Explore
Qatar
tRAVEL GUIDE
Qatar
pronounced
‘kuh-TAR’
Highest point
is just 103 meters
above sea level
Oil
was discovered
in 1940
Islam
is the predominant
religion
The Falcon
is the national
bird
QATAR
Occupying a small peninsula that juts into the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a blend of natural and modern wonders, and despite its size is a melting pot of culture with influences from antiquity, Portuguese and Ottoman settlement, and is now al-Thani family heritage that takes great pride in the legacies of yesteryear.
The vibrant capital Doha is a waterfront city, with high rise buildings and a 21st century perspective but beyond you’ll find a beautiful coastline, mangroves and beaches, dunes and archaeology.
Things to do
General Information
Time zone: 3 hours ahead of the UK
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR). Riyals can be obtained ATM’s which are widely available. When taking money into the country, amounts of QAR 50,000 (approx £10,100) or more must be declared
Weather: Desert climate with hot summers and warm winters – July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C.
Main attractions: Katara Villae, Mina District, Place Vendome, National Museum
Tipping – a service charge is often included in the bill but a welcome tip of 10-15% is appreciated. It’s useful to carry cash for this purpose.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
For travel advice visit:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/qatar
https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/qatar/
You can get a tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in Qatar. You do not need to apply in advance of travel unless your visit is not for tourism or your passport has conditions or restrictions.
Visit for more information: https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/plan-your-trip/visas
You must have an onward ticket for the next country you are travelling to
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Qatar
All visitors must have a valid health insurance policy
Making A Call
To call a UK number from Qatar dial 0044 or 00 353 for Ireland, followed by the number you are dialling without the first 0.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Police, Fire and Ambulance: 999
British Embassy Qatar
British Embassy,
West Bay Dafna Area, Onaiza Zone 66, Al Shabab Street.
PO Box 3 Doha
Qatar
Tel: +974 4496 2000
Email: Embassy.Doha@fcdo.gov.uk
Embassy of Ireland, UAE
There is no Embassy in Qatar however you can contact the Irish Embassy in UAE:
Atiq Bin Majid Al Muhairi Street
Al Bateen, P.O. Box 61581
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
OFFICIAL TOURIST WEBSITE
Official website: https://visitqatar.com/
Getting around in Qatar
Qatar has an extensive public transport system which is modern and efficient. The Doha Metro connects the airport to the city and beyond. https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/plan-your-trip/getting-around
DOHA AIRPORT (DOH)
If your layover in Qatar is under 24 hours and you remain in the transit area of Hamad International Airport, you do not need a transit visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport and explore Qatar during your layover, you will need a transit visa. Passengers traveling through Qatar Airways can apply for Qatar Transit Visa for free. This visa is valid for 4 days/96 hours and allows you to leave Hammad International Airport and explore Qatar. Keep in mind it is only for those travellers who have more than 5 hours of layover.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/qatar/entry-requirements
Please note however if your flight was delayed: Travellers 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. You can get a tourist visa on arrival if you’re travelling on a full British Citizen passport.
There is more information about transit through Qatar on the Hamad International Airport website. https://dohahamadairport.com/airport-guide/at-the-airport/transfers
