Doha, November 14 (QNA) - The "Abu Samra" border crossing is the land port between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, located about 110 kilometers from the capital Doha.

In 2013, a permanent committee for the management of Abu Samra border crossing was established under the Ministry of Interior, to upgrade the services at the port and facilitate the entry and exit of travelers and goods.

The capacity of Abu Samra Crossing was increased after an expansion process carried out to meet the requirements of Qatars hosting of the 2022 World Cup. The passenger vehicle service routes increased from 9 to 24, while the capacity of the Customs building upgraded from 28 to 36 vehicles. In addition, temporary parking lots for World Cup fans were increased from 1400 to 4500.

The expansion project also included the provision of 48 tourist routes for both the entry and exit directions serving 12,000 cars each. In addition, security systems that feature the latest technology and the highest international specifications were installed at the border, along with three separate lanes allocated for trucks only. The project provided new truck parking lots serving 500 trucks at an area covering 150,000 square meters.

A comfortable tent has been allocated to receive more than 4,000 people per hour. Moreover, free and convenient bus transportation were provided from the checkpoint to Al Messila in central Doha and to the Family and Friends Meet and Greet Area in Al Qalayel, 2km away from the border. Fans can also contact their friends or family members to take them to their accommodation inside the country, or they can move by private taxi from therein.

The Ministry of Interior recently announced the procedures for the entry into Qatar through Abu Samra border crossing during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, starting from November 1 until the end of the tournament.

The Ministry indicated that citizens, residents and GCC nationals holding a Qatar ID card or cars with Qatari number plates shall enter the country as usual and do not require a Hayya card to enter.

Meanwhile, World Cup fans who wish to enter Qatar with their vehicles must have a vehicle entry permit approved through the Hayya platform. Fans must have confirmed accommodation approved through the Hayya platform for a minimum of 5 nights for the driver only and approved application for a vehicle entry permit with valid insurance; the applicant must follow up on the platform within 24 hours to obtain the permit by paying a non-refundable fee of QR5,000 upon completion of the insurance.

Also, a minimum of three and a maximum of six people can be in the vehicle, with all possessing the Hayya card. The entry permit can be used only once, and drivers must ensure they stick to designated accessible areas during the tournament For one-day fans, they can enter the country without a prior hotel reservation.

However, they must possess a Hayya card under the one-day fan category, pre-book a car parking lot at the border through the Hayya platform before arriving in Qatar and enjoy free parking for 24 hours from entry.

Authorities will charge a service fee of QR1,000 for the second day. If the vehicle has been parked for more than 48 hours from entry, it will be towed, and another QR1,000 towing fee will be charged. Payment can be made electronically through a link that will be sent to their email registered on the platform.

The parking reservation service will be available from November 1, 2022 and can be accessed using the Hayya card.

Those arriving via buses must possess a Hayya card, complete entry procedures at the checkpoint and take the Qatar buses from the border to Al Messila station or meet family or friends at Al Qalayel.

Meanwhile, for humanitarian cases - those who do not hold a Hayya card (through airports only) - can apply to obtain the permit through the Ministry of Interior website. Applications will be reviewed and replied to within six hours and sent to the applicant via email if they meet the conditions. The permit can be used once.

Authorities also announced that commercial trucks would be allowed to enter Qatar through the Abu Samra border between November 15 to December 22, from 11 pm to 6 am. (QNA)