The health and safety of 57th World Planning Congress (WPC) attendees, partners, and staff is the top priority of ISOCARP and Local Host - Ministry of Municipality and Environment in Doha, Qatar.

ISOCARP and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment are working hard to ensure a safe in-person World Planning Congress for all delegates and persons involved. Given the phased gradual lifting of restrictions in Doha, the team is working towards reuniting the ISOCARP family in the historic heart of Doha.

The most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations by local health authorities will be observed and implemented at all times, and information will be updated on a regular basis. For questions or concerns, please contact us at congress@isocarp.org. 

If you need assistance regarding visa issuance and quarantine requirements when entering Qatar as a Congress delegate, please fill out this form no later than 31 October 2021 and contact the LOC representative: 

Name: Najwa Deeb

Email: ndeeb@mme.gov.qa

Office Number: 0097444348038

Mobile number: 0097455599101

Overview: What is the current situation in Qatar?

Qatar has both one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and the lowest mortality rates for COVID-19, making it one of the safest countries to visit during this time. Qatar has officially entered the ultimate 4^th Phase of Lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions. This encouraging step was possible due to the high vaccination rate (82% with two doses), adherence to preventive measures and excellent management of the pandemic. Having achieved herd immunity and with some precautionary measures observed (masks in public spaces and strict sanitary policies), Qatar is one of the safest countries to visit.

Moreover, Qatar has experience in successfully and safely organising events, for example, the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup, Qatar Exxon Mobil Open 2021, and Qatar Total Open 2021. Qatar Airways is the first global airline in the world to achieve a 5-star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax.

Fully Vaccinated People Exempted From Quarantine

The Ministry of Public Health has updated its travel & return policy and now allows entry for business and leisure activities, with fully vaccinated people being exempted from hotel quarantine. 

Qatar Travel and Return Policy

Click the following link to read the full and updated Qatar Travel and Return Policy (including General Policy, List of Approved Vaccines, Ehteraz App Policies, Country Classification list):
covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx

Latest update: Two more vaccines (Sinovac and Sputnik V) have been conditionally approved as well as many countries have been classified in the "Green List". Furthermore, citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Congress delegates are responsible to ensure that they are aware of all travel precautions and restrictions, specific to their region and country, regarding travelling to and from Doha. For more information regarding COVID-19 in Qatar, kindly visit the following sites:

• Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) 
• Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) - COVID-19
• Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) - Controlled Gradual Lifting of Restrictions

Excerpt from Qatar Travel and Return Policy as of 2021/10/05

*Excerpt from regulations subject to change. For the latest requirements please check here

The Congress: What happens during the actual in-person Congress?

Msheireb Downtown - the Congress location, adheres to all rules and regulations set out by the authorities, including the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure the health and safety of everyone attending the Congress in person.

Masks will be required for all visitors to all event venues and hand sanitisers will be provided throughout the venue.

The Hosts: What are ISOCARP and MME doing to keep you safe?

In addition to all standard requirements issued by government authorities in Qatar, ISOCARP and MME will set up additional safety protocols in their procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of 57th WPC participants and provide you with a worthwhile and enjoyable Congress experience in a safe environment. This could include the following measures, among others:

• Minimal contact during registration
• Open and large space in the exhibit hall as well as in the plenary and session rooms to ensure proper social distancing
• Holding events in open-air spaces.

The Attendees: What can you do to stay safe?

It is important to observe and maintain social distancing (keep 1,5 meters apart), wear a mask, and follow proper hygiene protocols, including frequent hand washing and sanitation. It is also necessary for the attendees to follow all the safety measures implemented at the venue and adhere to the regulations and restrictions required by ISOCARP, MME, MOPH, and other authorities. These will be clearly communicated to all participants. 

Most importantly, delegates should isolate and inform the Congress/event staff immediately should they develop any symptoms related to COVID-19.