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QatarTravel guide

Explore Qatar visa rulesCommon scams in Qatar

Qatar is a small Arab country on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, north of Saudi Arabia. Its capital, Doha, combines modern towers and luxury shopping with traditional markets and desert experiences.

Why go

  1. Explore Souq Waqif, a restored traditional market in Doha.

  2. Take a desert trip by four-wheel-drive vehicle or camel.

  3. Try karak tea and Middle Eastern food.

  4. Go diving, kite-surfing or fishing.

  5. Browse Doha's large shopping malls.

Best time to go: December, January and February are best for avoiding the heat. Summer, from May to September, is very hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes reaching 50°C.

Getting there

By air

  • Most visitors arrive at Hamad International Airport (DOH), near Doha.
  • Qatar Airways uses Doha as its main base, and other major airlines also serve the airport.
  • Airport taxi fares start with a charge of QR25.

By land

  • The only land route into Qatar is through Saudi Arabia.
  • The source advises against travelling by car because of poor roads and dangerous driving, especially at night.
  • Bus routes from Saudi Arabia were disrupted during the 2017–2021 diplomatic crisis; the source does not confirm their current status.

By sea

  • There are no specific boat routes for visitors. Commercial freight boats reach Doha, including small commercial boats from Dubai and Iran.

Customs

  • Tourists cannot bring alcohol into Qatar.
  • Airport customs scan bags and confiscate alcoholic drinks.
  • Customs issue a receipt valid for two weeks so confiscated alcohol can be reclaimed when leaving.

Getting around

  • Route planning

    The Sila app brings together public transport information. Its route planner includes the metro, buses and other transport.

  • Bus

    Karwa buses serve Doha and routes reaching Al Khor, Dukhan and Mesaieed. The Classic Smartcard costs QR30 and includes QR20 credit; a short journey costs QR2.50. Tap the card when boarding and leaving to avoid a QR30 default penalty. The 24 Limited card costs QR10 for two trips within 24 hours of first use. It is sold on buses for travel within Greater Doha; tap when boarding only. The 24 Unlimited card costs QR20 for unlimited bus travel throughout Qatar for 24 hours from first use. It is sold on buses; tap when boarding only. Buy the Classic card from participating shops, rather than on the bus. For bus times and ticket information, call +974 4436 6053.

  • Metro

    Doha has a metro. The Sila app includes it in journey planning.

  • Taxi and limousine

    Government-owned Mowasalat, also called Karwa, runs taxis and limousines. Some private companies also operate limousines. Airport taxis have a starting charge of QR25.

What to see and do

  • Souq Waqif

    This restored market in Doha has traditional surroundings and shops selling spices, dried fruit, clothes and household goods.

  • The Pearl

    This is a luxury shopping destination with brands from around the world.

  • Mall of Qatar, Festival City and City Center

    These are among Qatar's biggest malls, with international, Middle Eastern and local brands.

  • Take a desert expedition

    Tour companies offer trips by four-wheel-drive vehicle and camel, lasting from a day to a week. Some include overnight stays in a Bedouin tent.

  • Try dune-bashing

    These day tours involve driving at speed over desert sand dunes in a Landcruiser.

  • Explore diving sites

    Companies in Doha arrange reef and shipwreck diving. Sites include Old Club Reef, New Club Reef, Qapco Reef, the M.O. Shipwreck and the Al Sharque Shipwreck.

Food and drink

  • Machboos

    Qatar's national dish combines rice, meat, onions and spices.

  • Traditional Qatari food

    Local dishes are hard to find in restaurants and are mostly eaten in homes. An invitation from Qatari friends offers a chance to try them.

  • Indian and Pakistani food

    Options range from family restaurants to simple places serving workers. Food in the simpler places is very inexpensive.

  • Middle Eastern food

    Kebabs, bread and hummus are widely available, including at inexpensive takeaway shops.

  • Layali

    This restaurant near Chili's in the area called Cholesterol Corner serves Lebanese food.

  • Ras Al-Nasa`a Restaurant

    This restaurant on the Corniche serves Persian food at reasonable prices.

Money

Qatari riyal, written QR or QAR. One riyal equals 100 dirhams.

  • The riyal is fixed to the US dollar at QR3.64 to US$1.
  • Banks and money exchange shops change major world currencies and currencies from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
  • Many money exchange shops are near Doha's Gold Souq, and rates are generally similar to bank rates.
  • Older banknotes are no longer accepted by shops. Most banks exchange them for newer notes free of charge, but this can take time.

Typical costs

  • Espresso at the National Library: QR15.
  • A good meal at a local restaurant: about QR15.
  • Short bus ride using a Classic Smartcard: QR2.50.
  • Local car hire: about US$20 a day.
  • Cheaper hotel: from about QAR130.
  • Mid-range hotel: about QAR300.
  • Hostel: QR100 a night, or QR90 with Youth Hostels Association membership.

