Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Qatar’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Qatar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Qatar’s embassy in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Qatar.
Passport validity requirements
If you are visiting Qatar, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive.
If you are a resident of Qatar, your passport must be valid when you arrive.
Visa requirements
You can get a tourist visa on arrival if you’re travelling on a full British Citizen passport.
You must still get a visa in advance if:
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must extend your visa waiver before it expires through the Qatar Ministry of Interior. If you do not do this, you may be fined. The fine must be paid before leaving Qatar.
There is more information on visa requirements and extensions on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website.
Transit passengers
At the airport, all bags are scanned. Transit passengers found with even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested. This includes medication which may be legal in other countries, but not in Qatar. See bringing medication into Qatar
Travellers cannot stay in the transit area for more than 24 hours between flights, even if you are booked into the transit hotel in the airport.
There is more information about transit through Qatar on the Hamad International Airport website.
Mandatory health insurance
If you’re staying in Qatar for more than 30 days, you must buy health insurance from a registered Ministry of Public Health insurance provider before you travel.
For more guidance see the MOPH website.
The standard insurance premium is 50 Qatari riyals per person, per month.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Qatar, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about what goods you can take into and out of Qatar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material into Qatar is illegal. All luggage is scanned as you enter the country. Customs officials may examine, censor and confiscate any offensive materials or items, including images and recorded video materials.
Qatar also prohibits the importation, sale and purchase of electronic cigarettes, liquids and other similar products, including electronic shisha pipes. The law applies regardless of quantity and intended use. Customs officials may seize and confiscate any such items from your luggage or from packages sent by post.
Taking medication into Qatar
Qatar has guidance on medications that you can bring into Qatar. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Qatari Embassy in the UK.
If you are taking money, precious metals or gems worth more than 50,000 Qatari riyals into Qatar, you must complete a declaration form. This includes:
- currency – Qatari riyal or foreign currencies
- travellers cheques, money orders, cheques, promissory notes (including those endorsed without restriction, incomplete, payable to a fictitious payee or signed but without the payee’s name)
- precious metals – such as gold, silver, platinum
- precious stones – such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls
You must also give customs officials any other information they request.
If you break these rules, you could be fined or imprisoned, as well as the funds or goods being seized.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Qatar
Terrorist attacks in Qatar cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Terrorists issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including:
- residential compounds
- military sites
- oil
- transport and aviation interests
- restaurants and hotels
- beaches
- shopping centres
- mosques
- large demonstrations
Regional escalation
Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.
On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October Israel carried out military action against Iran.
Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad.
Red Sea military activity
There is a military response to Houthi militants’ attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. Monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities.
Political situation
Events in the region, including political developments, have an impact on local public opinion. Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. There is the potential for increased tension on Fridays.
If any incidents occur, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Crime
Crime levels are low, but take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Sexual assault
Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone, particularly at night. Always use pre-booked taxis from reputable taxi companies or recognised taxi apps. Check the registration number and confirm that the driver has your name. Let someone know you are on the way and give them the registration details of the car.
Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but do happen. Qatari law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that sexual relations were not consensual. If the court determines sex was consensual, the victim or attacker may still face prosecution for the offence of sex outside of marriage.
If you have been sexually assaulted, contact the British Embassy in Doha on 00 974 4496 2000. You can also read our guidance for victims of rape or sexual assault in Qatar.
Laws and cultural differences
Qatar is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious areas.
Personal ID
You must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit.
If you live in Qatar, your residence card is acceptable.
Dress code
Dress modestly in public, including while driving:
- women should cover their shoulders and not wear short skirts
- men and women should not wear shorts or sleeveless tops in government buildings, healthcare facilities or shopping malls - if you do, you may be asked to leave or be denied entry
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan in Qatar in 2025 will likely start on 28 February and will last approximately 30 days. During this time, do not:
- eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
- play loud music or dance
- swear in public
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
- check opening hours of shops and restaurants
- be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
- follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
- be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
- be patient and show tolerance
Alcohol laws and bans
Only licensed hotels, restaurants and bars can sell alcohol. Expatriates living in Qatar can get alcohol on a permit system. Don’t carry alcohol around with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21. Places serving alcohol will ask for original photo IDs (copies are not accepted) upon entry.
It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. For example, if you drink in a non-licenced public place, you could get a prison sentence of up to 6 months or a fine up to 3,000 Qatari riyals.
Relationships outside marriage
Any intimacy in public, between any couples (including between teenagers), can lead to arrest.
Couples living together while unmarried is illegal in Qatar. Sex outside marriage is illegal for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. You can be arrested and punishments can include a fine, a custodial sentence and deportation once the sentence is complete.
