The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Qatar, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
\n\nBritish nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
\n\nread If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
\nsign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
\nfollow advice from the local authorities
\nmonitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
\nstay away from areas around security or military facilities
\nkeep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
\nif advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Qatar’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Qatar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Qatar’s embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you are visiting Qatar, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nIf you are a resident of Qatar, your passport must be valid when you arrive.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can get a tourist visa on arrival if you’re travelling on a full British Citizen passport.
\n\nYou must still get a visa in advance if:
\n\nIf you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must extend your visa waiver before it expires through the Qatar Ministry of Interior. If you do not do this, you may be fined. The fine must be paid before leaving Qatar.
\n\nThere is more information on visa requirements and extensions on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website.
\n\nIf you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving Qatar by the Qatari authorities.
\n\nAt the airport, all bags are scanned. Transit passengers found with even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested. This includes drugs which may be legal in other countries, but not in Qatar.
\n\nTravellers cannot stay in the transit area for more than 24 hours between flights, even if you are booked into the transit hotel in the airport.
\n\nThere is more information about transit through Qatar on the Hamad International Airport website.
\n\nIf you’re staying in Qatar for more than 30 days, you must buy health insurance from a registered Ministry of Public Health ( MOPH) insurance provider before you travel.
\n\nFor more guidance see the MOPH website.
\n\nThe standard insurance premium is 50 Qatari riyals per person, per month.
\n\nTo enter Qatar, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are strict rules about what goods you can take into and out of Qatar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nIt is illegal to import and sell vapes and electronic cigarette products. This includes the sale and purchase of related liquids and other similar products, including electronic shisha pipes. The law applies regardless of quantity and intended use. Customs officials may confiscate any such items from your luggage or from packages sent by post.
\n\nQatar also prohibits the importation, sale and purchase of electronic cigarettes, liquids and other similar products, including electronic shisha pipes. The law applies regardless of quantity and intended use. Customs officials may seize and confiscate any such items from your luggage or from packages sent by post.
\n\nQatar has guidance on medications that you can bring into Qatar. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Qatari Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you are taking money, precious metals or gems worth more than 50,000 Qatari riyals into Qatar, you must complete a declaration form. This includes:
\n\nYou must also give customs officials any other information they request.
\n\nIf you break these rules, you could be fined or imprisoned, as well as the funds or goods being seized.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Qatar cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nTerrorists issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including:
\n\nEvents in the region, including political developments, have an impact on local public opinion. Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. There is the potential for increased tension on Fridays.
\n\nIf any incidents occur, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nCrime levels are low, but take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
\n\nFemale visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone, particularly at night. Always use pre-booked taxis from reputable taxi companies or recognised taxi apps. Check the registration number and confirm that the driver has your name. Let someone know you are on the way and give them the registration details of the car.
\n\nPersonal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but do happen. Qatari law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that sexual relations were not consensual. If the court determines sex was consensual, the victim or attacker may still face prosecution for the offence of sex outside of marriage.
\n\nIf you have been sexually assaulted, contact the British Embassy in Doha on 00 974 4496 2000. You can also read our guidance for victims of rape or sexual assault in Qatar.
\n\nQatar is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious areas.
\n\nReligion is a sensitive topic in Qatar, approach any discussions with care. You could face imprisonment for defaming, desecrating, or committing blasphemy against Islam, Christianity or Judaism. Public worship and proselytising by non-Islamic faiths is illegal and can result in deportation or imprisonment.
\n\nYou must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit.
\n\nIf you live in Qatar, your residence card is acceptable.
\n\nDress modestly in public, including while driving:
\n\n*men and women should cover their shoulders and knees\n* the dress code is strictly enforced in government buildings, healthcare facilities and banks - you may be asked to leave or be denied entry
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates change every year. Ramadan in Qatar in 2026 will likely start on 17 February and will last approximately 30 days. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nOnly licensed hotels, restaurants and bars can sell alcohol. Expatriates living in Qatar can get alcohol on a permit system. Don’t carry alcohol around with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21. Places serving alcohol will ask for original photo IDs (copies are not accepted) upon entry.
\n\nIt is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. For example, if you drink in a non-licenced public place, you could get a prison sentence of up to 6 months or a fine up to 3,000 Qatari riyals.
\n\nAny intimacy in public, between any couples (including between teenagers), can lead to arrest.
\n\nCouples living together while unmarried is illegal in Qatar. Sex outside marriage is illegal for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. You can be arrested and punishments can include a fine, a custodial sentence and deportation once the sentence is complete.
\n\nBecause of laws on sex outside marriage, if someone becomes pregnant outside marriage, both partners could face imprisonment or deportation. Doctors will ask for proof of marriage during antenatal checks.
