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Travel Guide
Visiting Qatar
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UK FCDO: Register your presence Let the UK government know you’re in Qatar, register your presence if you’re in Qatar for further updates.
Updated 2026-03-16
Discover
Top Attractions in Qatar
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Museum of Islamic Art
Designed by architect I. M. Pei and occupying its own artificial island on Doha's Corniche, this landmark building houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. Spanning three continents and fourteen centuries, the collection includes manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, and jewellery from the 7th to the 19th century. The building's faceted limestone exterior and soaring five-storey atrium are themselves considered defining works of contemporary architecture.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is Doha's oldest and most atmospheric market, set in a labyrinth of mud-daubed alleyways where vendors sell spices, incense, textiles, and traditional Qatari garments alongside falconry equipment. The souq was painstakingly restored in the 2000s and remains a living commercial district, animated each evening as families and visitors fill its open squares and shisha cafes.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Qatar. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Qatar.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel, check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Qatar see where to get vaccines and whether
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police999
Ambulance999
Fire999
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Qatar
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Qatar page at Yoogo.
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Qatar page at Yoogo.
Qatar uses the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops across Doha, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller stalls and traditional markets.
Qatar consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with very low rates of violent crime and petty theft. The country has a well-funded police presence and a robust legal system, and tourists can move around Doha and other areas with a high degree of confidence.
The Doha Metro operates three lines connecting Hamad International Airport to the city centre and major attractions, and is the quickest and cheapest way to navigate the capital. Ride-hailing apps, metered taxis operated by Karwa, and intercity buses run by Mowasalat cover destinations beyond the metro network, including day trips to Al Wakrah and Al Khor.
The most comfortable period for a visit is November through April, when temperatures range from roughly 17°C to 28°C and outdoor sightseeing is pleasant. Summer months from June to September bring extreme heat, often exceeding 40°C, which makes extended time outdoors difficult, though indoor attractions and air-conditioned venues remain fully accessible year-round.
Arabic is the official language of Qatar. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and tourist sites, and signage throughout Doha is displayed in both Arabic and English, making it straightforward for English-speaking visitors to navigate.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for most travellers entering Qatar, though those arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. It is advisable to ensure routine vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are up to date before travel.
Tipping is not obligatory in Qatar, and many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill automatically. Leaving a small gratuity of around 10% at restaurants, or rounding up a taxi fare, is appreciated as a gesture of good service but is never expected.
International eSIM providers such as Airalo offer data-only plans for Qatar starting from a few US dollars, which can be purchased and installed before departure. Local SIM cards from Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar are also available at Hamad International Airport on arrival and offer competitive data packages for tourists.