Qatar Travel Safety

General safety

Carry identification documents at all times. Make copies of your visa or residence permit and keep it in a safe place. Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

Road safety

Accidents are common. Unsafe driving practices, including use of excessive speed, and poor lighting create hazards. Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. Exercise increased caution when travelling by car, due to recent attacks against foreigners in the region. Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cell phone. In case of accidents without injury, move the vehicle to the nearest parking area (or you may receive a fine for blocking traffic), call 999 and wait for the police to arrive. If the accident caused injuries or deaths, do not move the vehicle, call 999 and wait for the police to arrive. The driver must not leave until permitted by the police to do so, as leaving the scene is considered a criminal offence.

Regional travel

The governments of Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Qatar. Some airlines have suspended flights to and from Qatar. Further measures could impact transportation. If you are planning to travel between Qatar and one of these countries, or transit through Qatar, verify your travel plans with your airline or travel agent.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis or reputable limousine services, and avoid shared taxis.

Marine transportation

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Masa and the Tunbs. Iran and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over these islands. Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Women's safety

Qatar has low crime rate, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.

Crime

Petty crime could occur, including banking and credit card fraud. The crime rate is low and violence is rare. Ensure that personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Terrorism

There is a constant terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula, where reports of planned terrorist attacks occasionally emerge. Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Exercise caution in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public and tourist areas), monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Dress and behaviour

Qatar's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Qatar's culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Qatar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality. Those convicted can face up to 7 years imprisonment or the death penalty. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Qatar.

Illegal or restricted activities

Avoid public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing. It is forbidden to photograph government buildings and military installations. Do not photograph people without their permission.

Driving

New residents may use an International driving permit for a maximum of six months. In that period, you can convert it into a valid Qatari driving licence. Drunk driving, public intoxication and other alcohol-related offenses, possession and/or use or trafficking in illegal drugs are illegal in Qatar.