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Before you go to Qatar: what to know

Must know

  • Regional conflict since early 2026: the UK FCDO warns of a high risk of sudden escalation, airspace closures and flight cancellations in the Gulf. Check advisories and your airline before travel.
  • Do not bring alcohol (even duty-free), pork or e-cigarettes into Qatar; they are confiscated and vapes are banned.
  • Indian and Ukrainian visitors need a prepaid hotel booking via Discover Qatar to get a visa on arrival (or apply in advance on Hayya).
  • Cover shoulders and knees in public places such as malls, souqs and government buildings.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months; carry a return ticket and accommodation details.

Entry and visas

Over 90 nationalities get free visa-free entry on arrival, in one of two tiers: 30 days (extendable once by 30) or 90 days within 180. Nationalities not on the list apply online via Hayya or, for some (e.g. India, Ukraine), get a visa on arrival with a Discover Qatar hotel booking. A joint Qatar-Oman tourist visa is available for eligible nationals. Confirm your tier on the Visit Qatar visa checker.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Hayya (e-visa / entry permits) ↗ optional
    Before travel, only if your nationality needs a visa · Fee: QAR 100 for tourist visa · Nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry

Passport validity: At least 6 months from arrival.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Show a return/onward ticket and accommodation details if asked.
  • Insurance can be bought on arrival if required (mandatory for stays beyond 30 days on extended permits).
  • Doha Metro connects Hamad International Airport with the city.

Customs

  • Alcohol, pork products, e-cigarettes, narcotics and pornography are prohibited.
  • Carry a prescription for all medicines; controlled drugs may need approval.
  • Declare cash over QAR 50,000 (or equivalent).
  • Religious material intended for distribution may be confiscated.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: visitqatar.com ↗, blog.wego.com ↗, gov.uk ↗

Money

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay

Apple Pay — works · Google Pay — works

Where to exchange money

  • Exchange houses in malls and Souq Waqif area
  • Bank ATMs (QNB, Doha Bank, CBQ)

Where not to exchange

  • Hotel desks
  • Dynamic currency conversion at terminals

ATMs: ATMs are widespread and accept foreign Visa/Mastercard; local fees may apply plus your bank's fee.

Tipping: Not obligatory; 10% in restaurants if no service charge, small tips for porters and drivers.

  • Riyal is pegged to the US dollar (about 3.64 QAR per USD).
  • Contactless cards and phone payments work in most shops, taxis (Karwa) and the metro ticket machines.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad; bring USD/EUR cash to exchange or a foreign-issued card.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: visitqatar.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Importing alcohol (including duty-free) or pork.
  • E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned.
  • Drunkenness in public; alcohol is sold only in licensed hotel venues and to residents with permits.
  • Drugs, including traces in blood; severe penalties.
  • Public displays of affection and offensive gestures or language, also online.
  • Photographing government buildings, military sites or people (especially women) without permission.
  • Flying drones without a permit.
  • Eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Same-sex relations and sex outside marriage are illegal.
  • Criticising the state or Islam, including online, is an offence.
  • Unpaid debts and bounced cheques can lead to travel bans.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni) is the state religion.

Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees in public places like malls, souqs and museums; avoid tight or see-through clothes. Swimwear only at beaches and hotel pools. Women cover hair in mosques.

Etiquette

  • Greet with the right hand; let women initiate handshakes.
  • Accept Arabic coffee when offered; shake the cup to signal you're done.
  • Do not photograph local women or families.
  • Friday is the main day of prayer; some shops open in the afternoon.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: visitqatar.com ↗

Climate

Hot desert climate. Mild, sunny winters; extremely hot and humid summers (often 40°C+). Very little rain, mainly December–March. Doha shown.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: 22°C / 13°C, pleasant; cool nights
  • February: Feb: 23°C / 15°C, pleasant
  • March: Mar: 27°C / 17°C, warm; good
  • April: Apr: 32°C / 21°C, hot
  • May: May: 39°C / 26°C, very hot
  • June: Jun: 42°C / 28°C, extreme heat
  • July: Jul: 42°C / 30°C, extreme heat, humid
  • August: Aug: 41°C / 30°C, extreme heat, humid
  • September: Sep: 39°C / 28°C, very hot, humid
  • October: Oct: 35°C / 24°C, hot, easing
  • November: Nov: 29°C / 19°C, warm; season starts
  • December: Dec: 24°C / 15°C, pleasant

Best season: November–March for comfortable temperatures.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: visitqatar.com ↗

What to pack

  • Type G (UK three-pin) adapter
  • Modest clothes covering shoulders and knees
  • Light layer for strong air-conditioning
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • Prescriptions for all medicines

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Alcohol, including duty-free bottles
  • E-cigarettes and vapes
  • Pork products
  • CBD products

Practical

Plugs: Type G (some D), 240V, 50Hz

Water: Tap water is desalinated and safe, though most people drink bottled water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Tourist SIMs/eSIMs from Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar at the airport; passport needed.

Apps: Karwa Taxi, Uber, Doha Metro (Qatar Rail), Hayya, Talabat, Google Maps

Internet: Some websites are blocked; certain VoIP calling services may be restricted.

Health: No vaccinations required (yellow fever certificate only if coming from a risk country). High-standard hospitals (Hamad Medical Corporation). Heat exhaustion risk in summer.

Insurance: Mandatory for visitors who need a visa in advance and for stays beyond 30 days; recommended for others.

Emergency: Police, fire, ambulance 999

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, visitqatar.com ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.