Qatar

If you become a victim of sexual assault, contact your own embassy as soon as possible.

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. Women travellers should exercise greater caution when travelling alone, particularly at night. Unaccompanied women are occasionally harassed. Qatar is an Islamic country and travellers should wear modest, conservative clothing. Shoulders should be covered. Avoid sleeveless shirts, tank tops, short skirts or shorts. Athletic clothing should only be worn in public when engaging in sports activities. The penal code in Qatar punishes and forbids the wearing of revealing or indecent clothing.

Intimate behaviour between men and women of any age in public can lead to arrest.

Homosexual relations/behaviour is illegal in this country and penalties are severe.

Always have a copy of your passport in your possession for proof of identity, or authorities can and may detain you for questioning.

Proselytizing is against the law and the penalty can include deportation or imprisonment. Any behaviour that appears as an attempt to convert someone to another religion or even sharing information about your faith can be considered “proselytizing.”

Respect local customs, laws, traditions and religions at all times. Be mindful and avoid any actions that might offend the cultures or religious beliefs in Qatar.

It is illegal to import drugs, alcohol, religious materials/books, pornography or pork products. Luggage is scanned on arrival. The penalties for drug offenders are severe.

Arrive with your medications in original packaging with your prescription and an official letter signed and stamped by your physician stating the name of the medication and why you require it. There could be some prescription and over-the-counter medications in your country that might be considered controlled substances in Qatar.

It is illegal to drink alcohol or be intoxicated in public. There are severe penalties for public drunkenness or other alcohol-related offences. This country has a zero-tolerance policy for driving and drinking.

Incidents such as obscene language or gestures or even insulting comments can lead to fines and/or arrest and overnight imprisonment.

Be aware that one could be arrested for being a potential witness to a crime (including traffic accidents that involve injuries, slander, etc), road rage, for being a relative of a suspect, or a crime suspect. You may not have access to legal counsel. Even rude gestures can result in major penalties. You could be imprisoned and barred from leaving the country until your case has been resolved. Serious cases could take as long as six months to resolve.

Use only registered taxis. Do not take a taxi late at night unaccompanied.

Qatar has a very high road accident fatality rate. Drivers may not follow standard rules of the road and may drive at high speeds. Rural roads may be poorly lit, and animals may wander onto roads. If you are involved in a vehicle accident, do not leave the scene of the accident. If there are no injuries, you can remove your vehicle to a safer place if necessary. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Do not use cell phones when driving.

Terrorist activity is low in Qatar. However, Islamist extremism is a threat throughout the Middle East. Some extremist organizations have called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are. It is prudent to exercise caution with respect to safety in any foreign country.