Thursday, Qatar decided to cancel all COVID-19 quarantine requirements for travelers and abolish its red list of countries as it prepares to host the World Cup in November 2022.

The Qatari Ministry of Health issued a statement saying that the new updates will come into effect as of Sunday evening, Sept. 4, adding that the change on the travel policy was approved after taking into account the pandemic in Qatar and the world.

The ministry explained that these updates aim to facilitate the process of travel and return to the State of Qatar, with full commitment to all means that would prevent and protect society from the threat of the virus.

The ministry added that the travel and return policy is part of the country's strategy to combat the virus, as strict application of the policy has proven to be a very important aspect in maintaining low infection rates in the country over the past period.

In light of the abolition of quarantine requirements for all travelers coming from abroad, travelers who prove to be infected with COVID-19 after their arrival in Qatar will have to undergo sanitary isolation procedures in accordance with the established procedures.