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World Cup 2022: What to do, see and eat in Qatar

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It was 115 degrees on the summer day I arrived in Qatar. That answered my first question: Why had FIFA, among the most hidebound and conservative of international sports bodies, agreed to buck nearly a century of tradition by playing the World Cup in the winter?

The second question was a bit more complicated: Why had Qatar, a tiny, conservative, Islamic emirate in the Persian Gulf worked so hard and spent so much to play host to the tournament?

FIFA World Cup posters covering West Bay skyscrapers in Doha, Qatar.

The World Cup kicks off Nov. 20 and over the following 28 days, more than 1.2 million people are expected to flood into a country that is smaller than Connecticut and has a population about equal to Chicago’s. The country and its unfailingly polite people have neither the space nor the patience to deal with more than a million rowdy soccer fans, many of whom know nothing of the country or its culture.

That, however, is the point, said Fatma Al-Nuaimi, executive communications director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the local World Cup organizing body.

“A lot of people will be coming here and they might have their own perceptions from what they read and what they hear,” she said after a late dinner at an Armenian-Lebanese restaurant in the trendy Katara Cultural Village, a sprawling waterfront collection of shops, restaurants and museums. “When you come here, it’s totally different. You learn about new things, new culture, new traditions. It gives you a different perspective. For a lot of travelers, this is what they would be keen to look for and to explore and to enrich the experience they have outside the stadium.”

But will it be a Faustian bargain? By law and custom, alcohol consumption is tightly controlled in Qatar, homosexuality is prohibited, public displays of affection are a serious faux pas and some labor regulations are just a small step above indentured servitude.

To welcome the world, the country has given in on all those things. And while that was done to appease international critics, it hasn’t played well at home.

Then there’s the organization.

The final test event in September, a soccer match that drew 78,000 people, was beset by a series of logistical disasters, from long lines and air conditioning and PA system failures to concession stands selling out of water by halftime. In response, hundreds of civilians, including diplomats summoned back from overseas, have been called up for mandatory military service operating security checkpoints at World Cup stadiums.

But there’s also an upside. Qatar has become one of richest countries in the world thanks to large deposits of oil and natural gas, resources the government knows are nonrenewable. So it has already begun the long and laborious task of diversifying the economy.

Two years before the controversial vote that awarded the World Cup to Qatar, the country launched National Vision 2030, a multipronged plan to invest $200 billion in economic, social, human and environmental development and one designed, in part, to make the desert emirate a global destination for tourism, education and culture.

Qatar also invested heavily in sports tourism, staging more than 600 international events in the last decade, from the world track championships and a Formula 1 Grand Prix to international bowling, squash, table tennis and equestrian events. That has hurried along infrastructure spending on highway and light-rail construction and expansion of Hamad International Airport.

“These mega-events, there is part of it where it’s actually helping bridge gaps and cultures and bringing people closer together,” Al-Nuaimi said. “There is always a misperception of this part of the world, the Arab world, the Muslim world. Having 1 million fans coming to Qatar from all parts of the world, they will see a different image and having firsthand experience of the country itself.”

The real goal, she said, is to get the world to come sample Qatar, learn about its rich history and culture and hopefully shed prejudices.

But whether Qatar is ready or not, the 32-team tournament will kick off next month and if you’re one of the more than 2.8 million people who have tickets — or if you plan on skipping the madness and visiting the country sometime after the tournament — here’s a guide to help you navigate a most compelling and complicated country.

What you need to get into Qatar

A Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

If you don’t have World Cup tickets by now, you’re probably going to have a hard time getting them. More than 90% of the approximately 3 million tickets had been claimed by mid-October, but FIFA is promising to continue selling at FIFA.com/tickets, through the end of the tournament on Dec. 18. Some tickets can also be found on the secondary market, although FIFA is urging fans to stay away from unauthorized websites.

But a ticket won’t be enough to get you into a game — or even the country. For that you’ll also need a digital Hayya fan ID card, which can be applied for at hayya.qatar2022.qa . World Cup visitors will need a valid ticket application number and a Hayya voucher code to book accommodations.

To enter the country under normal circumstances (a.k.a. when there is no World Cup), U.S. citizens need a visa waiver, also known as visa on arrival. You don’t have to apply for that ahead of time as the entire process takes place when you arrive in Qatar. You will need a valid passport, good for at least six months, confirmation of a return ticket and a debit or credit card to pay the $28 fee for a tourist visa. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended.

Starting Nov. 1, you will not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative PCR test to enter the country.

Here’s a tip for those traveling to Qatar on Qatar Airways: The airline offers something called Al Maha Services. For an additional fee, a dedicated airline employee will guide travelers through expedited immigration and customs formalities both on arrival and at departure. That can be a lifesaver, especially after the nearly 17-hour flight from Los Angeles.

Where to stay

A building decorate with the flags of the teams participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the Qatari capital Doha.

Despite a massive construction boom during the 12-year run-up to the World Cup, Qatar has just more than 40,000 hotel rooms, far short of the inventory needed for an event like the World Cup. So the country has come up with a number of novel options that include housing visitors in fan villages and Bedouin-style desert tents. There are also apartments and villas with one to six bedrooms at prices ranging from $84 to $875 a night, and 4,000 staterooms on two cruise ships anchored in Doha Bay.

More than a half-a-dozen airlines have added 160 short daily shuttle flights from Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh, allowing fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly into Doha before and after games.

If all that sounds like too much of a hassle, or if you really don’t like soccer, visiting Qatar after the World Cup is a breeze.

What to do and see in Qatar besides the World Cup

People walk along an alley in in Doha's Souq Waqif.

Sampling Qatar means sampling its history, and Qataris are only too happy to share. My favorite haunt, a place I couldn’t spend enough time in, was the Souq Waqif, the city’s ancient marketplace.

A maze of narrow alleyways linked to a wide main plaza, the Souq long served as a trading post for Bedouin arriving by camel and travelers in small boats. Its merchants still gather every day, as they have for centuries, dressed in the traditional long white thobe and a loose headdress called a gutra , drinking strong Qatari coffee and arguing about the day’s news while selling traditional garments, jewels, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs.

The Souq, now easily accessible on the metro’s gold line, is also home to an array of dining options featuring food from Thailand, Turkey, India, Iran, Italy, Lebanon, Latin America, Morocco and Syria and elsewhere.

Falcons are displayed at the sixth edition of Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition 2022.

On one edge of the marketplace is the Falcon Souq — the word “ souq ” translates as marketplace — where you can view, photograph and even hold the birds, which have a revered place in Qatari culture. Nearby is a state-of-the-art falcon hospital and just beyond that is a camel pen, home to dozens of animals.

If the Souq Waqif is a real-life history lesson, in recent years Qatar has also built several world-class museums to teach the country’s culture and heritage in a more formal way.

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar.

The National Museum of Qatar, which opened in 2019, is worth a visit just for the stunning work of architect Jean Nouvel, whose design was inspired by the desert rose. Inside, the museum tells Qatar’s story in a milelong journey through a series of galleries that provide multisensory experiences from multiple perspectives.