\n\nAn unmarried woman who gives birth in Qatar may also face problems registering the birth of the child in Qatar, and could be arrested, imprisoned or deported. To get a birth certificate from the Qatari authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. Authorities may compare the marriage date against the estimated date of conception.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Qatar. See our information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.
\n\nOrganisers of protests need to get permission from the Ministry of Interior. This must be done in advance and cannot be spontaneous.
\n\nSwearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts. You can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with police and other officials.
\n\nSmoking is prohibited in all closed public spaces including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public transport, malls, restaurants and government buildings.
\n\nIt is illegal to vape or use an e-cigarette. Police can arrest you and courts can impose a fine, a prison sentence or deportation.
\n\nThere is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences in Qatar. Some medications that are legal in other countries are illegal in Qatar. See guidance on medications that you can bring into Qatar.
\n\nPenalties for using, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs, including cannabis, (even residual amounts) are severe.
\n\nYou should expect a long prison sentence, deportation and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Qatar have highly effective technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nBe aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing. Taking pictures and sharing any visual imagery of people without their consent can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 Qatari riyals.
\n\nSome visitors attempting to film or photograph near religious, military, government or construction sites have been arrested. If in doubt, seek permission.
\n\nDrone use, including aerial photography and filming, is regulated in Qatar. You may need licences or permits before importing or operating a drone. Breaching drone regulations may result in fines, imprisonment and confiscation of equipment.
\n\nCheck the latest requirements with the relevant Qatari authorities before travelling.
\n\nJournalists must get permission from the Qatar News Agency (QNA) to film or photograph as part of their work and enter the country on a visiting press permit. Even with permission to film or photograph, you cannot capture or share imagery of individuals without their consent. This permit allows you to take technical equipment like cameras through airport customs.
\n\nThere are strict privacy laws in Qatar. See the guidelines for using cameras and binoculars. Posting messages, videos or photos that appear to insult or slander people, or are culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime. Individuals have been detained, prosecuted and convicted for posting this type of material.
\n\nFinancial crimes include:
\n\nYou may also be liable for cheques that you have signed on behalf of a company.
\n\nFinancial crimes can be punished with:
\n\nIf you have unpaid loans or financial commitments you may be prevented from leaving Qatar.
\n\nSee more details about financial crimes if you are living and working in Qatar.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Qatar, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nIf you do not have a Qatari driving license, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nTo drive for longer than 6 months you’ll need to apply for a Qatari driving licence.
\n\nThe driver and front seat passenger must wear their seat belts at all times. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving - you could be fined 500 Qatari riyals.
\n\nIt’s illegal to drink and drive, and there is zero tolerance for it. Driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol is punishable by a prison sentence of between one month and 3 years or a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 Qatari riyals, or both. Offenders may also be deported.
\n\nEven minor expressions of ‘road rage’ like rude gestures can attract significant penalties. You may be:
\n\nCheck the Metrash2 app before trying to leave the country, which lists any outstanding traffic violations. If you have an outstanding violation, you could be detained at immigration and denied onward travel. Fines for all violations should be settled in full before you travel.
\n\nRoad discipline is very poor; speeds are high and accidents are common. A driver flashing their lights can mean they are coming through rather than giving way.
\n\nIf you have an accident, it’s illegal to leave the scene of the accident without reporting it on the METRASH application, but if no one has been injured and it’s safe to do so, you can move your vehicle to a safer place. You’ll need to get a police report for insurance purposes. Accident investigation processes and punishments for violations may be different to the UK.
\n\nExcursions to the desert can be hazardous unless in a properly-equipped 4x4 vehicle. You should:
\n\nTake care when travelling by dhow. The safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available.
\n\nMany areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, and there have been occasional arrests. Make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports.
\n\nRegional tensions may also affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel, check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Qatar.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nTravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.
\n\nSome prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Qatar. If you need to bring controlled or prescription medication into Qatar, make sure you follow the steps required by the Qatar Ministry of Public Health, including carrying a prescription and medical report in English or Arabic containing details of your medication and treatment, issued within the last 6 months.
\n\nThe Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) provides an electronic service which enables travellers arriving to the State of Qatar to submit applications for permits allowing them to carry controlled medicines for personal use, with the ability to track their applications and receive permits online.
\n\nHealthcare facilities in Qatar are similar to those in the UK. Visitors will be required to pay for medical treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation to the UK or the country where you live. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Qatar where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Qatar on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-08-19T13:38:09Z","updated_at":"2026-08-19T13:38:09Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-01-31T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/qatar","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/qatar","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/qatar","content_id":"3d94082a-6e41-4c09-ba52-1b282943caae","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-08-19T13:38:09Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Qatar travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/qatar","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/qatar","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/qatar","base_path":"/world/qatar","content_id":"62ca51e2-5b26-4020-9375-67d73d9f878c","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Qatar. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Qatar.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Qatar","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2018-02-13T09:38:16Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Qatar","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/qatar","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth