Middle East
Qatar
Compact, very safe city-state centred on Doha: museums, souqs, desert and a good metro. Expensive, nightlife limited to hotels, strict laws, and directly hit by 2026 regional strikes.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa7 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyQARUS$1 ≈ QR3.64Details
- Price level56%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType G, D240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999All emergencies 999
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but building tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedNo public LGBTQ+ life; the 2022 World Cup changed nothing in law.Details
- Internet212 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 576 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightMost visitors need a 1968 IDP plus their home licence; serious traffic offences can delay your departure.
Where to go in Qatar
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DohaCapital city | 4/5 | $3,020–4,950 | Nov–Mar | 5/100 |
When to visit Qatar
November–March is pleasant and has most events; May–September is extremely hot and humid, and life moves indoors.
Good to know
Entry
- Many passports get a visa waiver or visa on arrival; others apply through the Hayya platform.
- Passport must be valid six months; carry an onward ticket and accommodation booking.
- Stays over 30 days need Qatar-approved health insurance, about QAR 50 a month.
- Importing vapes or e-cigarettes is illegal, as are alcohol and pork.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking or being drunk in public can bring six months' prison; alcohol only in licensed hotels and bars, age 21.
- Unmarried couples living together and sex outside marriage are illegal; public affection can lead to arrest.
- Photographing or sharing images of people without consent can mean prison.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souqs and public buildings.
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink, smoke or play music in public by day.
- Ask before photographing anyone, especially women.
- Swearing and rude gestures count as obscene acts under the law.
Tipping
Not required. About 10% in restaurants if no service charge; round up taxis; small tips for delivery riders.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Qatar
- Hayya visa platform
- Visit Qatar
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.