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3,240 mi away
£1 QAR 4.96
Today
2:21 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
There's a significant risk from regional military tensions, including threats of attacks on US and Israeli-linked places like hotels and airports, which could happen with little warning.
Weather & climate
Weather in Qatar
Qatar
38°
Overcast
Sat
28°
38°
Sun
27°
38°
Mon
28°
40°
Tue
27°
41°
Wed
26°
39°
Thu
27°
38°
Fri
29°
37°
SPF level in Qatar
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Qatar
What British travellers need to know
You can get a tourist visa on arrival if you are travelling on a full British Citizen passport for tourism.
If you are visiting Qatar, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
You must buy mandatory health insurance from a registered provider if you plan to stay in Qatar for more than 30 days.
If you need to stay longer than the initial 30-day visa waiver, you must extend it before it expires to avoid a fine.
You must carry certificates for yellow fever and polio vaccinations if coming from a risk country or in some circumstances.
Good to know:
You must declare if you are carrying money, precious metals or gems worth more than 50,000 Qatari riyals upon entry.
It is illegal to import vapes, e-cigarettes, and related products into Qatar regardless of quantity or intended use.
Safety in Qatar
Tips when travelling
Qatar is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport as official identification as you may need to present it at a police station within a time limit.
Dress modestly in public by covering your shoulders and knees, especially when entering government buildings or banks.
Do not drink alcohol or be drunk in public, as this can result in a prison sentence or a fine.
Be aware that any public intimacy, even between teenagers, can lead to arrest.
Smoking is prohibited in all closed public spaces like malls, restaurants, and on public transport.
Bonus tips:
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during the daytime.
Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act that can lead to jail or deportation.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Qatar
British citizens can drive in Qatar for up to six months with a valid UK driving license. After that, you need to obtain a Qatari driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Qatar drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Qatar
You should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before you travel. Although there is a public healthcare system in Qatar, it may not be easily accessible to tourists. Private healthcare is of a high standard but can be expensive.
No vaccinations required
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Qatar, but it's always a good idea to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations. The standard of healthcare in Qatar is generally high, especially in private facilities. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Qatar, especially in major establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Qatar
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Qatar as it is in some Western countries, but it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included. Some restaurants add a service charge, so check your bill first.
Bar/Café
5-10% of the bill, especially for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common, but not mandatory.
Hotel Porter
5-10 QAR per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 QAR per day left in the room.
Tour Guide
50-100 QAR per day for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Qatar. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 100 QAR (~£22)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Qatar
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls in Qatar.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also widely available, especially in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Qatar
Country code
+974
To call the British Embassy in Doha, you would dial 00 974 4496 2000.
The country code for Qatar is 974. When calling Qatar from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 974, and then the Qatari phone number.
Languages in Qatar
UK Embassy
British Embassy Doha
22 Al Mutahidah Street, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
24 days ago
Regional risks
- Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure like ports, hotels, and airports have now decreased, but the risk of renewed attacks remains.
Airports in Qatar
Beaches in Qatar
Frequently asked questions
Qatar is generally a very safe country with a low crime rate. However, you should still take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of local laws and customs, which are based on Islamic tradition.
The best time to visit Qatar is during the winter months, from November to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Temperatures during this period range from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. Summers in Qatar are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).
While Qatar is relatively liberal compared to some other Gulf countries, it's important to dress modestly, especially in public places. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as short skirts or sleeveless tops. Men should also avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. During Ramadan, even more conservative dress is expected.
Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants, but it's not widely available. Public drinking is strictly prohibited and can lead to arrest. During Ramadan, alcohol service may be restricted even in licensed establishments.
Qatari cuisine features a blend of Middle Eastern and Indian flavours. Popular dishes include Machboos (spiced rice with meat), Harees (wheat porridge with meat), and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings). A wide variety of international cuisine is also available, especially in Doha.
British citizens can enter Qatar visa-free for tourism purposes for a period of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Qatar. Always check the latest visa requirements on the official Qatari government website or with the Qatari embassy in London before you travel.
Qatar is a Muslim country, and it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours are prohibited. It is also considered disrespectful to display public affection or to photograph people without their permission.
While Qatar is generally safe, be wary of inflated taxi fares, especially at the airport. Agree on a fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running. Also, be cautious of overly friendly strangers who may be trying to scam you. As always, protect your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.