Language

  • Arabic is the official language; Qataris speak the Gulf dialect.
  • English is widely used, and visitors can get by with English alone.
  • Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog are also spoken among foreign workers.

Staying safe

  • Qatar is generally very safe for tourists, with very low crime rates.
  • Road traffic is a major danger, and drivers may ignore road rules or pedestrians. Take great care when crossing roads or walking near major highways.
  • Summer sandstorms can reduce visibility and cause serious breathing problems. Seek shelter immediately if one approaches, or wear a face mask.
  • Women travelling alone may experience staring or unwanted attention. Police take harassment complaints seriously.
1 common scams in Qatar, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, handing over items and giving or receiving business cards.
  • Dress modestly and respect Islamic beliefs. Women are not legally required to wear a headscarf, but revealing outfits are discouraged.
  • At mosques and state museums, men should cover their shoulders and knees. Women are expected to wear an abaya, a long cloak, which is generally lent free if needed.
  • Ask permission before photographing people, especially women.
  • Discuss disagreements privately, because personal and family honour matter greatly.
  • If a Qatari friend insists on paying for a meal or gift, accepting is part of local hospitality.

Don't

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is illegal and considered highly disrespectful.
  • Do not insult, mock or damage someone's reputation in public or on social media, as this can lead to prosecution.
  • Do not speak badly about someone's family.
  • Do not refer to Qataris as Bahrainis, Emiratis or Saudis, or compare Qatar with those countries.
  • Outside tourist areas, do not photograph religious buildings, government buildings, infrastructure or sensitive sites. The source makes exceptions for dhow moorings and art inside Hamad International Airport.
  • Do not show the soles of your feet to a Qatari while dining.
  • Do not keep an unwanted photo if confronted. Apologize and visibly delete it.

Staying healthy

  • Drink plenty of water, cover your skin and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Tap water is safe to drink, although most residents choose bottled water.
  • Hospitals generally offer standards comparable to Western hospitals.
  • The free government healthcare scheme for Qatari citizens is not available to foreigners.

Phone and internet

  • Free Wi-Fi is available at many museums and art galleries.
  • You can manage for a few days without a local phone SIM card.
  • Download Qatar's map in Google Maps so you can use it without an internet connection.

Where to stay

  • Cheaper hotels start at about QAR130, while mid-range hotels cost about QAR300.
  • Low-cost accommodation is scarce in Doha.
  • The hostel described in the source is hard to find, even for airport taxi drivers. It costs QR100 a night, or QR90 with Youth Hostels Association membership.

Outdoor adventures in Qatar

Qatar offers desert trips, reef and wreck diving, mangrove kayaking and beaches. October to April has more comfortable weather for outdoor activities, with December to February best for avoiding the heat. Summer brings intense heat and hazardous sandstorms.

  • Khor Al Udeid desert tour

    SafariSouth-eastern Qatarnear Mesaieed

    October–April; December–February to avoid the heat

    Book a guided tour with a tourism company. The Inland Sea lies south of Mesaieed and can only be reached across the dunes in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

    • Access involves a rough drive across large, soft sand dunes.
    • Drink plenty of water and protect your skin from the sun.

  • Desert expeditions by camel or four-wheel drive

    More to doQatar's desert

    One day to one week October–April; December–February to avoid the heat

    Book through a tour company offering camel or four-wheel-drive desert expeditions.

    • Summer temperatures can reach 50°C.
    • Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen and clothing that covers your skin.

  • Fuwairit Beach kitesurfing

    SurfingNorthern Qatar

    Follow Al Shamal Road (Q1). The beach sign is just before Bridge 79.

    • Watch for rocks in the water.

  • Dhakira mangroves kayaking and birdwatching

    KayakingDhakiranear Al Khor

    Book a sea kayak tour with Doha-based Discover Arabia. The mangroves are 5 km north of Al Khor.

  • Purple Island birdwatching and crabbing

    WildlifeAl Khornear Al Khor

    Reach the island from the mainland along an earthen walkway through the mangroves.

  • Doha Corniche dhow cruise

    SailingDoha Cornichenear Doha

    Day or evening

    Arrange a cruise with one of the traditional dhow boats docked along the Corniche. Both group bookings and informal arrangements are available.

  • Regatta Sailing Academy

    SailingWest Bay Lagoonnear Doha

    Arrange a sailing course or boat hire through Regatta Sailing Academy on Al Isteqlal Road, near the InterContinental Hotel.

  • Entalek Adventures sea kayaking

    KayakingDoha and coastal areasnear Doha

    Book a guided trip with Entalek Adventures in Doha or further along the coast. Fully equipped kayaks are also available to rent.

    • Cost: Kayak rental: QR 200 per day

  • Guided snorkelling trips from Doha

    Snorkellingnear Doha

    Arrange guided snorkelling with Entalek Adventures, or a snorkelling trip through Q-Dive Marine Center in Souq Al Najada.

