Qatar Entry Rules: All About Visas, Entry Rules and Country Features

Qatar is a state that surprises. Not long ago it was known only as a point on the world map, but today it is a modern hub of the Middle East, where ancient traditions meet futuristic architecture. If you plan to travel to this unique country, it is important to sort out the formalities in advance.

We will explain in simple terms what is needed for the trip, how to obtain a visa, what rules families with children and travelers with pets should consider. We will discard unnecessary complexities — only clear and useful information.

Entry to Qatar for most tourists is greatly simplified. The country is interested in guests and is constantly developing its tourist infrastructure, which became especially noticeable after the World Cup. The state of Qatar offers a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 90 countries, including EU countries and others. This means that upon arrival at Hamad Airport, you will simply be stamped in your passport, allowing you to stay for a period of 30 to 90 days depending on your nationality. Read more about visas in Qatar in the section “Visas”.

It is important to remember that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the moment of entry into the country. Border services have the right to ask to show a return ticket or confirmation of hotel booking, although this does not always happen in practice. Nevertheless, be prepared. Qatar is a safe country with a low crime rate, but the laws here are strict, and compliance is a mandatory condition for a comfortable visit.

The main requirement is a valid foreign passport. Over the past years, no additional medical documents, including PCR tests or COVID-19 vaccination certificates, have been required for entry. However, the situation may change, so always check the latest information on our website.

The Qatar Immigration Service may ask questions about the purpose of your visit and financial support. Having cash or a bank card is a sensible measure. It is also worth considering cultural norms. Qatar is a Muslim country, and although tourists are treated with understanding in Doha, respect for local traditions (for example, in the choice of clothing in public places) is mandatory.

For citizens of countries not included in the visa-free list, as well as for those planning a long stay or business trip, there are several types of visas.

• Tourist visa. It can be issued online with the help of our managers. The process usually takes a few days, and the visa is sent to an email. This is convenient and allows you to plan your trip in advance.
• Transit visa. If you have a long layover at Doha airport (from 5 hours), you can apply for a free transit visa. It allows you to leave the airport and spend up to 96 hours (4 days) in the country. Often this service can be ordered through the airline Qatar Airways.

Read more about visas in Qatar in the section “Visas”.

There are no standard mandatory vaccinations for entering Qatar. Qatar is a country with a high level of healthcare and strict sanitary standards. However, doctors always recommend travelers to be aware of their routine vaccinations, such as for tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella.

If you are traveling from countries endemic with yellow fever, a corresponding vaccination certificate may be required. Seasonality should also be considered: in summer, the weather in Qatar is very hot, with high temperatures, so people with chronic diseases should consult a doctor. It is recommended to drink only bottled water.

Qatar is a very family-oriented country. There are plenty of entertainments for children of all ages: from giant water parks and the "Angry Birds" amusement park in Doha to camel rides in the desert or sandboarding. Baby car seats in taxis and rental cars are common, and many shopping centers have comfortable rooms for mother and child.

When entering the country with a child, if he is traveling with only one of the parents, it is recommended to have a notarized consent of the other parent for the departure, translated into English or Arabic. Although this requirement is not always strictly checked, having it will avoid any questions at the border. Many hotels in Qatar offer family rooms, children's menus in restaurants, and babysitting services.

It is possible to bring a pet into Qatar, but it involves a number of bureaucratic procedures. The process requires time and preparation. Main requirements: microchip, valid rabies vaccination (done no less than 21 days before the trip), international veterinary certificate. All documents must be certified by the official veterinary body of your country.

Consider the time of year: due to extreme summer heat, transporting animals in the cargo hold can be dangerous. Many airlines, including Qatar Airways, have strict seasonal restrictions. Also, check the rules of your airline in advance and make sure that your hotel in Qatar is ready to accommodate your pet.

The customs rules of Qatar are largely standard for the Persian Gulf countries. You can import a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use, 400 cigarettes, and 2 liters of alcohol duty-free. Important clarification: alcohol in Qatar is sold only in one specialized store in Doha to persons with a special license. The import of alcohol by tourists is also strictly regulated.

The import of narcotic substances, pork products, and weapons is categorically prohibited. Violation leads to serious criminal liability. When leaving the country, there are no restrictions on the export of personal belongings and souvenirs. However, valuables, antiques, and items of cultural heritage may require special permission. Qatar's natural gas extraction has made it one of the richest countries, so souvenirs here are often luxurious—from gold jewelry to expensive perfumes.

Hamad Airport in Doha is not just a transport hub, but a real attraction. It is regularly recognized as the best in the world. Even if you only have a few hours between flights, there is plenty to do here. Spacious transit areas are equipped with everything necessary: comfortable chairs for rest, free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and showers.

For passengers with a long layover, there is an opportunity to join a city tour (if a transit visa is available) or simply explore the airport itself. Here is located the famous "Bear" sculpture by Urs Fischer, the "Lamp Rabbit" installation and even its own branch of the art museum. Numerous cafes and restaurants offer cuisine for every taste. This makes transit through Qatar a pleasant part of the journey.

 Embassy of Qatar in Berlin

• Address: Hagenstraße 56, 14193 Berlin, Germany.
• Phone: +49 30 862060
• E-mail: berlin@mofa.gov.qa
• Working hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00 – 16:00; consular services Monday–Friday, 09:00 – 12:00
• Ambassador: Abdalla bin Ibrahim Al Hamar (started representing Qatar in Germany in 2024)
• History: Diplomatic relations between Qatar and Germany were established in 1973.
• Features: Through this representation, information about credentials, consular support, etc. can be obtained.

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Doha

• Address:  Al Dafna Area, Diplomatic Quarter, Doha, State of Qatar
• Postal address:  P.O. Box 23552, Doha, Qatar
• Phone:  +974 4408 2300
• Fax:  +974 4408 2350
• E-mail:  info@doha.diplo.de
• Working hours:
  Sunday – Thursday, from 08:00 to 15:00
  Reception on consular matters — from 08:00 to 11:30 (by appointment)
• German Ambassador in Qatar:  Lutz Littges (Lutz Litten)