Equally impressive is the nearby Museum of Islamic Art, another architectural wonder by I.M. Pei, who was coaxed out of retirement at 91 to design the building. Constructed on an island off an artificial peninsula, the museum sits at the end of the Corniche, Doha’s scenic bayside promenade, and is accessible by two small bridges.

Doha Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

The 480,000-square-foot museum, which reopened in early October after an 18-month renovation, houses more than 14 centuries of Islamic art from three continents, including metal work, ceramics, jewelry, textile and glass, as well as a priceless Quranic manuscript.

A more unique experience can be had at the Msheireb Museums, four historic heritage houses in the old part of the capital dedicated to the cultural and social development of Qatar. Of the four the Bin Jelmood House, which focuses on the history of slavery in the Arab Gulf, a practice that wasn’t outlawed in Qatar until 1952, is a must-see.

Inside, a projector beams a passage from an 1864 letter written by Abraham Lincoln: “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” The exhibitions are particularly timely since much of Qatar’s World Cup infrastructure was built by migrant workers employed under the kafala system, an exploitative and barely-legal form of indentured servitude that, in many ways, replaced slavery. International criticism ahead of the World Cup led to reform of the kafala system and a new minimum-wage structure, though abuses remain widespread.

Another unique gem is the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum housed in Khalifa International Stadium, site of eight World Cup matches. At more than 200,000 square feet, the museum, which opened in March, is one of the largest in the world dedicated to sports. Among the items in the collection are a soccer ball from England’s 1888 FA Cup final, the bobsled used by the Jamaican team in the 1988 Winter Games, a baseball bat from Babe Ruth, boxing glove from Manny Pacquiaoand a Steffi Graf tennis racquet.

And while the focus of the interactive exhibits and artifacts is on global sport, the museum includes sections on such traditional Qatari favorites as falconry, pearl diving and camel racing .

Speaking of history, before the discovery of oil and natural gas Qatar’s economy was built around pearls. In the latter half of the 19th century, nearly half the population was involved in the pearl trade, with divers sailing dhow boats into the warm gulf waters and descending as deep as 130 feet to harvest clams for the treasure they hid inside.

That’s gone now but the old dhow harbor remains. Bay cruises in the long, thin-hulled boats with Doha’s futuristic skyline as a backdrop are a good way to mix the past and present.

Aerial view of The Pearl, upscale residential area in Doha.

Part of that modern skyline is the Pearl, a small man-made island divided into 12 districts of residential towers, hotels, luxury-brand shops from Maserati and Rolls-Royce showrooms to trendy restaurants and cafes offering everything from South American and Lebanese cuisine to confectioneries.

Between the Pearl and the towering office buildings of the West Bay is the Katara Cultural Village, home to restaurants, art galleries and cultural organizations as well as an open-air amphitheater , an opera house, a multipurpose cinema, a multipurpose conference hall and a beach.

Want to live the history of Qatar? Well, time recedes quickly when you leave the city for the desert. Consider a half-day sunset safari, camel rides, sandboarding or a tour of the inland sea, a Persian Gulf inlet at the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

During the World Cup, more than 90 special events including music festivals, cultural displays and street performances will also take place.

Where to eat

A view of Souq Waqif, a marketplace in Doha, capital and most populous city of Qatar.

Qatari cuisine is mix of traditional Arab food. Machboos, the national dish, consists of rice and vegetables and either lamb or chicken. Seafood and dates are also staples. But given the ethnic makeup — more than 2.5 million of the country’s 2.9 million residents are not Qatari citizens — the country has become a gastronomic melting pot featuring world-class offerings from dozens of countries.

As mentioned earlier, the Souq Waqif has a wide array of options served in a comfortable but traditional (read: budget-conscious) style. I’d recommend starting there since even the most finicky palates will find something to their tastes.

The Katara Cultural Village is another reasonably priced food court worth roaming, with cafes, chocolatiers, sandwich and fast-food places serving Greek, Italian, Egyptian, Mexican dishes and more, as well as upscale restaurants offering Palestinian, Western European, Italian and Asian food.

My favorite place was Mamig, a home-style restaurant — the name means grandmother in Armenian — serving a deep menu of Armenian and Lebanese offerings.

Many of Doha’s pricier restaurants are located in hotels, beginning with the Saffron, which offers both delectable Thai food and a breathtaking view from the top floor of the 31-story Banyan Tree hotel in Mushaireb, the heart of the old city.

The Spice Market in the Doha Hotel and Residences in the West Bay serves Southeast Asian-inspired fare from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Also in the West Bay, Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred brand with locations worldwide, serves Chinese food in a uniquely designed dining room or on the terrace.

Nobu, the Japanese restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel on the Corniche, offers a unique experience beginning with your entrance up a floating driveway, over a bridge crossing a reflecting pool and into a three-story building designed by David Rockwell. The most popular dishes are black cod yuzu miso and wagyu beef tacos.

In the trendy Pearl District, Toro Toro serves authentic Latin American dishes from chef Richard Sandoval before a stunning view of the bay. Sandoval has another place in the West Bay called Zengo that serves Asian fare, including sushi, sashimi and curry on the 61st floor of the Kempinski Residences & Suites.

Where to drink

Qatar is a Muslim country where Sharia law holds sway, so alcohol consumption is tightly controlled and it cannot be purchased in stores.

Licensed hotel bars and restaurants are the only places allowed to sell alcohol, but not all of them do. It’s not available in the Souq Waqif, for example, and of the restaurants listed above, Mamig does not serve alcohol. Call ahead or check a restaurant’s policy before making reservations — and if you do find a place that serves alcohol, be prepared to pay $15 or more for a simple beer unless you take advantage of happy hour, which most bars and restaurants offer.

Local laws have been eased somewhat for the World Cup, with organizers allowing beer consumption at the Arcadia Electronic Music Festival, a fan fest about two miles outside Doha, will feature three performance stages and beer will be served there between 10 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Beer is also available at the official FIFA fan festival at Doha’s Al Bidda Park and to ticket-holders at select areas inside the perimeters of World Cup stadiums prior to kickoff and after the final whistle. Only nonalcoholic beverages will be served inside the stadiums themselves.

Keep in mind there is zero tolerance for drinking in public outside these areas and being drunk in public is a crime in Qatar.

Need more information? The Qatar 2022 Contact Center offers 24/7 support in eight languages.

Additionally, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, there will be a Consular Services Center at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center which will provide direct access to embassy staff from the 32 qualified countries and countries with the highest number of ticket sales. The center will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Kevin Baxter writes about soccer and hockey for the Los Angeles Times. He has covered seven World Cups, four Olympic Games, six World Series and a Super Bowl and has contributed to three Pulitzer Prize-winning series at The Times and Miami Herald. An essay he wrote in fifth grade was voted best in the class. He has a cool dog.

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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Qatar hosted football’s greatest showpiece in 2022 – a spectacular event that critics and sport lovers alike call one of the greatest in the history of football.

