The Qatari Ministry of Public Health has announced updated testing requirements and quarantine exemptions for individuals who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 or received a vaccination prior to entering the country.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are exempt from quarantining when entering the country if they receive a negative PCR test within 72-hours before their arrival. Recovered individuals must also show proof of recovery through a laboratory-confirmed result within six months of their first positive COVID-19 test.
  • Individuals who have previously recovered from COVID-19 and are not exhibiting symptoms after contact with an individual infected or suspected of having COVID-19 are exempt from the quarantine provided they have:
    • Documentation of recovery through a laboratory-confirmed result within six months of the first positive COVID-19 result.
    • A negative PCR test result.
  • If a recovered person develops symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 within 14 days after entering the country, that individual must quarantine and take the PCR test.
  • Individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine outside Qatar are exempted from quarantine if they meet the following criteria:
    • The vaccine is approved by the Qatari Ministry of Public Health.
    • They have completed the specified dosage for the vaccine (i.e., one or two shots, depending on the vaccine).
    • A period of 14 days has passed since they received the vaccination.
    • A proper vaccination certification or vaccination card is presented upon entry into the country.

Background: Earlier this year, Qatar exempted vaccinated travelers from quarantine requirements, but only if they received their vaccination in Qatar. The exemption has now been expanded to include those vaccinated in other countries, provided they meet the other criteria listed above.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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