£1 QAR 4.95
Today
9:00 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
There are serious security risks and travel disruptions because of military tensions in the region, including attacks on airports and hotels.
Weather & climate
Weather in Qatar
Qatar
30°
Overcast
Thu
20°
30°
Fri
22°
31°
Sat
22°
34°
Sun
24°
36°
Mon
25°
38°
Tue
26°
34°
Wed
24°
32°
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 with you as official identification, as you may need to present it.
Dress modestly in public by covering your shoulders and knees, especially in government buildings or banks.
Do not drink alcohol or appear drunk in public, as this can lead to a prison sentence or fine.
Avoid any public displays of intimacy, even between couples, as this can lead to arrest.
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, smoke, or play loud music in public during the daytime.
Bonus tips:
Do not use or vape e-cigarettes, as they are illegal and can result in arrest and deportation.
Be very careful when taking photos, as filming people without consent can lead to imprisonment or a large fine.
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 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
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.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Doha
22 Al Mutahidah Street, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
2 days ago
Regional risks
- Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure like ports, hotels, and airports have now decreased, but the risk of renewed attacks remains.
Warnings and insurance
15 days ago
Regional escalation
- A new specific threat warning states Iran has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel.
- The advice to stay away from US facilities now explicitly includes 'US-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions'.
Frequently asked questions
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.