Iran Considers Offering Free Visas on Arrival during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Iran considers offering free visas on arrival to boost tourism during Qatar World Cup. The Iranian government mulls over a visa simplification procedure at the suggestion of its Foreign Ministry to draw spectators from the neighboring Qatar which plays host to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November and December. The Iranian government has been required to grant a free visa to citizens whose national football teams qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for a one-time or a two-time period with a validity period of two months and a 30-day stay, YJC reported on Saturday. Additionally, nationals of all countries (except those from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Somalia, Sri Lanka) who are subject to tourist visa requirements as well as all nationals of the U.S., UK, and Canada can apply for a free visa once, twice or multiple times if they provide a ticket from Doha. Free visas can encourage World Cup spectators to visit Iran during the event, some experts say. 

Also, Secretary of High Council of Iran’s Free Trade and Special Economic Zones said that the 2022 Qatar World Cup could be a good opportunity to restart development of these zones.
Speaking on arrival in Kish Island in southern Iran on Saturday, Saeed Mohammad said that free trade and special economic zones in Iran seek to leverage their economic and tourism capacities to host fans and teams participating in World Cup 2022. He said that development of free zones in sectors like tourism, economic investment, and health tourism is among top priorities of the secretariat and the World Cup could be a new beginning for the objective. The official also said that the construction of several hotels, airport terminals and runways, maritime passenger ports and terminals, sports fields and bodybuilding gyms is in progress to ensure Iran’s contribution to the international event.

In related front, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Rostam Qassemi and his Qatari counterpart Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, in a meeting in Kish Island in southern Iran, explored the ways Iran can support Qatar's hosting of FIFA World Cup 2022. The meeting was held in the pursuit of a visit to Doha by President Ebrahim Raisi where he voiced Iran's support for the World Cup in the neighboring country. The two ministers also discuss launching of regular shipping lines between Iranian and Qatari ports. - IRNA, Tehran Times