How fans can still be part of Qatar's World Cup party without a ticket

Supporters can join festivities for the remainder of the tournament but must still secure a Hayya card to enter the country

A fan of Brazil outside the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, before his team played Serbia. PA

A Japan fan in buoyant mood ahead of the World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha. PA

A Costa Rica fan in the stands before the Group E match against Spain at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. AP Photo

Saudi Arabia fans celebrate after their team defeated Argentina 2-1 in a Group C match at Lusail Stadium, Lusail. PA

A young Qatar fan ahead of the host nation's World Cup opening match against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. EPA

Senegal fans provide choreographed support during their team's Group A match against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. EPA

A South Korea fan ahead of her country's Group H game against Uruguay at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, north-west of Doha. AFP

A masked US in the stands before the Group B football match between US and Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, west of Doha. AFP

An Argentina fan wearing a Diego Maradona mask ahead of the Group C match between the two-time World Cup winners and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium, Lusail. PA

Ghana fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere ahead of their team's Group H clash with Portugal at Stadium 974, in Ras Bu Abboud, east of central Doha Getty Images

Canadian fans in exuberant mood before their team take on Belgium in a Group F match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Getty Images

A Mexico fan flies the flag at the Corniche in Doha. Reuters

A Brazil fan with a replica of the World Cup trophy. Reuters

Costa Rica fans before the match against Spain. Reuters

Brazil fans — including a lookalike of Brazilian legend Ronaldo — pose with a replica of the World Cup trophy at Flag Plaza in Doha. AFP

A South Korea fan waits for the start of the Group H match against Uruguay. AP Photo

Mexico fans get some musical accompaniment for their Group C match against Poland at Stadium 947, Ras Bu Abboud, east of central Doha. EPA

A fan sports some prickly headgear ahead of the Group G clash between Switzerland and Cameroon, at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. AP Photo

A Cameroon fan ahead of the Group G game against Switzerland. EPA

Qatar is inviting football lovers without match tickets to join the World Cup party as the tournament gears up for a thrilling conclusion.

New entry rules brought into effect last Friday — in time for the start of the knockout stages of the competition the following day — allow fans to enter Qatar even if they do not plan to or are unable to attend a game.

Previously, those without tickets were not permitted to enter the country unless they were travelling with a Hayya card holder, who could invite up to three non-ticket holders for a 500 Qatari riyal ($140) fee.

What is a Hayya card and how do you apply?

The Hayya card acts as an entry visa to Qatar during the World Cup and is still required by those wishing to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior confirmed last month fans would be able to enter the country without match tickets from last Friday if they have the card.

Supporters can apply at the Hayya website or through the Hayya to Qatar 2022 mobile app, for a Dh500 ($136) fee.

Fans without tickets must apply through the 'Early December' Hayya option and must provide proof of an accommodation booking in Qatar, which can be made at qatar2022.qa/book.

Applicants need to provide a colour photo (taken in the past 12 months) and a passport valid until at least March 22 next year. A ticket application number is needed for those attending games, as well as emergency contact information.

Travellers using Match Day Shuttle flight services — with one of Qatar Airways, Saudia, flydubai, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways or Oman Air — need to provide their travel details to receive the Hayya card.

Anyone staying for longer than 24 hours must provide proof of accommodation on the official Hayya platform before travelling to Qatar.

The digital Hayya card will be issued to fans after the final approval of the application via the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app on Android and Apple iOS

Fans can collect a physical copy of their digital Hayya card at one of two Hayya service centres, at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The Hayya card can only be printed once.

The closing date to apply for a Hayya card is December 18, the date of the final. The last date to enter Qatar with a Hayya card is December 23. Cardholders can stay in Qatar until January 23.

Fans can apply for a vehicle entry permit to allow them to cross the Saudi Arabian border into Doha for a non-refundable 5,000 Qatari riyal fee, which must be paid within 24 hours to complete the process.

There must be a minimum of three people travelling in the vehicle and a maximum of six, all of whom must have a Hayya card.

Permits are single entry only, and repeat visits can be completed only with a secondary application.

Hayya card benefits

The Hayya card allows for multiple entries to Qatar until December 23.

The card is also used for entry to the stadiums, with a valid match ticket, access to free public transport, smart journey planning via the Digital Hayya, and fan experiences and discounts.

Card-holders can also make use of a free SIM card with local provider Ooredoo that offers 2,022 local minutes, 2,022 local SMS and 2,022MB of data. It is available at any of the Ooredoo dispensing machines at airports, taxis, metro stations, hotels, fan zones, at Ooredoo shops or online at the Ooredoo eShop.

Cardholders will have access to emergency and urgent healthcare services while in Qatar.