Welcome to Qatar

Easier to get to than you may think, Qatar has become a fantastic place to stop over on an overseas adventure or visit entirely on its own. Arabian hospitality emanates from every corner of this Middle Eastern gem, whether you’re being invited to table to enjoy a traditional meal of Machbūs or bouncing your way through the desert on a jeep tour.

Doha is a world-class capital, so spend a couple days here. Start with its Museum of Islamic Art (designed by I. M. Pei), set off the Corniche promenade to look like its floating on water and housing an impressive collection of calligraphy, Islamic prints and textiles from three continents.

Don’t miss the Souq Waif for fabrics, spices, art and sweets. Doha has an emerging culinary scene, including Alain Ducasse’s first restaurant in the Middle East. Next on your priority list should be a whirl through the desert in a dune buggy, perhaps even spending the night in a luxury Arabian tent. With abundant year-round sunshine, beaches, sand dunes and ancient ruins, Qatar awaits your discovery.

Unique Facts

• Qatar is the wealthiest country in the world, at $124,927 USD per capita.
• There is not a single forest in Qatar, making it the one of four territories in the world without trees (joining San Marino, Greenland and Oman). Since the rest of the country is desert, 99 percent of the residents live in Doha.
• Qatar will host the FIFI World Cup in 2022. They’re a sports fan nation, enjoying handball, golf, camel racing, futsal, basketball, drag racing, powerboat racing and cricket.
• Lunch is the main meal of the day in Qatar. Karak tea, milky tea with cardamom, is served after meals. After the Friday lunch, and after prayers, is considered family gathering time.
• The highest point in the country is Qurayn Abu Al Bawl, or Tuwayyir al Hamir, and it’s just 338 feet high.

Language

Qatar’s official language is Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to Qatar is from November to early April. The weather is idea for sightseeing. The summer months of June through September are very hot.

Airports

Hamad International Airport, Doha

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Qatar: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types D and G. Standard voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Qatari Rial

Getting Around

Be aware that there are extensive roundabouts, road construction projects and high-speed drivers throughout Qatar. In rural areas, be on the lookout for poorly lit stretches of road, livestock in the roadways and roads without shoulders.

Driver’s License

Visitors must obtain a temporary Qatari driver’s license.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Doha
Al-Luqta District
22nd February Street
PO Box 2399
Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +(974) 4496-6000, extension 0 or 6600
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(974) 4496-6000, extension 0 or 6600,
Fax: +(974) 4488-4298
ACSDoha@state.gov or ConsularDoha@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/home

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 112
Police: 155
Fire: 177

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Qatar. Incidents of violence and petty theft are rare, but they do occur.