The COVID-19 pandemic, in the last one year, disrupted international movement of travellers because different countries as per their needs introduced strict precautionary measures to control the outbreak of virus.
Qatar like many countries implemented a mandatory hotel quarantine for travellers from countries not listed in low-risk countries to curb the spread of infection. For the purpose, the country formed a best home and hotel quarantine system winning international praise and recognition.
According to Qatar’s travel and return policy, people coming from the green list countries are required to undergo home quarantine while those arriving from countries not mentioned in the green list must undergo hotel quarantine.
For hotel quarantines, Discover Qatar has so far assisted over 330,000 people to complete their quarantine successfully in 65 hotels.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has clarified that people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine second dose can travel and return to the State of Qatar without being quarantined upon returning, provided that the vaccine is taken in the State of Qatar and a 14-day period has passed from taking the second dose, whether the person spent that period inside or outside Qatar.
The Ministry affirmed that exemption from quarantine arrangements apply as long as the return date from travel is 14 days after the second dose, whether the person spent that period inside or outside Qatar.
Discover Qatar’s effective and efficient model of quarantine in hotels and at home is recognised by many other countries as a system to replicate in helping to combat rising COVID numbers, without the need for a border closure.
An Arabic version of the Discover Qatar website is expected to be completed by the end of March, and the Discover Qatar call centre has 30 dedicated Arabic speakers providing 24/7 support. Discover Qatar has also successfully negotiated the removal of the security deposit previously required for Mekaines bookings, which was implemented for new bookings from February 18.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are aware of the increased demand for quarantine rooms as travel restrictions evolve with no home quarantine permitted from red countries. Our teams are working around the clock to ensure the continued safety of Qatar and its residents. It is critical that we understand that all quarantine processes are set in place for the benefit of Qatar and the wider community in Qatar, especially to protect the vulnerable and the elderly.”
