How to get a free vehicle entry permit when driving to the World Cup

Yesterday, the Ministry of Interior announced that it would be removing the QR5,000 fee for GCC residents who wish to drive to and around Qatar during the World Cup.

And now the portal for applying for a vehicle entry permit as a GCC resident or citizen is open.

Available on the Ehteraz website, the application requires you to submit your vehicle data, driver details, and for you to specify the number of passengers as well as the date of arrival.

You will also need to upload documents including your passport and proof of vehicle ownership.

Driving to Qatar for the World Cup? Read our ultimate guide

Once you have submitted those details on the Ehteraz website, you will then receive an email with your vehicle entry permit approval (or reason for rejection).

You might also like: GCC residents can now enter Qatar without a Hayya Card

At this stage, you can then apply for the required car insurance for driving in Qatar on the QIC website here.

Insurance for one week is priced at QR100, two weeks at QR120, a month at QR160, and two months at QR200.

You must make your vehicle entry permit application a minimum of 12 hours before you plan to enter Qatar, and entry is only permitted from tomorrow (Thursday December 8).

When you reach the land border crossing at Abu Samra, you will need to provide copies of your approved vehicle permit and your insurance policy.

Don’t forget, if you are not starting your journey in Saudi Arabia, you will also need a visa and car insurance to drive through the Kingdom.

Hayya Card holders can get a free multi-entry e-visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and you can find out more here. Alternatively, GCC residents can apply for an e-visa online at a cost of SAR300, and you can find out more information here.

Car insurance can be purchased online, and starts at SAR138 for a week. You can find more details in our complete guide to driving to Qatar for the World Cup.

From Thu Dec 8. ehteraz.gov.qa.