Qatar has placed the UK on its ‘red list’ in a revised traffic light system for entry into the Gulf state.
Tightened restrictions on UK travellers were adopted from yesterday (Monday).
The change was confirmed in updated Foreign Office travel advice.
No explanation for the UK’s red list status was made by the Qatar Ministry of Public Health.
The UK is one of 21 countries placed on the list alongside the likes of Russia, Singapore, Turkey and the UAE.
Fully vaccinated visitors travelling to Qatar from a red listed country must have a pre-departure PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival, with a negative result.
“You will be required to undergo a two day hotel quarantine (including unvaccinated children aged 11 or under), where a PCR test will be conducted,” the Foreign Office said.
“You may be released from quarantine early depending on the availability of your test results. All hotel quarantine packages need to be booked through the Discover Qatar website.”
Unvaccinated UK travellers face seven days quarantine in a hotel.
The Foreign Office added: “Although we understand that the UK’s proof of Covid recovery and vaccination status is being accepted in practice, Qatar has not yet officially confirmed this.
“We therefore recommend that you contact your nearest Qatari embassy for advice on entry requirements. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination.”
Transit passengers travelling on to another destination can still travel via Qatar.
“You should check with your airline or travel company for the latest information if you are planning to leave the aircraft or transit through Qatar. Flights are subject to change or cancellation at short notice,” the Foreign Office added.
Phase four of a gradual lifting of restrictions in Qatar began on October 3.
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “While the rules may have eased for returning to the UK, there are still significant restrictions on British travellers in many countries that could prevent or disrupt your travel.
“International travel remains unpredictable and other countries could still take measures at short notice, such as Qatar’s decision to add the UK to its red list.
“In many cases, there’s no automatic right to a refund if restrictions change overseas, so it’s absolutely essential people book with a provider that includes the flexibility to rebook if it’s impractical for your trip to go ahead.”