“The best World Cup ever!”

Qatar staged the “best ever” FIFA World Cup™ from 20 November to 18 December 2022, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Praised for its “unique, cohesive power”, he emphasised the “transformative legacy” of the beautiful game.

The event gave visitors an unforgettable taste of the Arab world with a joyful atmosphere, breath-taking stadiums, and our nation welcoming the world with our signature hospitality.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD CUP

A fifa world cup™ first.

The 2022 tournament in Qatar was the first to be hosted in the Arab and Muslim world.

+3.4 million in attendance

Top nationalities who filled the seats: Saudi Arabia, India, USA, UK and Mexico.

17.4 million fans in transit

Total number of travellers who used the Doha Metro (between 20 Nov & 18 Dec).

The Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022™ stadiums

Our eight stadiums won praise for their sustainable design, innovative construction, and for keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Standout features included retractable roofs, impressive cooling technologies, and the first fully demountable FIFA World Cup™ stadium.

The final match venue, Lusail Stadium, is situated in Qatar’s master planned city of the future

Lusail Stadium

Also known as Al-Rayyan, this stadium is located on the edge of the desert and designed with a strong focus on sustainability.

Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium

Shaped like a traditional Bedouin tent, Al Bayt Stadium hosted the opening match of the Qatar Men’s FIFA World Cup™.

Al Bayt Stadium

This stadium’s design reflects the sails of Qatar’s wooden dhow boats, traditionally responsible for much of the country’s economy.

Al Janoub Stadium

Al Thumama Stadium, built in the shape of local headwear (gahfiya), will become a mixed-use leisure development.

Al Thumama Stadium

The “Diamond in the Desert” features diamond-shaped geometrical patterns and will be repurposed for university athletics.

Education City Stadium

The former Ras Abu Aboud stadium is named after Qatar’s international dialling code and was made entirely from shipping containers.

Stadium 974

This multi-purpose stadium showcases Qatar’s commitment to sports with cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities.

Khalifa International Stadium

The lasting legacy of the fifa world cup qatar 2022™.

The positive effects of the men’s 2022 FIFA World Cup™ will be enjoyed for decades, with huge investments in infrastructure, transport, tourism, and the sports industry. Seven brand-new stadiums were built (and one renovated), using 40% less water than international benchmarks. Stadiums are also 30% more energy efficient than international standards (ASHRAE 90.1), with efficient cooling and ventilation systems, LED lighting and state-of-the-art building control systems.

More than 850,000 m2 of new green space was created – the equivalent of 121 full-sized football pitches. Countries that require sporting infrastructure will receive seats, and facilities will be reused as hospitals, schools, places of worship and hotels.

The most exciting moments of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

The tournament had plenty of viral moments that warmed hearts and set the internet ablaze.

La’eeb, the official mascot

Resembling the gutra, a cloth headdress worn in Qatar, the lovable flying, talking La’eeb shared the magic of the mascotverse with fans.

Japanese fans clean the stadium

Japanese fans won over social media when they left the stadium spotless after Japan's 2-1 win against Germany.

Fans fall in love with the Souq

Our ever-popular Souq Waqif became a hub of football activity: a place where all the sports fans in attendance could embrace the love of sport together.

Metro this way

Abubakr Abbass from Kenya became a fan favourite for showing tourists the way to the station from his tennis umpire chair.

Celebrities spotted

A-list celebs and sporting royalty like David Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Elon Musk and Usain Bolt also shared in the football excitement.

A World Cup™ filled with great surprises

A fantastic end to an epic tournament between the two top sides – possibly the best football World Cup™ final of all time.

Messi leads Argentina to glory and confirms his greatness

After a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium, Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties and Messi finally fulfilled a career dream to lift the coveted world cup trophy – GOAT debate over?

Argentina and France as semi-final champs

Who will ever forget the elation of Morocco reaching the semi-finals – the first ever African country to do so, before a heart-breaking elimination by France? Argentina faced off against Croatia, with Messi scoring one and Alvarez two goals to reach the finals.

Morocco makes history and France kills the English dream

Morocco continued their fabled run with a courageous 1-0 victory over Portugal, while Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties. France eliminated England with a 2-1 win, while Argentina sent the Netherlands home after a 4-3 shootout win.

Exhilarating moments and unforgettable surprises

Qatar made history by taking part in the World Cup™ for the first time. The biggest shock of the tournament came when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in one of the greatest men’s World Cup™ upsets of all time. Germany's 2-1 loss against Japan also sent shockwaves around the country.

Golden Ball winner

Lionel Messi won Golden Ball for best player.

Golden Boot winner

Kylian Mbappe pipped Lionel Messi as top goal-scorer.

Golden Glove winner

Argentina’s Martinez took home the award for best goalkeeper.

New Doha hotels and restaurants that stole the show

You can still stay at the stylish floating hotels, sprawling resorts and luxurious 5-star hotels that opened in time for Qatar’s greatest ever sporting event, and dine at exciting new restaurants serving flavours from around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

Zulal Wellness Resort

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Sazeli Qatar

Al Bisana Restaurant

Any questions about the fifa world cup™, when and where is the next fifa world cup™.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2026. It will run from 8 June 2026 until 3 July 2026.

When is the Asian Cup 2023 taking place?

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) have proposed that the next AFC Asian Cup be postponed until January 2024.

What will happen to Qatar’s stadiums after the FIFA World Cup™?

Al Janoub, Al Thumama and Education City’s seating will be reduced and donated to other sporting projects worldwide. Lusail will be converted into a unique community hub of schools, housing, shops, cafes and health clinics. Stadium 974 will be completely dismantled, and materials will be repurposed. Al Bayt will become the home of Al Khor Sports Club, while Khalifa will be the home stadium of Qatar’s national team (Al Annabi). Ahmad Bin Ali will also reduce its seating capacity and will be available for football development projects.

Where can I see some Qatar FIFA World Cup™ memorabilia?

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is one of the world’s most innovative sports museums, with a gallery dedicated to Qatar’s role as a hosting nation (including the Qatar FIFA World Cup™).

What other sports events take place in Qatar?

Qatar is a passionate sporting nation, ranging from one of the oldest sports known to man ( falconry ) to international spectacles like the Olympic Games and Formula One. Take a look at our Qatar calendar for upcoming events and read more about sports culture in Qatar here .

Things to know before travelling

Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here.

Getting here

Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here.

Travel tips

Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide.

Getting around

From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar.

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Qatar’s Tourism Industry Thrives Post-World Cup: A 347% Increase in Arrivals Expected

After hosting the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is witnessing a massive surge in tourism, with growth attributed to new festivals, attractions, and improved diplomatic relations in the Gulf region

Tourism to Qatar has increased dramatically since the oil-rich nation hosted the World Cup in late 2022.

Many new arrivals hail from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional economic union of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Some are GCC citizens, while others are workers based in one of the union’s member states.

