Travel Summary
- There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Qatar (source: Qatar Ministry of Health). Screening of passengers, including those in transit, is being undertaken at Doha International Airport. Travellers with flu-like symptoms are assessed at the airport and may be transferred to a nearby hospital for any appropriate treatment required.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
- There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
- Around 40,000 British tourists visit Qatar every year (Source: Qatar Immigration Department). 38 British nationals required consular assistance in Qatar in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (14 cases); hospitalisations (8 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (12 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (25 cases).
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, places of worship, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Nearly 11,000 British nationals live in Qatar, and approximately 40,000 visit annually. Most visits are trouble-free. Although incidents are not common, female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable limousine companies.
The threat from street crime is low. Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted and the incidence of card skimming is low but sensible precautions should be observed.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Regional developments, including in Iraq, and the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
Local Travel
Road Travel
Driving in Qatar is of a lower standard than in the UK. Road discipline is very poor, speeds are high and minor accidents commonplace. Qatar has the highest fatality rate among developed & developing nations (source: journal of Technology & Science June 2009). In the first 10 months of 2007 240 people died as a result of road traffic accidents (source: Qatari Government figures). This equates to a ratio of 30 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005 (source: UK Department for Transport).
If you have a motor accident, remain with your vehicle. It is an offence to leave the scene of the accident although if no one has been injured in the accident and it is safe to do so, you should move your vehicle to a safe nearby parking position. It is strongly in your own interests to display calm at all times. A police report is required before any repairs can be carried out to your vehicle or any claim made against your insurance.
Significant increases in penalties for traffic offences were introduced in February 2009. This includes talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Even minor expressions of "road rage", such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties. The penalty for using mobile phones while driving has been increased to a minimum fine of QR 3,000 (£500) and a maximum fine of QR 10,000 (£1666). Offenders could also be liable to one-year’s imprisonment.
The law stipulates that the driver and the front seat passenger should wear seat belts all the time.
Significant increases in penalties for traffic offences were introduced in February 2009. This includes talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Even minor expressions of "road rage", such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties. The penalty for using mobile phones while driving has been increased to a minimum fine of QR 3,000 (£500) and a maximum fine of QR 10,000 (£1666). Offenders could also be liable to one-year’s imprisonment.
The law stipulates that the driver and the front seat passenger should wear seat belts all the time.
Excursions to the desert can be hazardous unless undertaken in an adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone if you have one and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.
Visitors (tourist or business) may drive in Qatar for a maximum of 14 days on a foreign driving licence following their arrival in Qatar. After 14 days they must apply for a temporary Qatari licence. This licence is valid for 3 months. Once you obtain a residency permit, you must contact the local traffic department to obtain a full Qatar driving licence, as you will no longer be permitted to drive on a UK or temporary licence. Driving on an International driver’s licence is not permitted.
It is an offence in Qatar to drink and drive. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Offenders will be detained and fined. Offenders are also likely to be imprisoned and /or deported. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a custodial sentence of between one month and three years, a fine of QR10,000 (£1666) to QR50,000 (£8333), or both.
You should note that any police case file being opened against you in respect of a driving or drinking related incident automatically results in a ban on leaving Qatar until your case has been resolved. Most cases are straightforward and are dealt with by the Public Prosecutor. However, more serious cases can take up to six months to be heard. If a local lawyer is required, the fee will be around QR30,000 (£5,000) to initially consider your case.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Sea Travel
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.
You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.
Sea Travel
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.
You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Qatar is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.
The importation of narcotics, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material is forbidden. All passenger luggage is scanned for contents at the Doha Aairport Arrivals Hall. DVDs and videos may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored. In particular, the penalties for possession of or trade in drugs are severe, often resulting in prison sentences. It is a punishable offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Offenders may incur a prison sentence or deportation. Alcohol is, however, available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system. You should not carry alcohol with you, including in your car (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home).
You should dress modestly when in public, including whilst driving. Women should cover their shoulders and avoiding the wearing of short skirts. You should behave courteously at all times.
Any intimacy in public between men and women (including teenagers) can lead to arrest.
Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Qatar.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
British visitors can obtain single entry short stay visas (valid for 21 days) at the airport on arrival. The cost is QR110 (£18), which can only be paid by credit card. Once in Qatar you may extend your stay through the Immigration Authorities for a further 14 days. The cost is Qatari Riyals 110. Longer-term visitors must obtain a valid visa from their nearest Qatari Embassy before travelling.
British visitors can obtain single entry short stay visas (valid for 21 days) at the airport on arrival. The cost is QR110 (£18), which can only be paid by credit card. Once in Qatar you may extend your stay through the Immigration Authorities for a further 14 days. The cost is Qatari Riyals 110. Longer-term visitors must obtain a valid visa from their nearest Qatari Embassy before travelling.
Passport validity
British passport holders should ensure they have at least six months validity and at least on blank page available on their passport before arriving in Qatar.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Qatari Embassy in London.
Health
Emergency medical treatment is excellent but can be expensive. Routine treatment is available but expensive for visitors.
A small number of cases of meningitis have recently been reported in Doha. The incidence of meningitis is low and within in accepted medical norms. Advice received from the Qatar National Health Authority is that there is no cause for alarm or the need to take special precautions against the disease.
A small number of cases of meningitis have recently been reported in Doha. The incidence of meningitis is low and within in accepted medical norms. Advice received from the Qatar National Health Authority is that there is no cause for alarm or the need to take special precautions against the disease.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Qatar and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
A (H1N1) – Swine Flu
There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Qatar (source: Qatar Ministry of Health). Screening of passengers, including those in transit, is being undertaken at Doha International Airport. Travellers with flu-like symptoms are assessed at the airport and may be transferred to a nearby hospital for any appropriate treatment required.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
A (H1N1) – Swine Flu
There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Qatar (source: Qatar Ministry of Health). Screening of passengers, including those in transit, is being undertaken at Doha International Airport. Travellers with flu-like symptoms are assessed at the airport and may be transferred to a nearby hospital for any appropriate treatment required.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registering with the British Embassy
There is no need for short-term visitors (less than two-weeks) to register. If you intend to live in Qatar, you should register at the British Embassy in Doha. This can now be done online, or in person by completion of a registration card.
You may also register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Registering with the British Embassy
There is no need for short-term visitors (less than two-weeks) to register. If you intend to live in Qatar, you should register at the British Embassy in Doha. This can now be done online, or in person by completion of a registration card.
You may also register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Working in Qatar
Potential job seekers should be aware that those testing HIV positive whilst applying for their residence permit are detained then deported. There is no appeal process. Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to Qatar to take up work would therefore be advisable.
Potential job seekers should also be aware that under Qatari Labour Law the employer’s permission (an Exit Permit) to leave Qatar is required on every occasion. You should also ask potential employers whether they operate under an exemption from the Qatari Labour Law, as this may affect the terms and conditions under which you are employed.Potential job seekers should be aware that those testing HIV positive whilst applying for their residence permit are detained then deported. There is no appeal process. Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to Qatar to take up work would therefore be advisable.
Under Qatar sponsorship laws, any employee wishing to change from one sponsor to another must be given a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Employees should note however that there is no obligation upon a sponsor to give an employee an NOC. Without an NOC an employee must leave Qatar at the end of their employment and may not return to work in Qatar for two (2) years. The Embassy is not able to influence or request the granting of an NOC on behalf of a British National.
