This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to Local Laws and Customs section.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

There remains a general threat from terrorism in Qatar.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, and against Western, including British, interests as well as against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

A suicide-bomb attack occurred on 19 March 2005, outside the Doha Players’ Theatre, Doha.  One British national was killed and at least 12 other people were injured.  The Qatari Authorities continue to investigate this attack.

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, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

For further information read “Security and General Tips” and “Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas” pages.  Please also check the British Embassy website:  http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/qatar.

You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.  You should avoid large gathering and demonstrations.  British nationals who are travelling to, or are currently in Qatar are advised to register with the British Embassy.

Crime

Some 7,000 British nationals live in Qatar, and approximately 30,000 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.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

 

Qatar Country Profile.

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. In the first 10 months of 2007 240 people died as a result of road traffic accidents (source: Qatari Government figures). This equates 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.

 

If you have a motor accident, remain with your vehicle.  It is an offence to leave the scene of the accident or move your vehicle before the police have arrived.  Even minor expressions of ‘road rage’, such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties.  It is strongly in your own interests to display calm at all times.

 

Significant increases in penalties for traffic offences were introduced in October 2007.  This includes talking on a mobile phone whilst driving and not wearing a seatbelt.

 

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.

 

Driving is permitted on a valid UK licence for 7 days only.  For longer periods you should obtain a temporary permit from the local traffic department.  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 are will be detained and fined. Under new regulations offenders are also likely to be imprisoned and / or deported.

 

You should note that any incident that results in a police case file being opened against you in respect if a driving or drinking related incident automatically results on a ban on your departure from Qatar until your case has been resolved.  Most cases are straightforward and 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.

On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain.  There were 58 fatalities, including 12 British nationals.  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 & Sea Safety

Local laws reflect the fact that the 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 airport 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 and 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 Travel Checklists

Visas

 

British visitors can obtain single entry short stay visas (valid for 21 days) at the airport on arrival, the cost is Qatari Riyals 110, 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.  Cost is Qatari Riyals 110.  Longer-term visitors must obtain a valid visa from their nearest Qatari Embassy before travelling.  Qatari Representation in London.

 

Passport validity

 

British passport holders should ensure they have at least six months validity 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:  Qatari Representation in London.

Emergency medical treatment is excellent but can be expensive.  Routine treatment is available but expensive for visitors.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Qatar.

 

For further information on endemic diseases, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for the Qatar you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health

Insurance

 

We strongly 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.  Please see:  Travel Insurance

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see:  What We Can Do To Help

 

Registering with the British Embassy

 

There is no need for short-term visitors to register.  If you intend to live in Qatar, you should register at the British Embassy in Doha.  This can now be done on line at:  http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/qatar, or in person by completion of a registration card.

 

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.