IMPACT – HIGH

The government has updated travel restrictions and safety mandates. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health has released an app to help trace and combat the virus.

Key Points:

  • Everyone must wear a mask when leaving home, except when driving a vehicle alone.
  • Before leaving their residence for any reason, all citizens and residents must install the Ehteraz smartphone app, which the Ministry of Public Health developed to help trace and combat COVID-19. This decision is effective from Friday, May 22 until further notice. The app can be downloaded from Play Store and App Store.
  • Only two people may travel in a vehicle at a time, with the exception of taxis, limousines and private vehicles driven by a family driver, which may have three people.
  • Incoming flights to Qatar are banned, save for those carrying Qatari nationals, as well as transit and cargo flights.
  • Until May 30, shops must remain closed, and commercial activities are forbidden, with the exception of food and catering, pharmacies and restaurants that submit external requests.
  • Sports may only be practiced near one’s residence until further notice. Those engaging in sports must avoid gatherings, wear a mask and social distance.
  • Government offices are closed, and new visa applications are suspended until further notice.
  • Residence permit renewal applications may still be submitted.
  • Those disobeying these mandates face fines of up to 200,000 riyals and imprisonment for up to three years.

Background: Qatar implemented initial travel and visa suspensions in March. It then expanded the travel ban and introduced visa-extension measures in April.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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