Because of laws on sex outside marriage, if someone becomes pregnant outside marriage, both partners could face imprisonment or deportation. Doctors will ask for proof of marriage during antenatal checks.
An unmarried woman who gives birth in Qatar may also face problems registering the birth of the child in Qatar, and could be arrested, imprisoned or deported. To get a birth certificate from the Qatari authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. Authorities may compare the marriage date against the estimated date of conception.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Qatar. See our information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.
Protests
Organisers of protests need to get permission from the Ministry of Interior. This must be done in advance and cannot be spontaneous.
Swearing and rude gestures
Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts. You can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with police and other officials.
Smoking and e-cigarette bans
Smoking is prohibited in all closed public spaces including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public transport, malls, restaurants and government buildings.
It is illegal to vape or use an e-cigarette. Police can arrest you and courts can impose a fine, a prison sentence or deportation.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences in Qatar. Some medications that are legal in other countries are illegal in Qatar. See guidance on medications that you can bring into Qatar.
Penalties for using, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs (even residual amounts) are severe. Punishment include lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines and deportation.
Using cameras and binoculars
Be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing people as taking pictures of people without their consent can cause offense.
Some visitors attempting to film or photograph near religious, military, government or construction sites have been arrested. If in doubt, seek permission.
Journalistic activity
Journalists must get permission from the Qatar News Agency (QNA) to film or photograph as part of their work and enter the country on a visiting press permit. This permit allows you to take technical equipment like cameras through airport customs.
There are strict privacy laws in Qatar. Posting messages, videos or photos that appear to insult or slander people, or are culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime. Individuals have been detained, prosecuted and convicted for posting this type of material.
Financial crimes
Financial crimes include:
- fraud
- giving somebody a cheque which bounces (including post-dated and ‘security’ cheques)
- non-payment of bills (for example hotel bills or car hire)
You may also be liable for cheques that you have signed on behalf of a company.
Financial crimes can be punished with:
- imprisonment
- fines
- deportation
- freezing bank accounts and other assets
- seizing of any end-of-service benefits or bonuses
- blocking your access to possible future sponsors (employers)
If you have unpaid loans or financial commitments you may be prevented from leaving Qatar.
See more details about financial crimes if you are living and working in Qatar.
Transport risks
If you are planning to drive in Qatar, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
To drive for longer than 6 months you’ll need to apply for a Qatari driving licence.
Driving regulations
The driver and front seat passenger must wear their seat belts at all times. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving - you could be fined 500 Qatari riyals.
It’s illegal to drink and drive, and there is zero tolerance for it. Driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol is punishable by a prison sentence of between one month and 3 years or a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 Qatari riyals, or both. Offenders may also be deported.
Even minor expressions of ‘road rage’ like rude gestures can attract significant penalties. You may be:
- fined
- imprisoned
- deported
- banned from leaving the country until your case has been resolved – serious cases may take up to 6 months to be heard
Check the Metrash2 app before trying to leave the country, which lists any outstanding traffic violations. If you have an outstanding violation, you could be detained at immigration and denied onward travel. Fines for all violations should be settled in full before you travel.
Road safety
Road discipline is very poor; speeds are high and accidents are common. A driver flashing their lights can mean they are coming through rather than giving way.
If you have an accident, stay with your vehicle until the police arrive and tell you that you can leave. It’s illegal to leave the scene of the accident, but if no one has been injured and it’s safe to do so, you can move your vehicle to a safer place. You’ll need to get a police report for insurance purposes. Accident investigation processes and punishments for violations may be different to the UK.
Desert drives
Excursions to the desert can be hazardous unless in a properly-equipped 4x4 vehicle. You should:
- travel in convoy with other cars
- take a supply of water and a mobile telephone
- leave travel plans with friends or relatives
Sea travel
Take care when travelling by dhow. The safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available.
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. Make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports.
Regional tensions may also affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.
Before you travel, check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Qatar.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.
Bringing medication into Qatar
Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Qatar. If you need to bring controlled or prescription medication into Qatar, make sure you carry it in its original packaging, accompanied by your prescription and an official letter signed and stamped by your doctor. The letter should include:
- name of the medication
- quantity prescribed
- dosage
- why it’s required
The letter should be signed by the doctor or consultant and stamped by the hospital or surgery.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Public Health website for their guidance documents.
Healthcare in Qatar
Emergency medical treatment is excellent but can be expensive. Routine treatment is available but expensive for visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation to the UK or the country where you live. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Qatar where some staff will speak English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Qatar
Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy Doha.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Qatar on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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