Some 5,000 football fans with Israeli citizenship are expected to make the trip to the World Cup in Qatar, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
In addition, an additional 5,000 people with dual citizenship are to visit the emirate during the tournament with their other passport.
Israel and Qatar do not maintain diplomatic relations. But under an agreement during the World Cup, direct flights from Israel to Qatar are to be available. The first one took off on Sunday.
A fan ID card is required to enter to Qatar, as well as a valid airline ticket for travel to and from the country.
Israelis are also to be provided with consular services during the tournament, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry.
An Israeli fan, who didn’t want to be named, told dpa on Wednesday that he had no problems in Qatar so far.
He and his friends received a friendly welcome from the Qataris, even thought they had to show their IDs. (dpa/NAN)
