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Except for GCC nationals, all visitors to Qatar (for business or tourism) require a visa and all expatriates living and working in the country must have a residence permit or a visit-to-work visa. Requirements do change from time to time and it is always advisable to check with your nearest Qatari embassy or with your airline well in advance of your visit.
One-month tourist visas issued on arrival at Doha International Airport are issued to nationals of 33 countries for a fee of QR 105 (approximately US$30). These can be extended for a further period of one month at a cost of !$ 100. Tourist visas issued by hotels and tour operators are for a period of two weeks only at a cost of R 70 and are extendable for a further two weeks at a cost of QR 50. The specified countries (as listed in November 2004) are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, and Vatican City.
Anyone intending to stay in the country for a longer period should apply for a visa through a Qatari mission overseas. Alternatively, they can leave the country on a "visa-hop" and re-enter on a newly issued tourist visa.
To promote GCC tourism as a whole, Qatar and Oman have entered into an agreement to issue joint visit visas (please check availability and restrictions).
Further information is available from the Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.qa
Source: Marhaba, Qatar's Premier Information Guide
Employees of the Faculty of Nursing in Qatar, Doha Nursing program will be issued visas in Qatar.
Embassy of the State of Qatar
c/o Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations
809 UN Plaza, First Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, New York, United States of America, 10017
Telephone (212) 486-9335
Fax (212) 758-4952; 308-5630; 223-4285
The Canadian Embassy in Kuwait is responsible for representing Canadian interests in Qatar.
Canadian Embassy in Kuwait
Daiyah, 24 Al-Mutawakkal Street,
Area 4
Kuwait
Telephone: (011 965) 256 3025
Fax: (011 965) 256 0173
Email: kwait@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Web site
Import: The import of pets into Qatar is allowed except for Boxers, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Great Danes, and Dobermans. There is no known rabies in Qatar, but dogs and cats being imported must be vaccinated against it. In order to obtain a valid health certificate (dated no earlier than two weeks prior to the date of the animal's arrival in Qatar) issued by a government-approved veterinary clinic at the point of origin, together with the vaccination record, must be submitted. An easier option is to have the animal brought in through the services of a shipping agent. The animals's documentation, as above, photographs if it's a dog, plus copies of your passport and the airway bill or flight details are required. With this information, the agency should be able to obtain the necessary permit within two weeks. Animals may travel with their owners on the same flight as an accompanied pet, or separately as a cargo pet. Generally they are released immediately after customs clearance.
Export: All pets leaving Qatar must be vaccinated against rabies a minimum of 30 days and maximum of 360 days before the date of departure. There are some exceptions so please check. Airlines require a health certificate which can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture's veterinary department. You will need to take you pet along for an examination and show current vaccination records. The validity of the export document is 7 days. This document should be taken to the QNT Office in the Cargo Section at Doha Airport at least 4 days before you with your pet to travel. A travel kennel with complies with airline regulations is also required. Please check the regulations of the destination country.
Don't be afraid to get out a night. Qatar is one of the safest places you'll find in the world. Evenings are an ideal time to explore the town, and Doha Bay look superb at night
Do remember that Qatar has recently implemented tobacco control laws and smoking in public places carries a fine of QR 100. The ban includes public transport, shopping centres, restaurants, and sports centres.
Do be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers - particularly in the souq. Asking for a discount is the norm.
Don't forget to use high-factor sun block on all exposed skin including the tops of your feet if you're wearing sandals. Make sure children are protected too.
Do make sure you drink plenty of water. Your body needs more than fruit juices, carbonated drinks, tea, and coffee. On average you should drink one pint of fluid for every 10°F. Ideally, if the temperature is 80°F (27°C) you should drink 8 pint of water a day.
Don't go into the sea barefoot. Stonefish are rare, but can be found along the shoreline. They look like stones and if you inadvertently tread on them, they inject poison into your foot.
Do remember to cover your head when you're outside during the day. A slight breeze can fool you into thinking it's cool, but the sun can be very fierce during the summer months.
Don't sit in a way that shows the soles of your feet to your Qatri hosts; it's considered insulting. Equally, don't sit with your back towards other guests (you will notice chairs are usually arranged around walls).
Don't hand or accept items with your left hand, and if you're eating with your fingers, only use your right hand, following Muslim convention.
Source: Marhaba, Qatar's Premier Information Guide |
