Qatar has one land border. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the south. This country shares maritime borders with Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Qatar’s World Cup offers a unique opportunity to introduce destinations near Qatar, and they try to take advantage of this opportunity.

Relations between Iran and Qatar

As a result of historical connections and being neighbors within a very short distance, Iran and Qatar have friendly cultural, economic, and political bilateral relations.

Iran tourism and Qatar world cup

Iran expects to take the advantage of World Cup 2022 by using its many tourist spots such as markets, museums, mosques, bridges, baths, schools, tombs, churches, towers, and mansions, 26 of which are registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

About 1.5 million people are expected to descend on the Persian Gulf nation, and Iran hopes some of those fans will either use Iran's nearby islands as a base or add a side trip to Iran while they’re in the region.

Staying in Iran is likely to be much cheaper for foreign visitors than for those in Qatar.

Iranian authorities hope fans staying on Kish and traveling back and forth during the World Cup could benefit the country’s tourism sector, which has been significantly affected in recent years by the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sanctions.

Iran's preparations to accept the World cup Spectators

The Iranian authorities are planning to create an environment for foreign enthusiasts and tourists to travel to Iran in their free time to visit Iran's attractions.

The government mulled a proposal from its foreign ministry on a visa-simplification scheme to attract spectators from neighboring Qatar, which is hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar in November and December.

Free Iran visa conditions during Qatar World cup

The Iranian government intends to grant free visas to citizens whose national football teams have qualified for the 2022 Qatar World Cup one or two times with a validity period of two months and a 30-day stay. Ends on December 18th.

In addition, nationals of all countries (except Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Somalia, Sri Lanka) that are subject to and tourist visa requirements, as well as all nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, can apply for a free visa once, twice or more if they buy a ticket from Doha.

Transportation facilities between Iran and Qatar

The two countries signed an agreement for operations to link the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) with the Tehran FIR, Qatar News Agency reported. They also agreed to increase the number of flights between them and discussed enhancing transport cooperation and private investment opportunities in the port sector.

There are now 72 flights between Iran and Qatar daily. That number could be boosted to 100 flights per day. And Iran will facilitate cargo transfer between the two countries during the World Cup period that would take fans back and forth at regular intervals.

A passenger ship has been bought from France, ready to ferry up to 1,700 passengers at a time between Qatar and Iran.

Iran is also trying to employ new cruise ships to facilitate sea travel to Qatar. Deputy Roads Minister Ali Akbar Safaei promised several new cruise lines will be activated.

The position of Kish Island

Iranians hope the increased cooperation will facilitate fans’ stay on Kish Island, which is a 40-minute flight or a six-hour boat journey away from Doha.

According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the Kish Free Zone Organization, the vicinity of Kish to Qatar and the lower cost of staying on this island make it possible for spectators to stay here during the Qatar World Cup 2022.

Due to the significant leap taken by the Iranian national football team to participate in the World Cup, there is a need to increase the capacity of accommodation and reception services on Kish Island.

Kish is also being promoted as a destination for Iranians inside and outside the country who are looking for a stay during the World Cup. Iran will play in the tournament on November 21, 25 and 29, meaning fans will need to stay at least nine nights in Doha if they want to watch all three games in the group stage.

The cost of such a trip may be exorbitant for many Iranians, and most Iranians do not have an international bank card.

 Using Kish as a gateway allows Iranian fans to book travel packages including transportation, accommodation, and game tickets. These packages include options for return flights on the day of the matches so that fans do not need to stay safely in Doha.

There are 52 hotels in total on the island with 12,000 rooms in four- or five-star hotels and another 8000 rooms in budget accommodations and unofficial housing that could be used during the World Cup.

One of Iran's closest ports, Bushehr, has upgraded its facilities in anticipation of more tourists.

Qatar's proximity to Qeshm Island and affordability, as well as popular tourist destinations and natural wonders, make it a potential destination for World Cup spectators.

Iran tours during the Qatar World cup

Depending on the time you can spend in Iran between the games of your country's national team and before and after, you can have different tours from one day to one month in Iran. Get the best itinerary based on your interests and time by contacting us.

In addition to multi-day tours, one-day tours to different cities of Iran, which are accessible by a one-hour flight, will be an exceptional opportunity to explore the thousand-year-old land of Iran during your stay. in Qatar to watch matches.

Our recommended city tours:

Kish city tour

Qeshm city tour

Shiraz city tour

Yazd city tour

All tours can be customized for you based on your interests.