DOHA - Qatar said Sunday that more than 1.5 million people have applied for the compulsory pass for the football World Cup, that begins on November 20.

Saad Al-Suwaidi, head of the Hayya pass service, said that between 1.5 million and 1.7 million people have so far applied for the card, that acts as a visa, match ticket, transport ticket and gives access to some fan zones.

All travelers to Qatar will need the pass to enter from November 1, whether they intend to watch a game or not.

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Qatar has said it expects more than one million foreign visitors, as well as hundreds of thousands of domestic fans.

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International supporters have to apply for the pass after buying tickets and securing accommodation.

Doha's two international airports are preparing to handle 150,000 entries a day, officials said.

Those crossing by land from Saudi Arabia must take a bus to Doha, or pay a $1,375 fee to drive their own car.

Officials say border officials at the Abu Samra land crossing will be able to process 4,000 people an hour.

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© Agence France-Presse

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