses made in the submission relating to age and health details.

  1. Taking a COVID-19 Test

Travellers coming into Qatar will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test at the airport on arrival. Currently, for individuals arriving from a select few countries, the test is waived, provided the RP holder had a COVID-19 test at an MOPH approved hospital within 72 hours of his or her flight.

In addition, for certain countries, Qatar Airways requires travellers to take a COVID-19 test at a Qatar Airways approved health centre 48 hours before flight. At present, these countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka, and it is expected that more countries will be added to the list. Failure to take the test will result in the individual not being allowed to board the flight to Qatar.

  1. Quarantine Requirements

The approved EP will state whether the applicant will have to Home or Hotel Quarantine. In both cases, the RP holder will still have to sign a pledge stating he or she will abide by the conditions required in quarantining at home.

As mentioned above, if the EP confirms Home Quarantine is allowed, the RP holder will be permitted to quarantine at home for seven days. If the EP requires Hotel Quarantine, the RP holder will need to book a Welcome Home Package, which must be booked via the Discover Qatar website, prior to travel. When in Qatar, the RP holder must quarantine for six days. This is followed by a mandatory a COVID-19 test. If negative, a further seven days Home Quarantine must be completed.

In both cases, at the end of the Home Quarantine, the RP holder will take a COVID-19 test. If negative, that person is free to leave quarantine.

  1. Contact Tracing

Prior to arrival or upon arrival, RP holders are expected to download the Ehteraz app onto their phone. Many public buildings such as government agencies, malls, restaurants and hotels check the app before allowing entry into their respective sites.

The app displays four modes, which are colour coded: healthy (green), quarantined (yellow), suspected of being infected with COVID (gray) and confirmed infected (red). After it is downloaded, and following arrival in Qatar, the app will display yellow. After the quarantine period, and following a second negative COVID-19 test, the app will turn green.

Some Issues Faced by Sponsors and Travellers

Many RP holders have now re-entered Qatar. However, not every sponsor has managed to obtain approval for the EP. Indeed, some sponsors have faced issues opening an account on the Qatar Portal. Employers have had their applications rejected due to infractions on the Wage Protection System.  It was in anticipation of this exact issue that we have consistently highlighted the importance of ensuring corporate compliance during this COVID-19 period. Bearing in mind that a new application cannot be made for 30 days from the date of rejection, it is critical to ensure all criteria have been met before making a submission for an EP.

Employers and applicants should expect delays and further changes to the entry approval issuance process, with the expectation that the approval process will become more streamlined and predictable as the overall COVID-19 situation, hopefully, improves in Qatar and around the world.

The Road Ahead

Categorising countries into low and high risk is difficult and can be subjective; even so, Qatar still requires testing twice within a relatively short period of time. That said, a big positive has clearly been that entry for RP holders has not only been restricted to those coming from “low risk” countries.

The requirement to apply for permission to enter the country demonstrates Qatar facilitating a steady stream of entrants and avoiding a large rush which, practically speaking, could also lead to hotel capacity issues. At the same time, as entrants only have 30 days to return, this perhaps indicates Qatar is perhaps looking to open the borders to non-residents.

On 26 August, Qatar announced their plans for Phase 4 starting on 1 September. Phase 4 will be divided into two stages: the first stage focuses on further easing of public restrictions and opening of public services. The authorities will continue to update the list of low risk countries every two weeks The plan for the second stage, earmarked for the third week of September, is dependent on the how successful the easing of restrictions is in avoiding an increase in COVID case.  

In the next blog in this series, to be released at the end of September, we will assess progress and look at the further reopening of the country.

For assistance on the mobilisation of your employees back into Qatar, please contact Azeem Mohiuddin at [email protected].

This blog was released on 31 August, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep current with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our COVID-19 microsite and subscribe to our alerts. You may also follow our LinkedIn account.

Related contacts

Azeem Mohiuddin

Partner

Doha, Qatar

Email

[email protected]

T:+974 4019 1101

Related offices

  • Doha

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Azeem Mohiuddin

Partner

Doha, Qatar

Email

[email protected]

T:+974 4019 1101

Related offices

  • Doha

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Azeem Mohiuddin

Partner

Doha, Qatar

Email

[email protected]

T:+974 4019 1101

Related offices

  • Doha

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.