The new influx shows that Doha, the capital city of this Middle Eastern country, is increasingly competitive with more traditional tourist centers such as Dubai and Manama, capitals of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, or the Riyadh Season, a Saudi sports and entertainment festival.

In 2023, official sources project a 347% increase over 2022 in the number of foreign arrivals.

This growth is attributed in part to a series of newly organized festivals and tourist developments, including the Lusail Winter Wonderland in Lusail City, 8 miles north of Doha.

It’s only four hours from Bahrain by car or 450 kilometers

Recently improved diplomatic relations between Qatar and its neighbors are helping to boost tourism. In 2017, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates severed diplomatic ties and blocked transport links with Doha, arguing that its rulers were supporting terrorism.

The diplomatic standoff ended in early 2021. Kuwait and the US helped broker the Al-Ula agreement, which normalized relations between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, along with several other countries, including Egypt and Jordan.

Rashid Khalid, a Bahraini citizen, said he hadn’t set foot in Doha from 2017 to January 2023. Since then, however, he had visited six times, taking advantage of the city’s proximity to his home. “It’s only four hours from Bahrain by car or 450 kilometers,” Khalid explained.

Khalid appreciated Doha’s tourist attractions, which “have changed a lot compared to the past. I love them now. They are designed to suit travelers from GCC countries and are adapted to the Gulf’s tastes and culture, especially with regard to the hot weather.”

He was also enthusiastic about Doha’s streets and infrastructure, which have “become very spacious and comfortable for tourists.” In his case, visiting relatives in the country’s capital was a bonus.

Serious efforts have been made to develop the country’s infrastructure in recent years, despite the 2017-2021 diplomatic rupture and closure of the border with Saudi Arabia, its only land outlet.

The country has launched several large tourist projects, including the Lusail City complex. This development boasts islands, boulevards, and an assortment of tourist activities. Another new development is the Msheireb project in downtown Doha, a retail, cultural, and business complex with outdoor air conditioners and walkways.

Developers have designed other areas to suit special tourist interests, including cultural activities, history, marine biology, the natural environment, and sports.

Public transportation is also a plus. Doha is now served by a new metro, inaugurated in 2019, and an extensive network of public buses.

Sports figures prominently in the country’s tourism plans. The 2022 World Cup was a major landmark, and Doha is now working to organize additional international events.

These include the 2023 Asia Cup, which will host 24 football teams and feature Qatar as defending champion, and the Grand Prix, a Formula One extravaganza that debuted in 2021 and is now considered one of the Gulf’s most advanced racing circuits.

The Tourism Ministry is projecting an eventual arrival rate of 6 million to 7 million visitors annually, a dramatic increase over the 2022 figure of 2.6 million arrivals from abroad.

To date, the peak year for number of visitors was 2015, when 2.9 million arrived, while a historic low of 560,000 visitors was recorded in 2020, due to COVID restrictions and the Saudi blockade.

Although future tourism projections for the country are high, they are still lower than those of other GCC countries.

In 2022, for example, Saudi Arabia welcomed 16.5 million international visitors, several million of whom participated in the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages. The United Arab Emirates received 14.3 million international visitors, while Bahrain welcomed 9.9 million.

Tourism’s economic weight in the country is substantial, however. In 2021, travel and tourism accounted for roughly 10% of the gross domestic product, higher than the GCC average that year of 6.6%. Qatar Tourism, a government agency, hopes this contribution will climb to 12% by 2030.

Dr. Omar Alhawi, the dean of student affairs at The University of Technology in Bahrain, has visited Doha several times since the World Cup. The city is easy to access, he says, and border officials offer a visa upon arrival for only 100 Qatari riyals, or roughly $27.

Alhawi extolled Doha’s libraries, research, and cultural centers. “Every time I visit, I explore new places,” he said.

It is one of the most beautiful and cleanest countries I have ever visited, and its prices are not high

Bassam Abdullah, a Saudi tourism blogger, documented his visit to the country on Snapchat and TikTok, advising GCC residents to visit if they could.

Speaking with the Media Line during a live TikTok broadcast, Abdullah urged “everyone to visit Qatar. It is one of the most beautiful and cleanest countries I have ever visited, and its prices are not high.” The state does not charge value-added tax on consumer purchases, although that may soon change.

In Abdullah’s experience, “Qatar is more beautiful than the 55 capitals I have visited so far.” Although all GCC countries compete for tourists and design events and venues to deal with the heat, Qatar is distinctive, Abdallah says, because “there is air conditioning in the streets.”

Ahmed Al Balushi, a former regional manager for Oman Air, is similarly enamored of Doha. “I have visited Qatar several times,” he said, and ever “since the World Cup, things have changed a lot. Doha is constantly developing.” Car travel from Oman is easy and “the roads are clear and fast.”

Ahmed Abdullah, a tourism expert and owner of travel and tourism offices in Saudi Arabia, told The Media Line that he is seeing “an increase in tourists heading to Doha.”

Along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, this Gulf state is seeking to increase tourism revenues. “We have begun to see great shows and festivals that suit everyone,” Abdallah explains.

A new tourism cooperation agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia means that the two countries “can become a single destination for foreign tourists.” In the future, Abdallah believes, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates may join in.

At some point, Abdallah predicted, a “GCC Schengen” may emerge, a shared geographic space that visitors can tour as a single entity. This, the travel expert said, “will significantly enhance tourism in the Gulf.”

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FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Top 10 tourist attractions you can’t miss in Qatar

When and where is the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022?

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Qatar’s burgeoning capital city — Doha has been in the spotlight as the FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on November 20, and run until December 18.

As a busy transition hub, Qatar connects many destinations all over the world. Thanks to the convenient transportation, all 8 stadiums built in and around the city of Doha could be easily reached by subways and buses.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup kicks off on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium when the hosts take on Ecuador in Group A.

The tournament was originally set to begin a day later with Senegal's game against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium but Qatar's match was moved forward to allow them to open their home tournament.

England will now feature on the second day with their Group B match against Iran scheduled to take place on November 21 with a 1pm UK time kick-off. The game is just eight days after the Premier League shuts down.

After qualifying via the play-offs, Wales' first game will also be on November 21.

Wales will then play England on November 29 in Group B.

The final will be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha a week before Christmas on December 18.

1. It is the first time that the World Cup is held in an Arab country.

2. It is the first time that the World Cup is held in the northern hemisphere winter.

3. It is the first World Cup to bring in female referees and to use semi-automatic offside technology.

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Travel requirements

Many countries across the globe have specific regulations in place for arriving and departing passengers in order to restrain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors could read and check the travel requirements through the official website of Qatar Airway before booking your trip and ensure you have the required documents at the time of travel.

Transit through Doha

Passengers who are transiting through Doha, and not leaving the airport, are not required to present any test results or certifications above the requirements of their departure or destination country.

Before booking your flight with Qatar Airways, it’s recommended that visitors need to check the latest information on country/region travel restrictions as well as visa and passport requirements.

Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar. How long you are allowed to stay will depend on where you're from, so best to check beforehand. Ideally with an authorized entity, because the terms and conditions that apply can be different per country.

