Doha Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way airports operate worldwide, and Doha International Airport is no exception. The airport has implemented several safety measures to ensure the well-being of its passengers. While the airport does offer COVID-19 testing, the requirements for testing and quarantine depend on the origin and destination country of the passenger. For example, Qatar Airways previously required passengers travelling from specific countries to present a negative COVID-19 test, but this rule has since been removed. Additionally, passengers transiting through Doha Airport do not always need proof of a PCR test. However, all passengers must wear masks while on-site, with some exceptions for children under a certain age.

Covid-19 testing requirements for travel to the US

All airline passengers travelling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or provide proof of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding their flight. This applies to all passengers aged two years and older, including US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). The test must be taken within one day before travel. Passengers must also attest, under penalty of law, to having received a negative test result or proof of recovery, along with medical clearance to travel. Airlines will deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements.

Until June 12, 2022, a separate CDC order mandated that all air travellers, regardless of citizenship, show a negative COVID-19 test result taken one day before their flight's departure from a foreign country. This requirement was rescinded on June 12, 2022.

From November 8, 2021, through May 11, 2023, noncitizens who were nonimmigrants entering the US by air were required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccination requirement was revoked on May 12, 2023, and no longer applies to noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers.

Qatar Airways' Covid-19 testing requirements

Qatar Airways has been awarded the title of World's Best Airline six times, and the safety of its passengers and crew is of utmost importance to the airline. The airline has implemented several COVID-19 measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew, including testing requirements, mask mandates, and more. Here is some essential information regarding Qatar Airways' COVID-19 testing requirements:

Testing Requirements for Boarding:

Currently, there is no requirement to carry PCR test results when boarding Qatar Airways flights, regardless of the point of departure. However, a negative PCR test result may be required by your destination country. It is important to check the specific regulations of your destination country before travelling.

Testing Requirements for Departure and Arrival:

If the government regulations of your destination or origin country require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon departure or arrival, Qatar Airways will verify this information at the check-in counter and retain a copy of the test result. Therefore, passengers must bring a filled-out copy of the Customer Acknowledgement Form, which will be collected at the airport's check-in counters.

Transit Passengers:

Passengers transiting through Doha and not leaving the airport are not required to present any test results or certifications beyond what is required by their departure or destination country. However, if you are transiting through the US, you will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result, even if you do not plan to enter the country.

Testing Facilities at Doha Airport:

Testing facilities are available at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Transferring passengers can get tested in the transit area at Gate B60 in Terminal 1.

Face Mask Policy:

Qatar Airways requires all passengers to wear face masks throughout their flight. Exemptions are made for children under 6 years old and individuals with a Hidden Disabilities Card or a Mask Exemption Card due to specific medical conditions.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the Qatar Airways Travel Requirements page and check the specific regulations of your destination and departure countries. Safe travels!

Doha Airport's Covid-19 safety measures

Doha Airports Covid-19 Safety Measures

Doha's airport authorities have been among the most pro-active in the Middle East when it comes to Covid safety, and the Qatari capital's airport has been awarded a 5-star Skytrax rating – the best there is. From enhanced cleaning and rigorous social distancing to mandatory mask-wearing, PPE access, and testing processes, the airport is well set up to ensure passenger safety during the pandemic.

Access to Qatar

Only Qatari nationals, the children and spouses of Qatari citizens, and residents with permit holders can use Doha Hamad International Airport. This means flying is not an option for casual tourists.

Screening

All travellers arriving at Doha Hamad International Airport must undergo thermal screening before they are allowed to proceed to baggage reclaim. This determines whether they have a raised temperature.

Masks

Almost all travellers arriving at or transiting through Doha Hamad International Airport must wear masks while they are on-site. Children under the age of two are exempt from wearing a mask. Face shields can be purchased at pharmacies, retail stores, and vending machines within the airport terminal.

