If you ask anybody what they’ve missed the most this past year, travel is undoubtedly going to be super high on their list.
Feeling that wanderlust right now? Well, there are plenty of countries around the world opening their doors to fully vaccinated tourists from Doha, and we’ve rounded up some of the top quarantine-free destinations just for you.
Under current rules, fully vaccinated travellers and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 12 months won’t need to quarantine upon return in Qatar, but as the situation is constantly changing, we recommend keeping an eye on our dedicated travel section for the latest updates.
Safe travels!
Austria
A country of culture, rolling hills and postcard-perfect vistas, the European country of Austria melds many types of vacation into one – and as of Thursday July 1, vaccinated visitors from Qatar can visit without any quarantine protocols.
Passengers will need to present a certificate of vaccination, certificate of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival. Only certificates and test results issued in English or German by a medical professional or public authority will be accepted. Six vaccines are being accepted by the Austrian authorities, including Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm and Sinovac.
For the latest requirements from the Austrian government, click here.
Croatia
Big Game of Thrones fan? Then Dubrovnik, aka King’s Landing, needs to be on the top of your to-visit list. And luckily for you, Croatia opened its borders to travellers from Doha at the start of April.
Anyone who has received their second coronavirus jab at least 14 days before entering Croatia, or anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 in the past five months, is exempt from testing and self-isolating on arrival. Meaning you can step off the plane and head straight to the Red Keep (or Plitvice Lakes, if you still haven’t forgiven the writers for season eight).
You can find the full rules and restrictions for entry to Croatia by clicking here.
Cyprus
Known for its gorgeous beaches and spectacular archaeological sites, Cyprus is a great travel option that’s just a four-hour flight away. And since Monday May 10, the Mediterranean island has been open to vaccinated travellers from Doha.
Cyprus is currently operating on a colour-coded system for entries, and Qatar is currently on the red list. This means that you will need to obtain a Cyprus Flight Pass (and you can do so by clicking here) and must provide a negative PCR test 72 hours taken in Doha (click here for where to find all the COVID-19 PCR test centres in Qatar) before departure and have a second test upon arrival. But after that, you’re free to explore the best sites the country has to offer.
The full rules and restrictions for entry to Cyprus from Doha can be found on the Visit Cyprus website here.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a country steeped in history, and its gorgeous capital Prague is even considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dreaming of seeing the Old Town Square or walking along the Charles Bridge? Get booking your flights, as residents of Qatar can now visit.
Like many countries, the Czech Republic is operating on a traffic light system, with Qatar in the green category. All visitors must fill in an arrival form before travelling, but those who are fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.
You can find out more information on the Visit Czech Republic website here.
Egypt
One of the seven wonders of the world, the pyramids are an absolute must-see on any visit to Egypt.
If you’re planning on visiting, you will need to be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before entry, or provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Kids under six are exempt from this requirement. You will also need to fill in a health declaration form and have valid health insurance.
You can find out more on the Egyptian Travel Authority website here.
France
From the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower and the fascinating works of art at the Louvre in Paris, to the luxurious beach resorts of Cannes and Saint-Tropez in the French Riviera, there’s plenty of reasons to visit France. And as of Wednesday June 9, vaccinated travellers from Doha can visit France without needing to quarantine.
The European country is operating on a traffic light system, with Qatar on the orange list, which means that vaccinated travellers will need to provide a negative PCR test dated within 72 hours of arrival in France, or a rapid antigen test result no more than 48 hours old. Other than that, you are free to explore the best sights France has to offer.
For the full rules and entry requirements for visiting France from Doha, head to gouvernement.fr.
Georgia
Reachable in just three hours, Georgia is already one of the most popular holiday destinations for travellers from Qatar. And how could it not be, with stunning ski resorts and hiking routes that are a breath of fresh air for Dohaites.
If you’re planning on visiting Georgia from Doha, all you’ll need to do is provide proof that you’ve had both of your COVID-19 jabs at the border. Dreamy. Planning on booking? Don’t forget, Qatar Airways Holidays has just launched new packages to Tbilisi, and you can find all the details out by clicking here.
The full rules and restrictions for entry to Georgia can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here.
Germany
Craving bratwurst? We have good news, as Germany opened its doors to global travellers on Friday June 25, and we’ve got all the details we know you’ll be hungry for.
