Over 1.5 million people have applied for the mandatory pass for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ahead of the competition’s opening day on November 20, the host country Qatar has announced.
With more than one million people expected to visit the country during the tournament, all travellers to Qatar, starting from November 1, must provide the pass even if they have no intention to watch a game.
It is estimated that between 1.5 million and 1.7 million people applied for the card at the beginning of this week, according to the head of the Hayya pass service, Saad Al-Suwaidi.
International supporters must apply for the pass after buying tickets and securing accommodations – the pass will serve as a visa, match ticket, and transport ticket and gives access to some fan zones.
According to Qatari officials, the two international airports in Qatar’s capital city of Doha are being prepared to receive approximately 150,000 passengers daily.
The 2022 World Cup will be the first edition to be held in the Arab world when it kicks off on November 20 and ends on December 18.
