Planning on taking a road trip to attend the FIFA World Cup? That journey just got a whole lot easier, and less expensive if you’re driving from Saudi.
GCC citizens and residents can now drive to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup for free.
Starting Thursday December 8, GCC visitors are now able to drive to Qatar for the World Cup 2022 for free in their private vehicles.
You will still need to apply for a vehicle entry permit from the Ministry of Interior at least 12 hours before hitting the road. You can apply for one via the Hayya Card platform.
Those planning on making the trip to Qatar by car through Saudi will also require car insurance, which can be purchased at the border starting at SAR138 for a week for private vehicles only. There is also the option to apply for car insurance in advance through the online manafith.najm.sa platform.
There are other major changes to World Cup 2022 travel.
As of Tuesday December 6, citizens and residents of GCC countries were no longer required to have match tickets, or apply for a Hayya Card for non-ticket holders.
Under older rules, entry was only allowed for Hayya Card holders, residents and citizens.
Fans without tickets have been able to enter Qatar since December 2, but a Hayya Card was still mandatory.
Visitors without tickets who are non-GCC residents must apply for a Hayya Card using the ‘early December’ feature.
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If you fall into this category, you will need to pay a QR500 fee and book hotel accommodation, but the QR500 fee does not apply to visitors under the age of 12.
Staying in Riyadh? There are many great places to see every FIFA World Cup 2022 match from fan zones to restaurants, and more.
From Thu Dec 8. hayya.qatar2022.qa.
More World Cup fun:
GCC residents can now enter Qatar without a Hayya Card
The new rule has taken effect.
Watch every match at the free Coca-Cola FIFA fan festival zone
It’s one of the largest fan areas outside Qatar.
Watch all the thrilling FIFA games at the Digital City World Cup fan zone
You get to sit on soccer beanbags.