New visa rules apply during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 period of November 10 to December 23.

It’s reminded that both local and international fans must apply for a Hayya Card before they make a trip to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Hayya Card is your entry permit to the State of Qatar and will also be required to access to stadiums. Each guest under your FIFA Ticket Application Number will need to apply for their own Hayya Card and the process is easy.

Qatar entry rules

Visitors are no longer required to bring a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Rapid Antigen test certificate before travelling to the State of Qatar.

Citizens and residents of the State of Qatar are no longer required to take a Rapid Antigen test (nor PCR) upon their arrival in the State of Qatar.

Individuals are mandated to present the health status on the Ehteraz mobile application only while entering public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar.

It is mandatory for individuals to present the health status of the Ehteraz application when entering public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar.

The Health Status for citizens, residents, visitors who have received the vaccine outside Qatar will remain green without a golden frame until their vaccine data is updated in the system or through the Overseas Vaccine Portal (www.ehteraz.gov.qa).

The Health Status on the Ehteraz app will remain red throughout the isolation period, until the end of their period of isolation.

Diplomats, administrative card holders and VIP visitors arriving on official state visits are excluded from this measure.

Recently, Qatar has eased COVID restrictions on international visitors travelling during the World Cup and will allow free entry for fans from December 2 when the group stage ends.

Argentina won the FIFA World Cup 2022 final after a penalty shootout that followed a 3-3 draw after extra time on December 18 (Sunday).

Lionel Messi scored twice and Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick, but Emiliano Martinez's save from Kingsley Coman's spot-kick in the shootout was decisive with Aurelien Tchouameni also firing wide for the defending champions.

🤞Argentina airline adds 2 more flights for 2022 FIFA World Cup final

Argentina’s national carrier scheduled two extra flights from Buenos Aires to Qatar to take football fans to the 2022 World Cup final.

Both Aerolíneas Argentinas flights sold out quickly. The first one leaves from Argentina’s capital on Friday morning, and tickets for that flight were gone within a half-hour of the national team’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Tickets for the second flight, which leaves Friday night, went on sale early Wednesday and were sold out within a couple of hours, the airline said in a statement.

The airline sold 540 roundtrip tickets for the two flights, with each one costing around 2 million pesos (more than $11,000). Aerolíneas Argentinas has offered a total of 12 flights for the World Cup.

Time: Friday December 9

Croatia vs Brazil - Kick-off 3pm

Netherlands vs Argentina - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Saturday December 10

Morocco vs Portugal - Kick-off 3pm

England vs France - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Tuesday December 13

Netherlands or Argentina vs Croatia or Brazil - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Wednesday December 14

England or France vs Morocco or Portugal - Kick-off 7pm

The FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup begins with 32 teams in eight groups of four:

The group phase played from November 20 to December 2. The knockout phase will run from December 3-18 .

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Top 10 tourist attractions you can’t miss in Qatar

Travel tips in Qatar

Qatar is a destination that offers novel, authentic experiences. Here are some tips that will help better navigate the local culture and fully enjoy your time in Qatar.

Attitudes towards dress in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.

This is widely expected at Souq Waqif and other traditional markets.

The Qatari riyal is the only currency used in the country and can be obtained through ATMs which are widely available in malls, hotels and around Doha. The Qatari Riyal (QR) is pegged against the US Dollar at QAR 3.64.

When bringing local currency (Qatar Riyal-QAR) and all other foreign currencies amounts equal to or higher than QAR 50,000 must be declared on arrival. This includes jewelry, precious metals or stones valued at QAR 50,000 or higher.

The Accessible Qatar smartphone app provides information about accessibility and facilities at different public and touristic venues across the country.

Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Wheel the World to offer accessible tourist experiences to differently abled visitors.

In case of emergency, following specialised services are accessible for the deaf:

Call 992 using the 3G camera on your computer or cell phone;

Send an SMS to 992 clearly stating your problem and what service you need (ambulance, fire rescue, police), as well as your name, address, and any details;

Send an e-mail to [email protected] (it may take some time before you receive a response)

The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of Qatar has access to drinkable tap water. However, bottled water is widely consumed in Qatar with plenty of local and imported brands widely available.

The standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Plug points are the same as in the UK. To use electric appliances made for the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), one needs a voltage converter or a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Emergency telephone numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance:

Traffic & Patrol Police Department:

Doha is home to over 100 foreign embassies and a consulate. These are open for business from Sunday to Thursday and closed on Friday and Saturday, as well as all public holidays of both Qatar and the embassy's home country.

Friday timings

All business and commercial activity shuts down during Friday prayers in the morning (around 10am -12pm). Several shops remain closed on Fridays while malls open in the afternoon on Fridays.

Qatari ladies will not shake hands with men, and many men will not shake a lady’s hand as a gesture of respect.

In case of emergency, visitors can go to Hamad General Hospital’s network of hospitals and healthcare centers for care.

Qatar is the world’s first country to introduce a commercial 5G network. Free WIFI facilities are available at the Hamad International Airport and most public places including shopping malls, restaurants and parks.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting. It is spent with family and friends, with much feasting, and goes on for three days, though shops and private businesses may reopen after one or two days.

The Hajj pilgrimageends with Eid Al Adha, also known as the “feast of sacrifice” and continues for four days.

Home to around a hundred nationalities, Qatar is a melting pot of cultures with numerous languages being spoken. Being an Arab country, the official language is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken at all public places.

Passengers arriving, departing or transiting through Hamad International Airport can avail Al Maha personalised Meet & Greet Services at Hamad International Airport.

Qatar National Day is celebrated on 18 December. Sports Day is also a national holiday celebrated on the second Tuesday of February each year. In addition to these two holidays the country is closed for three days during Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

As in all Middle Eastern countries, showing overt affection and intimacy in public is frowned upon.

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, visitors are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours out of respect to those who are fasting. Hotels continue to cater to guests by opening restaurants that are out of the public’s view.

Qatar is a Muslim country and Islam plays an integral role in daily life. Prayers take place five times per day: at dawn (Fajr), around midday (Duhr), in mid-afternoon (A'asr), at sunset (Maghrib) and about two hours after sunset (‘Esha). The exact timing varies each day according to the sun's position.

Qatar has been ranked first in terms of safety and security, according Numbeo Crime Index 2020, the world’s largest database of user contributed data on cities and countries.

Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces including museums, sports clubs, shopping malls and restaurants. Violators can be subject to fines between QAR 1000-3000.

Passengers transiting through Doha can take advantage of Qatar’s unmatched stopover program to explore the destination. The +Qatar program offers great deals at 4- and 5- Star hotels.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) regulates the telecommunications, information technology, and postal sectors, as well as access to digital media. Ensuring balancing consumers’ rights and telecom Service Providers’ obligations is a top priority for CRA. If you have inquiries or complaints against telecom Service Providers, you can contact us through:

· Hotline 103, or +97444069938 from overseas

· Email: [email protected]

· Complaint Form: https://www.cra.gov.qa/en/Services/Consumers-Complaints

· Social media: @craqatar

· Mobile App: “Arsel” on Google Play and App Store

For more information please visit CRA’s website: www.cra.gov.qa

Most hospitality outlets in Qatar include a service charge in the bill. However, a tip of 10-15% as a gesture of satisfaction is appreciated. It is advisable to carry cash for tipping.

