Qatar - Quick Travel Tips

Visa

Citizens from 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar. Visa on arrival is also possible for some nationalities with a passport valid for six months, and a confirmed onward or return ticket. Visitors intending to stay in Qatar must hold a valid hotel booking for the duration of their stay.

Attire & Public Affection

Male & Female visitors are expected to show respect by not wearing revealing clothes in public and keeping their shoulders and knees covered.

Showing overt affection and intimacy in public is discouraged.

Currency

The Qatari riyals is the ONLY currency user in the country and is available from ATMs in malls, hotels and around Doha.

Fridays

All business and commercial activity shut down during Friday prayers in the morning (around 10am - 12pm).

Getting around

🌹Bicycle:

Onsite bike hire services are available at Lusail International Circuit and in parks around Doha and the Doha Corniche. You can use fat bikes and mountain bikes to explore Qatar’s desert dunes, sandy beaches and scrubland.

🌹Electric scooter:

Available for rent in many places around Doha, including parks and Doha Corniche.

🌹The Pearl-Qatar water taxis:

Pearl-Qatar operates Doha’s first and only water taxi service.

🌹Dhow cruise:

Visitors can enjoy dinner onboard.

🌹Helicopter tours:

Visitors can see the stunning landscapes of Qatar.

🌹Car renting & driving

🌹Hop on Hop off bus

🌹Private tours

🌹You can purchase a travel card.

🌹There’s a free bus service to and from most metro stations.

🌹Free buggies are available as well as free bus shuttle service that runs every hour between Mathafamd the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station.

Season

Visitors can enjoy Qatar all year round.

🌹April to September - The best months to experience nature and wildlife. Whale sharks congregate in the northeast coast of Qatar.

🌹May to July - Qatar is home to three species of sea turtles. The females leave the sea in late spring to lay their eggs, so visitors can watch any turtles return to sea.

Guided tours

Some areas of Qatar are best explored on official guided tour. First time visitors are strongly advised to never travel off-road or alone in the desert.

🌹Always pre-book tours, excursions and attractions.

Iconic destinations

🌹Souq Waqif

🌹The National Museum of Qatar

🌹Msheireb

🌹Al Bidda Park

🌹The Pearl Qatar

🌹Katara Cultural Village

🌹Banana Island Resort

🌹Khor Al Udaid (Inland Sea)

🌹Ras Brouq

Stopover programme

Qatar’s stopover programme offers great deals at four or five star hotels.