Testing

A negative Covid-19 PCR test result is mandatory for passengers travelling from specific airports in certain countries. These include Bangladesh, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Tests must be issued within 72 hours before departure, from laboratories approved by Qatar Airways, and paid for by the passenger.

Contact Tracing

All passengers must download the EHTERAZ app before flying, which includes the Qatari contact tracing system.

Quarantine

All travellers must quarantine upon arrival in Qatar in designated hotel facilities, however, passengers travelling from the "green list" are allowed to quarantine at home. Only designated Covid-safe hotels can be used, and they must be booked via Discover Qatar.

Qatar's Covid-19 entry regulations

Qatar has implemented a series of COVID-19 entry regulations for travellers. These regulations are subject to change, so it is important to check for the latest updates before travelling. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

For All Travellers:

• All travellers must register via the Ministry of Public Health's pre-registration platform and upload all necessary documents at least three days before arrival.
• Downloading and activating the Ehteraz mobile application is mandatory for everyone in Qatar.
• Thermal screening and temperature checks will be conducted upon arrival.
• Random COVID-19 testing may be conducted on travellers at Qatar's air, land, or sea ports.

For Vaccinated Visitors:

• Fully vaccinated visitors travelling from countries not subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures' must take a pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours of their flight departure time, with a negative result. No quarantine is required upon arrival.
• For countries that are subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures', vaccinated visitors must follow the same pre-departure PCR testing requirements and undergo a 1-day hotel quarantine, including unvaccinated children aged 12 or under. The hotel quarantine package must be booked through the Discover Qatar website.

For Unvaccinated Visitors:

• Unvaccinated visitors travelling from countries not subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures' must take a pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours of their flight departure time, with a negative result.
• If staying with first-degree relatives, a 5-day home quarantine is required. A rapid antigen test must be taken on day 5, and individuals will be released from quarantine if the result is negative.
• All other unvaccinated visitors from countries not subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures' must undergo a 5-day hotel quarantine. A rapid antigen test is required on day 5, and individuals will be released if the result is negative. The hotel quarantine package must be booked through the Discover Qatar website.
• Unvaccinated visitors travelling from countries subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures' are not permitted to enter Qatar at this time.

For Vaccinated Residents:

• Foreign nationals holding a Qatar residence permit are not required to obtain prior approval to return to Qatar. However, it is recommended that they complete pre-registration before travelling.
• Fully vaccinated residents returning to Qatar are not required to take a pre-departure PCR test or quarantine upon arrival, regardless of the country of departure.
• A rapid antigen test must be taken within 24 hours of arrival. This applies to all residents, regardless of age. The test can be administered at a primary healthcare centre or private clinic/hospital.

For Unvaccinated Residents:

• Unvaccinated residents returning from countries not subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures' are not required to take a pre-departure PCR test. However, they must undergo a 5-day home quarantine and take a PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in Qatar. A follow-up rapid antigen test is also required on day 5, and individuals will be released from quarantine if the results are negative.
• Unvaccinated residents returning from countries subject to 'COVID-19 Red Health Measures' must take a pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours of their flight departure time, with a negative result. They will then need to undergo a 5-day hotel quarantine. A rapid antigen test is required on day 5, and individuals will be released from quarantine if the result is negative. The hotel quarantine package must be booked through the Discover Qatar website.

Transit through Doha Airport

Doha's Hamad International Airport has been one of the most proactive in the Middle East when it comes to COVID-19 safety. The airport has been awarded a 5-star Skytrax rating, the best there is. All arrivals from affected countries are screened for symptoms of COVID-19, and the airport's cleaning and disinfection procedures are rigorous.

If you are transiting through Doha, you do not need to present any test results or certifications above the requirements of your departure or destination country. However, you should check the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health Qatar and your destination country before travelling. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight.

Passengers travelling from the following 13 countries are no longer required to present negative PCR test results to board Qatar Airways flights: Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

If you are travelling to the US, you will need to present a negative test before boarding your flight.

Frequently asked questions