Qatar

This advice had been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Road Travel section (driving in Qatar). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

The general threat from terrorism in Qatar remains. 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.
Around 40,000 British tourists visit Qatar every year (Source: Qatar Immigration Department). The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Qatar in 2007 were replacing lost and stolen passports; and dealing with arrests or detentions.
The British Embassy has moved to a new building in West Bay. See the General (British Embassy Move February 2008) section of this advice for more details.
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 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 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, 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.

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 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.

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. Even minor expressions of "road rage", such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties.

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 are will be detained and fined. Under new regulations offenders are also likely to be imprisoned and / or deported.

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.

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 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 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 Advice Relevant to You.

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, 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 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.

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.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

General

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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

British Embassy Move February 2008

The British Embassy moved in February 2008 from Rumeila to a new building in West Bay. The Embassy's new telephone number is 496-2000. Please see British Embassy, Doha, Qatar for further details.

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 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 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.

Travel advice for this country

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contacts

Qatar, Doha, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
PO Box 3
Doha

Location: All sections of the British Embassy are located in our new premises in West Bay, between the Rainbow roundabout and Aladdin's roundabout. Click here to access a map directing you to the new embassy.

However, visa applications should continue to be made via our Visa Applications Centre in the Sherif Building opposite Toyota Towers. Visit the VFS website www.vfs-uk.com.qa for more information or call their information line (974) 462 2159.

Telephone:

(974) 496 2000

Fax:

(974) 496 2086 General
(974) 496 2088 Visa
(974) 496 2089 Commercial

Email: consular.qatar@fco.gov.uk

Email: ukti.doha@fco.gov.uk

Email: info.ukqa@vfshelpline.com

Email: embassy.qatar@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:

GMT: Sunday-Thursday: 0430-1130
Local Time: Sunday-Thursday: 0730-1430

Consular public hours:

GMT: Sunday-Thursday: 0500-1000
Local Time: Sunday-Thursday: 0800-1300