Qatar drives on the right hand side of the road.

Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, extreme temperatures during summer and mild winters. Average monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer months.

Conceived of in 2012 The Year of Culture is an initiative by Qatar Museums. Taking place with another country, the year-long cultural exchange programme invites people to explore a new culture, through a variety of exhibitions, festivals, competitions and events.

As Qatar gears up to host the first-ever World Cup, here we unveiled top 10 tourist attractions in Qatar and gave you the best travel insights into this oil-rich country.

Bursting with diverse world-class museums and cutting-edge art galleries, the Museum of Islamic Art has lured tourists from home and abroad to discover its unique charms and cultures. Designed by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, the museum is noted as the crown jewel of museums in Qatar and has become one of the marvels of the modern Middle East.

Through great works of art, the Museum of Islamic Art is an ideal place to showcase the achievements of Islamic civilization and abundant Islamic cultures. Perched just off the Corniche, the museum looks like a gigantic broken Rubik cube floating on water from some angles. Looking from the inside, you will discover that the whole architecture is a masterpiece of light and space. In addition, the museum features year-round high-profile rotating exhibitions, adding highlights to the wealth of knowledge here.

No trip to Qatar would be complete without travelling to Khor Al Adaid. Located in northwest part of Qatar, just a short drive from the capital of Doha, the Khor AI Adaid, also known as the ‘Inland sea’, is the desert marvel of Qatar featuring backdrops of large, crescent-shaped sand dunes on the water’s edge — It is one of the few places in the world where the desert and sea meet, making a unique sight as ocean waves appear on the horizon beyond the dunes. The spectacular landscapes offer world-class experiences to travelers.

This scenic spot was declared a nature reserve in 2007 and was recommended to be the UNESCO world heritage site, which has witnessed the profound history of Qatar for years.

For those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and find inner peace, this site is actually a paradise of tranquility and relaxation.

Once a thriving pearl fishing and trading hub in late 18th century and early 19th century, AI Zubarah Archaeological Site is now a well-preserved and largest World heritage site in Qatar. The most famous spot is the old fort. Constructed in 1938 with high and thick walls, and fort has also served as a coastguard station.

with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces, streets, houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques, the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site is a gateway to Qatar’s past, as well as an ideal place for history lovers.

Stretched in a half-moon shape, the Doha Corniche is a waterfront palm-fringed boulevard which runs 7 kilometers along the Doha Bay and the city’s sea-front, offering views over the crystal-clear water from every angle.

Walking along the Corniche, you can view the magnificent urban landscapes, including the high-rise buildings in the CBD, the Museum of Islamic Art, gorgeous parks with children’s play areas, and many luxury hotels. Sometimes you could also see the traditional wooden sloops in the bay.

You might be told by locals not to take a stroll during the daytime in summer here as the weather is too hot and there is relatively little shade to be found. While it would be very cozy to while away the summer heat when taking a stroll along the corniche at night. The Doha corniche is indeed one of the most captivating parts of this capital city.

As one of the landmarks in Doha, the Pearl Island is an artificial island and situated off the coast of Doha’s west bay. The island is also a luxurious residential complex that features numerous residential buildings, villas and hotels, and the wharf is often full of luxury yachts.

A trip to the Pearl Island in Doha would leave you with a great impression before you leave the country. The island resembles Italy’s Venice on the whole, and it contains a variety of shopping centers, boardwalks and water taxis, making it a shopping paradise for travelers all over the world.

Home to many traditional Arabic restaurants and a focal point for locals and tourists, the vibrant complex Souq Waqif in Doha, built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to hang out with friends, particularly after dusk.

For newcomers, walking in the Souq Waqif was like walking in a maze of shops bursting with traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, household goods and souvenirs.

In addition, the Souq Waqif is also home to Falcon Souq where visitors can view the majestic birds standing on the shopkeeper’s arms.

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar tells the story of Qatar and its people from earliest times to the present, bringing to life the peninsula’s natural history, giving voice to Qatar’s rich heritage and culture, and expressing a vibrant community’s aspirations for the future.

Jean Nouvel’s new architecture incorporates the Palace while seamlessly integrating innovative artworks commissioned from Qatari and artists from home and abroad, rare and precious objects, documentary materials, and interactive learning opportunities.

The whole architecture is like the Desert Rose — not a plant, but a special geological phenomenon in the desert. Both exteriors and interiors of the building evokes a feeling of otherworldly design that is beyond expectations of any visitor. Apart from its extraordinary structure, the museum displays exhibitions from all that are considered historic, rare and artistic including archeological artifacts as well as limited car models.

The museum officially made its debut on March 28, 2019.

Nestled on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl, the Katara Cultural Village boasts a variety of cafes, an open-air theater, outdoor markets and buildings designed in the traditional Qatari fashion. The theme of the village is ‘Beyond Boundaries’ and it is envisioned to offer a glimpse of the future.

Since opening in late 2010, Katara Cultural Village has been a hub for art and culture lovers in the city. This tourist attraction is very huge and one or two days might not be enough to cover them all so here are our honorable mentions that you could definitely check out in case you are time-constrained:

1. The Gold Mosque

2. The Amphitheatre

3. 21 High Street

4. Al Thuraya Planetarium

This tourist attraction has gained quite popularity in recent years and gradually become one of the must-visit places in Qatar. Film City — a few also call it ‘Cinema City’ — has a mysterious backstory and it is probably one of the reasons why people are drawn to this place.

It’s said by many people that this small town was once built as a set to film movies and TV series a while ago, however everything here was halted in the middle and all equipment was moved out. No one really knows what has happened and the true story behind this, but the Film City has not been explored by many yet and has an intriguing vibe, something that visitors chase after.

As a replica of an ancient Arabic village, this tourist attraction is also one of the offbeat destinations for tourists to escape from the crowd.

10. Qatar National Library: A paradise for book lovers

If you are a book lover, then you can’t miss one of the tourist attractions in Qatar — Qatar National Library. With a massive collection of rare documents and manuscripts, books and periodicals in many European and Asian languages, visitors could definitely wander in the sea of books.

Qatar National library is the latest expression of OMA’s long-term interest in the library, which goes back to the competition for the National Library of France in 1989.

The library is also part of the Education City, a new academic campus which hosts satellite campuses from leading universities and institutions from around the world.

Qatar 2022 will be the last World Cup for a series of star players, but most attention will go to Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. How will the long-time rivals do in their "last dance"?

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FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: 8 Stadiums and nearby recommended hotels

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Qatar is welcoming 102 countries visa-free, check your visa status here .

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Qatar Welcomes Over 600,000 International Visitors in November, Capturing the First Two Weeks of the FIFA World CupTM

News Published on

Hosted in Qatar, the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup™ has seen cheering fans travel across the globe to support their favourite teams, while visiting the world-class tourism attractions on offer in the capital and across the country. Early November, and less than two weeks into the global sporting event, Qatar Tourism (QT) reports that the country had already welcomed over 600,000 visitors from around the world.

qatar-welcomes-over-600000-international-visitors-in-november-capturing-the-first-two-weeks-of-the-fifa-world-cup

Leading the latest tourism figures are visitors from Saudi Arabia (16% of total international arrivals), followed by India (8%), USA (7%), UK (6%) and Mexico (5%). Argentina, Egypt, Iran, France and Kuwait also make up the top 10 source countries for all inbound international visitors.

As the first-ever Middle Eastern nation to host the FIFA World Cup™, Qatar’s historic achievement for the region has been followed by further wins and records relating to the tournament. Up to the opening day on November 20, a FIFA spokesperson revealed that 2.95 million tickets had been sold, comfortably exceeding Russia (2018) where just over 2.4 million tickets were sold. Later, the Argentina-Mexico match in Lusail Stadium saw the highest attendance in record at a FIFA World Cup™ match since 1994, with 88,966 attendees. Outside the stadiums, the mega-tournament has drawn in record-breaking numbers in TV viewership , across multiple markets.

Between matches, international visitors can take inspiration from Qatar Tourism’s latest campaign, “No Football. No Worries.” fronted by the legendary Italian footballer, Andrea Pirlo by heading to the attractions featured in the series of humorous advertisements. From the bustling streets of Souq Waqif to the stunning collections available at the Museum of Islamic Art, fans can follow Pirlo and enjoy a range of adventures in the heart of Doha.

At the same time, visitors can take part in the recently launched joint social media competition by QT and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, for a chance to win a $100,000 prize (Terms and Conditions apply). Fans can snap and post their photos using the @VisitQatar handle and #UltimateQatarExperience hashtag, to win lucrative travel packages.

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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Assessing Tourism Legacy Impact

The Skift Advisory report on FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is a crucial resource providing insights into the impact of the event on travelers’ perceptions and their willingness to visit Middle Eastern/North African destinations. Derived from a survey of 15,000 international travelers from 20 countries, the study explores key metrics such as willingness to travel, regional preferences, and post-World Cup sentiment changes.

The analysis delves into the Middle East sports investment landscape, anticipating growth and attracting high-value sports tourism. It scrutinizes Qatar’s efforts to leverage the World Cup for brand positioning, addressing questions on return on investment and changes on travelers’ sentiment linked to major sports events.

For industry insights, the study offers a nuanced understanding of sentiment changes towards Middle Eastern/North African destinations post-FIFA World Cup. The insights on Dubai and Morocco’s positive exposure provide strategic opportunities for travel professionals, making this report essential for informed decision-making and tailored destination marketing strategies.

Interested in working with us or learning more about Skift Advisory? Email [email protected] .

In this report:

World Cup Investment: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: costliest, exceeding $229 billion over a decade.
Expenditure Overview: Explore modern World Cup trends, emphasizing Qatar's unique spending beyond standard.
Hosting Impact: Qatar's hosting aligns with escalating sports investment in the Middle East.
Regional Growth: Anticipate rapid sports investment growth, drawing wealthy tourists to neighboring countries.
Return on Investment: Scrutinize post-event plans, focusing on legacy tourism and return on investment.
Market Insights: Offer travel willingness insights, emphasizing regional variations.
Select Destinations Deep-Dive: Highlight varied responses for Qatar, Dubai, and Morocco, exploring polarization, and spotlighting positive exposure.

Skift Advisory Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 Report brochure

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Tourism, Culture & Sport From The Report: Qatar 2022 View in Online Reader

Travel and tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors globally in 2020 and early 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic swept around the world, and the situation in Qatar was no different. However, reflecting the gains made in the tourism industry in previous years, the opening months of 2020 saw a strong performance in terms of arrivals – so much so that when travel began to normalise in 2021, total arrivals for the first three quarters were still higher in 2020 than in 2021. Despite subdued sector activity for most of 2020 and 2021, Qatar has been gearing up for what is expected to be a banner year for tourism in 2022 – starting with a full cruise schedule at Doha Port for the 2021/22 season.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding; Nasser Al Khater, CEO, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar; and Ahmad Al Namla, CEO, Qatar Museums.

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World Cup 2026: Concerns over fans’ U.S. visa wait times – ‘Your window might already be closed’

Concerns have been raised with the United States government, including an official meeting in the White House, over fears supporters may be deterred from the 2026 men’s World Cup owing to excessive wait times to process visa applications to visit the country.

The tournament begins in 777 days and it will be at least another 18 months before many countries will be assured of qualification, yet the wait times for U.S. visa interviews in two Mexican cities are already in excess of 800 days, while it is 685 days in the Colombian capital of Bogota.

In a statement to The Athletic , the U.S. Department of State (which oversees international relations) insisted it is determined to reduce wait times but also encouraged supporters in affected countries to start applying for visas now, over two years out from the tournament and with the line-up still unknown.

The 2026 edition of world football’s governing body FIFA ’s flagship tournament will include 48 nations for the first time and will be held in 16 cities in the U.S, Canada and Mexico.

It will also be the first World Cup without an overarching local organising committee, which means FIFA is tasked with pulling everything together, in conjunction with the many layers of stakeholders and bureaucracy across three nations and 16 host cities, each of which have differing levels of private and taxpayer support.

The three host countries also have differing entry criteria for visitors, which has the potential to create visa confusion for fans seeking to follow their team deep into the tournament across multiple borders.

Several host cities, including the location for the final — New York/New Jersey — are also concerned about the wait times for visas, and the potential impact on income from tourism during the tournament, but the cities are currently allowing FIFA and the travel industry to lead the conversations with the government. Some of those who have spoken to The Athletic wished to remain anonymous, owing either to sensitivity around discussions or to protect working relationships.

Travis Murphy is the founder of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment and a former American diplomat who also once ran international government affairs for the NBA .

“My concern is this could be a disaster (in 2026),” he said. “The concerns are absolutely there on the city level. The cities are thinking, ‘They are FIFA, so they must have it under control.’ But when you realise how FIFA worked in the past with previous hosts in Qatar and Russia, it doesn’t necessarily work in the United States.

“We’re just a completely different animal in terms of how our government operates and how we communicate. And frankly, the emphasis that we place on soccer as a sport in our country.

“If this was the Super Bowl, the World Series or the NBA finals, we’d be having a different conversation. Soccer is not the biggest sport in our country. And I think that’s a fundamental lack of understanding by FIFA, perhaps just taking it for granted that it is the case everywhere in the world. But it’s not yet in the United States.”