All visitors to the popular European country will be required to register at einreiseanmeldung.de prior to flying, and will need to upload proof of their vaccination status in digital or paper form. Certificates proving inoculation against the virus will also need to be printed off and kept with passengers at all times. Vaccines approved by German officials include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and a period of at least 14 days must have elapsed since receiving the final dose before touching down on German soil.
Those travelling from countries with variant concerns are unable to transit through Germany to other European countries.
Travellers should also check with the individual German federal state they plan to visit as all have different rules to follow prior to arrival. For more details, click here.
Greece
There are so many gorgeous islands in Greece that you could come back year after year and still never get tired of visiting. And if you’re looking to add another island to your “been there, done that” list, you’re in luck, as Greece is open to vaccinated tourists from Doha without quarantine.
Those who have been fully vaccinated will not need to provide a negative test result to travel to Greece from Doha, as long as 14 days have passed since the second (or only) dose, and you have a vaccination certificate. Those who have tested positive with COVID-19 in the past two to nine months are also exempt from providing a negative test, as long as you can provide a positive PCR molecular test result, or a medical certificate confirming you previously had COVID-19.
You can find the current rules and restrictions for your trip to Greece from Doha on travel.gov.gr.
Iceland
Fancy escaping the heat? Iceland might just be the place for you, then, as average temperatures peak at just 14C in July. Aside from the pleasant temperatures, you’ll also be able to explore the Blue Lagoon and see the northern lights – it’s a real bucket list destination.
Fully vaccinated travellers from Doha, or those who have recovered from COVID-19, are able to visit Iceland without quarantining. You will, however, be expected to take a coronavirus test on arrival, and self-isolate at your hotel until the results come in, which should take around five to six hours.
You can find the full entry procedure details on the Directorate of Health website here.
Kenya
Fancy spotting Simba, Timon and Pumba? Kenya is world famous for its safaris and thankfully for Dohaites, the country is open for travel.
You will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than 96 hours before take-off at check-in and it must be digitally verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative.
Passengers are also required to fill out a Travellers Health Surveillance form online before their arrival in Kenya in order to generate a QR code which must be shown to health officials. Children below the age of five are exempt from having to produce a negative COVID-19 result.
You can find more details about entry requirements from Doha by heading to mfa.go.ke.
Maldives
With white sandy shores and waters so blue you almost can’t believe it, the Maldives is high on our to-visit list.
You can travel to the Maldives from Doha with ease, provided you have booked a stay at a registered tourist facility, more than 14 days have passed since your second dose, and you have a negative COVID-19 test from no more than 72 hours before departure.
You can find the full entry requirements for travellers from Doha on the Visit Maldives website here.
Malta
While Malta might be one of the smallest countries in the world, this archipelago is filled with history, having been inhabited since around 5900 BCE. There are not one, not two, but three UNESCO world heritage sites for you to explore. Basically, culture vultures need to hop on a plane here immediately.
Thankfully, Malta is now welcoming back visitors. The country is operating on a traffic light system, with Qatar on the red list. This means that you must be fully vaccinated and submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before arrival. Stepping off the plane and straight into a historical site? Sounds good to us.
You can find more information on the entry requirements by heading to visitmalta.com.
Montenegro
Dreaming of rugged mountains, medieval villages and spectacular sandy beaches? You’ll get all that and much more in Montenegro, and thankfully, the Balkan country is open to tourism from Doha.
You will either need to provide a negative PCR test, dated no more than 72 hours before entry, or a negative rapid antigen test from no older than 48 hours, or proof that you are fully vaccinated.
Full entry requirement details for travel to Montenegro from Doha can be found on montenegro.travel/en.
Portugal
Craving pasteis de nata? Want to get a taste of super fresh seafood? Or just fancy visiting Time Out Market Lisbon? Then you’ll be delighted to know that Portugal is now open to visitors from Qatar.
You will need either a PCR test taken 72 hours before boarding, or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours. Children under 12 are exempt from the testing requirement, as are fully vaccinated travellers.
You can find out more on the Visit Portugal website here.
Russia
St Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square, the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre… all are absolute must-visits, and that’s just Moscow. There’s so much to see and do in Russia, and riding the Trans-Siberian railway has long been on our bucket list.
You don’t have to wait to visit, either, as residents of Qatar are free to enter for tourism purposes. You will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before your arrival, and there is no need to quarantine on arrival.
You can find all the details about entry requirements by heading to tourism.gov.ru.
Seychelles
Another spot beloved for its sunbathing and snorkeling opportunities, the Seychelles opened its borders to tourists from Doha in March.