  • New Club Reef

    Scuba divingMesaieed areanear Mesaieed

    Arrange diving through a company in Doha and ask about trips to New Club Reef.

  • Qapco Reef

    Scuba diving

    Contact a diving company in Doha to arrange a visit to Qapco Reef.

  • M.O. Shipwreck

    Scuba diving

    Arrange a wreck-diving trip through a company in Doha. Doha Sub Aqua Club also organises offshore wreck dives.

  • Al Sharque Shipwreck

    Scuba diving

    Contact a diving company in Doha to arrange a wreck-diving trip.

  • Old Club Reef — closed to the general public

    Scuba divingSealine Beach Roadnear Mesaieed

    Public visits are unavailable. The reef has been closed to the general public since 2017.

  • Katara Beach

    BeacheKatara Cultural Villagenear Doha

    October–April; December–February to avoid the heat

    Visit the beach at Katara Cultural Village and pay the entry fee.

    • Cost: QR 100 entry
    • Use sunscreen, drink plenty of water and protect your skin from the sun.

  • Doha hotel beaches

    BeacheDohanear Doha

    October–April; December–February to avoid the heat

    Pay for beach access at the Grand Hyatt, Diplomatic Club, InterContinental, Sheraton, Sharq Village or Four Seasons.

    • Cost: Weekday passes from QR 180
    • Drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • Al Farkiah Beach

    BeacheAl Khornear Al Khor

    Take Al Khor Coastal Road Q1A and follow the brown signs for Farkeh Coast.

    • Cost: Free

  • Ruwais Beach

    BeacheNorthern Qatarnear Al Ruwais

    High tide for catching shrimp and crabs

    Follow Al Shamal Road (Q1) to Al Ruwais. The beach is on a small spit directly north of the town.

  • Al Ghariya Beach

    BeacheNorthern Qatar

    Reach Al Ghariya via Al Shamal Road (Q1). The beach and fishing spots are a little north of the old Scout Camp.

  • Al Khor Corniche beach

    BeacheAl Khornear Al Khor

    Visit the Corniche in Al Khor for sunbathing, beach volleyball or cricket.

    • The bay is too shallow for swimming.

  • Sealine Beach Road quad biking

    More to doSealine Beach Roadnear Mesaieed

    October–April; December–February to avoid the heat

    Rent a quad bike from one of the many tents along the road to Sealine Beach Resort.

    • Drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.
    • Seek shelter if a sandstorm approaches.

  • Chartered fishing trips

    More to donear Doha

    Arrange a fishing trip with Q-Dive Marine Center in Souq Al Najada, Doha. Chartered fishing expeditions are also offered in Qatar.

  • Surfing in Qatar

    Surfing

    Surfing is listed among Qatar's popular watersports, but no location or booking details are given.

  • Jet-skiing in Qatar

    More to do

    Jet-skiing is listed among Qatar's popular watersports, but no rental location or operator is named.

Airports, metros and trains in Qatar

Airports with scheduled flights

  • DOHHamad International AirportDohaMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • DohaDoha Metro37 stations76 kmsince 2019

Trains

Rail network
82 km
Electrified
82 km

People and safety in Qatar

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mixed.

  • Muslim66%
  • Hindu15%
  • Christian14%
  • Buddhist3%
  • No religion<1%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Illegal, with the death penalty in law

  • The law allows death penalty.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #70 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

65% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 95 of 198 countries can visit Qatar easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required82
  • Freedom of movement2
  • Visa on arrival11
  • eVisa101
  • Visa required2

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe43 of 46 countries
  • Americas22 of 35 countries
  • Asia24 of 49 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa4 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the most comfortable time to visit?

December, January and February are best for avoiding extreme heat. Winter days are generally around 20–25°C, with cooler evenings.

Can I manage with English?

Yes, English is widely used. Learning some basic Arabic is appreciated, but you can get by with English alone.

How do I plan journeys on public transport?

Use the Sila app, which brings together routes for the metro, buses and other transport.

What money should I use?

The currency is the Qatari riyal, written QR or QAR. Banks and money exchange shops change major world currencies.

Is cheap accommodation easy to find?

Low-cost accommodation is scarce in Doha. Cheaper hotels start at about QAR130, and the hard-to-find hostel described in the source costs QR100 without membership.

What should I wear?

Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. Mosques and state museums have stricter dress rules, including covered shoulders and knees for men and an abaya for women.

Can tourists drink alcohol?

Alcohol is available at restaurants, bars and nightclubs in major hotels. Tourists cannot bring it into the country, and drink-driving or being drunk in public carries heavy penalties.

Can I eat out during Ramadan?

Restaurants and cafés cannot serve dine-in customers during daylight hours, but may sell takeaway meals for non-Muslim foreigners to eat privately. Evening meals to break the fast are popular, so reserve well ahead.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink, though most residents choose bottled water.

Will I find free internet?

Many museums and art galleries offer free Wi-Fi. Download maps before going out so you can navigate without a connection.

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