In recent months, U.S. travel industry representatives and FIFA have raised concerns with the U.S. Department of State and the White House as the respective groups seek to organise how millions of tourists will enter the U.S. during the five-week tournament in June and July 2026. In January 2024, FIFA strengthened its staff in D.C. when it hired Alex Sopko, the former chief of staff for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House, to be its new Director of Government Relations.

In a statement to The Athletic , a FIFA spokesperson said the organisation is working closely with U.S. Government in the planning and preparation for the World Cup, including regular discussions on critical topics such as immigration and visas, and adding it recognises “the urgency of these matters.”

The visa delays ahead of the World Cup were raised in a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, April 17, with senior administration officials in conversation with the United States Travel Association (U.S. Travel).

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel, was present in the meeting. He describes visa wait times as a “massive issue” but added: “We came away confident that the White House recognises the significance of the 2026 World Cup and will take concrete steps to streamline aspects of the travel experience for the more than eight million anticipated visitors.”

Freely available data on the website of the Department of Consular affairs details the lengthy wait times currently impacting visitor visas from markets that may be highly relevant during the World Cup, which begins in 778 days.

Forty-one countries, including much of Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia, are part of a visa waiver programme — ESTA — to enter the United States, which means citizens of these countries can travel without obtaining a visa, so as long as their trip for tourism or business does not exceed 90 days.

However, many people, estimated by U.S. Travel to represent 45 per cent of those who visit the States, do require visas for entry. These documents, called a B1/B2 visa, also require in-person appointments at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to take digital photographs and fingerprints, as well as an interview, in which the candidate must state their intention to return to their home countries and explain their reasons for visiting the United States.

Wait times for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in the Mexican cities of Mexico City and Guadalajara are currently 878 days and 820 days respectively, so an application made today may not be approved before the World Cup begins. In the Colombian capital of Bogota, the current wait time is 685 days, while Panama City is 477 days and Quito in Ecuador is 420.

The 2026 World Cup is guaranteed to include the U.S, Mexico and Canada as hosts but five more nations may yet qualify from North and Central America, while up to seven may enter from the South American Football Confederation. Wait times are also dramatic in the Turkish city of Istanbul, where it takes 553 days for an appointment, as well as in Morocco, semi-finalists at the World Cup in 2022, where the wait time is 225 days.

In a statement to The Athletic, the state department said: “We encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need U.S. visas to apply now – there is no requirement to have purchased event tickets, made hotel reservations, or reserved airline tickets to qualify for a visitor visa.”

Freeman attributes the current visa delays to the shutdown of consular offices during the coronavirus pandemic but also outlines long-standing issues.

“The U.S. is the world’s most desired nation to visit, but our market share is slipping and it’s in a large part due to long visa wait times,” he said. “If you are Colombian and want to come and bring your kids in 2026, your window might already be closed.”

A World Cup is further complicated because many supporters may wait until their nations have secured qualification to organise their trip. For the Americas, this will largely be in winter 2025 — the play-offs may be as late as March 2026 — while nations will only know the cities in which their teams will be competing following the draw, which is usually held eight months out from the tournament.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, visitors were able to expedite their entry into the country by applying for a Hayya card, effectively a fan pass for World Cup ticket holders that acted as a visa for the tournament. A repeat pass is not expected to be approved by the U.S, particularly at a time of global tensions both in the Middle East and following Russia ’s invasion of and continued war against Ukraine .

Freeman warned: “The U.S. is not going to change its visa policies in the short term to frankly cater to FIFA. I think where you may see the U.S. adjust some of its approach is in cooperation with Mexico and Canada . So once teams have qualified within the tournament, how do we streamline their ability to cross borders and attend games in other markets later in the tournament? I believe that’s where there will be greater cooperation and some of those discussions are already taking place.”

The answer may simply be additional staff and investment, such as deploying more consular officers at embassies, a method which has helped significantly reduce wait times from Brazil and India over the past year. Congress set aside $50million for the U.S. State Department to “reduce passport backlogs and reduce visa wait times” in a bill signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden in March but it was not specified how and where the money will be invested.

There is a precedent for visa issues causing delays at major international sporting events in the United States. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who set the African 100metres record of 9.77 seconds in 2021, only received his visa documentation the day before the men’s 100 metres heats began at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon in 2022.

After securing his visa in Kenya, he took a five-hour flight to Qatar, endured a six-hour layover, then a 14-hour flight to Seattle, another three-hour layover and last of all, a one-hour flight to Oregon. He landed at 4.15 pm and immediately went to the track, where the heats commenced at 6.50pm.

The sprinter said: “If you are hosting a championship, you need to waive (visa requirements) for athletes. It’s a lesson for the host country in the future, and the U.S. is hosting the Olympics in 2028 (in Los Angeles), so they need to learn from this and do better next time.”

Murphy added: “There were hundreds of athletes who were unable to travel. The World Athletics Championships was was a relatively small event compared to the magnitude of what we’re talking about with the 48-team World Cup and the millions and millions of people involved, in terms of what needs to happen.”

Playing rosters are usually only approved in the final months before a tournament, but the U.S. is expected to expedite processing to ensure players and support staff from federations are able to arrive in time for the World Cup.

The U.S. Department of State attributes the issues at World Athletics to the pressures felt by consular officers coming out of the pandemic and told The Athletic that wait times for “P-visas”, generally used by members of professional sports teams coming to participate in athletic competitions, are “low worldwide”.

Murphy said the National Security Council has established a working committee on the matter for the White House but caveated his optimism with a reminder that more instant priorities are Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. He said: “This is not a priority beyond the host cities, FIFA itself and the members of Congress who represent those host cities. But in terms of there being a broad approach that is all-encompassing and has a wide swath of support in Congress, there’s just nothing there. There’s no bills or initiatives in Congress that are focused on this.”

He added: “The conversations that needed to have started a year plus ago are not at a point where they need to be. And when you’re talking about the U.S. Government, it is essentially at a state of standstill in terms of any major movement that needs to happen from now until November of this year (when there is a Presidential election).”

The Department of State insisted it is “committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining high national security standards.”

Its statement continued: “We are pleased to be an active participant in a working group with FIFA and other stakeholders on plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bureau of Consular Affairs recognizes the importance of international inbound tourism, including for mega sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, and is working tirelessly to facilitate secure travel to the United States. We have significantly reduced visa wait times over the past two years.”

One of the peculiarities of the U.S. political system is that there is no sports ministry to facilitate such discussions. In its absence, Murphy calls for a special envoy to be appointed, with the World Cup likely to be followed by the women’s edition in 2027 before the Olympics in LA in 2028.

He said: “There has to be somebody centralised to organise those conversations. That’s relatively easy to do. If it’s somebody that has the respect and attention of the cabinet agencies, they can have a conversation with Capitol Hill and that’s going to go a long way to getting things done.”

(Top photo: Patrick Smith/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Adam Crafton covers football for The Athletic. He previously wrote for the Daily Mail. In 2018, he was named the Young Sports Writer of the Year by the Sports' Journalist Association. His debut book,"From Guernica to Guardiola", charting the influence of Spaniards in English football, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2018. He is based in London.

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