Before boarding your flight, you’ll need to get a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure. You will also need valid health insurance that would cover any potential COVID-19 related costs such as quarantine and treatment.
You can find more details about entry requirements for tourists from Doha by heading to advisory.seychelles.travel.
Spain
Been practising your flamenco moves in the kitchen and scratching up on your Spanish lingo? Well, you can now put your new skills to use, because as of Monday June 7, Spain is open to tourists.
Visitors from Qatar will be able to enter Spain provided they have been fully vaccinated 14 days before travel, or have a certificate of recovery, which are valid for 180 days. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this requirement. International passengers must also complete the Health Control Form online before they land.
For full information on entry requirements for travel from Doha to Spain visit spth.gob.es.
Switzerland
Swiss watch, Swiss chocolate, Swiss mountains – sounds like luxury, no? If you’re looking for a great holiday destination to beat the heat this summer, it doesn’t get better than Switzerland.
Travellers from Qatar are free to visit without quarantine or PCR testing, provided they have been fully vaccinated within the past six months, and have filled out the entry form before arrival.
Bring on the luxury goods, fresh mountain air, and gorgeous views.
For up-to-date information about travelling to Switzerland click here.
Tanzania
A country that contains the Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has long been a place to which adventurers flock. And if you intend to spread your wings and fly to the east African country, you must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that was conducted no more than 72 hours before your arrival in the country.
Passengers must then receive a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport in Dar es Salaam at their own expense which must be paid in cash.
Travellers must also complete an online Traveller Surveillance Form no more than 24 hours before their arrival in Dar es Salaam in order to receive a unique health code that they have to present to health officials. Children under the age of ten are exempt from having to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
For more information on travelling to Tanzania visit Tanzania.go.tz.
Thailand
Are you dreaming of an island getaway? You can now travel to certain parts of Thailand quarantine-free, beginning with Phuket. It is Thailand’s largest island, and arguably one of its most famous as a destination for beautiful beaches, clear blue sea and brilliant diving and snorkelling experiences.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has said that travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 from low-risk countries will be allowed to fly direct to Phuket without having to quarantine. Children under six are exempt. Tourists are able to roam freely on the island, but must stay there for seven days before traveling to Krabi, Phang-Nga or Surat Thani. You will also need a negative test issued no more than 72 hours before departure, and you need to have a COVID-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$100,000.
The following vaccines are accepted as per the latest guidelines of the Thai government: Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Covidshield (Serum Institute of India), Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, SK BIOSCIENCE, Moderna and Sinopharm. If the vaccine is not among the approved list, the passenger must undergo a 14 day quarantine.
For more details head to the Tourism Authority of Thailand website by clicking here.
Turkey
Thinking of travelling to Turkey? Well, there’s good news for Doha residents dreaming of a jaunt along the Bosphorus as you won’t need to quarantine when travelling from Qatar.
If you’ve been vaccinated and have received your final dose at least 14 days before touching down in Turkey, you do not need to submit any PCR results. Little ones aged 12 years and younger are exempt from the current travel rules.
Before travelling to Turkey from Doha, you will need to fill in an information form at least 72 hours in advance. You can find the information form here.
UAE
Dubai was one of the first countries in the world to reopen to tourists in July last year, and it’s a great option for those looking to get away without a long flight.
All tourists visiting Dubai will need to provide a negative PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Children under 12, and those with moderate to severe disabilities, will be exempt. Arrivals from Qatar will also be expected to take a second PCR test after landing, and self-isolate until you get the results back.
Qatar is also now on Abu Dhabi’s green list, meaning you can visit the capital without quarantining, too.
You can find more information about Dubai’s entry procedures on the Visit Dubai website here, and Abu Dhabi’s entry procedures on the Visit Abu Dhabi website here.
UK
Not satisfied with the roast dinners and fish and chips on offer here in Doha? You can now get a taste of the real thing, as the UK has opened its borders to travellers from Qatar.
Fully vaccinated travellers will need to book a day two test to be taken after arrival, and fill out a passenger located form two days before landing. Other than that, you can explore the best Blighty has to offer.
You can find out more about the entry requirements on the UK Government website here.
USA
Hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and… Have you been dreaming of going to the USA? Want to see the Statue of Liberty? Or the Hollywood sign? There is so much to see and do in the USA, and now you can travel there without quarantining.
Mandatory quarantine is not required for travelers departing from Qatar. However, all passengers to the United States aged two years and older must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel. A completed disclosure and attestation form must also be presented before boarding.
You can find out more information by clicking here.
