Everything You Need to Know About the Saudi-Qatari Borders "Abu Samra"

The Saudi border crossing at Abu Samra has been enlarged to accommodate spectators, and it now has better amenities, free parking, and a capacity to handle 4,000 travelers per hour.

Authorities confirmed on Sunday that fans entering Qatar through the Abu Samra land border crossing with Saudi Arabia will have access to free buses.

Day visitors won't be allowed to enter the nation in private vehicles unless they have a car that is registered in Qatar. Instead, park-and-ride facilities at the Abu Samra border must be used in order to take a bus for the remaining 90 km.

According to officials, the ministry will set up a tent with a capacity of 4,000 people per hour and increase the number of passport counters at the checkpoint to accommodate visitors, locals, and other groups.

Drivers had to pre-register on Saturday, October 15, informing the host nation that they would be bringing their cars into the country

Officials said on Sunday that procedures will be in effect from November 1 until December 23.

Qatari-registered automobiles

A Hayya card, which will function as an entry visa for football fans during the event and is necessary to obtain match tickets, is not necessary for citizens, residents, or GCC nationals who have a Qatari ID card and a vehicle with Qatari license plates to enter the country.

Special entrance authorization

The Hayya platform can be used to secure pre-approved entry permission for fans who want to enter the nation in their own automobiles. All that is left to do is as follows:

• a confirmed lodging arrangement authorized by the Hayya platform for at least five nights (for the driver only).
• Apply for a vehicle entry permit on the official Hayya website. If accepted, a link to buy the car insurance online will be issued in an email.
• The applicant must follow up on the platform within 24 hours of completing the insurance in order to apply for permission and pay a QAR 5,000 non-refundable cost.
• A minimum of three persons must ride in the car, and no more than six people may do so. Each person must have a Hayya card.
• The vehicle entry permit is only valid for one entry (not for multiple visits).
• The A and B ring roads as well as the crossroads that connect them won't be open for traffic.

Can you take the bus?

If they have a Hayya card, spectators staying in Saudi Arabia can board a bus entering Qatar.

After passing the checkpoint, a connecting bus will transport you into the heart of Doha.

For the World Cup, Qatar anticipates about 1.5 million spectators.

According to organizers, almost 75% of World Cup ticket holders have already applied for the required Hayya Card.