Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a constant terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula, where reports of planned terrorist attacks occasionally emerge. Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Exercise caution in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public and tourist areas), monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Register with and carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

On September 21, 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) released a statement threatening retaliation for the American-led coalition campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. The statement encouraged opportunistic and indiscriminate attacks against citizens and interests of countries supporting the coalition, which includes Canada. Individuals and terrorist groups in the region may be inspired to carry out attacks in a show of solidarity with ISIL. Exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, maintain a heightened level of vigilance and be aware of your surroundings.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare. Petty crime could occur, including banking and credit card fraud. Ensure that personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Women’s safety

Although it is rare, there have been reports of physical and verbal harassment toward women. Women should not travel alone, especially after dark. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women.

Regional travel

On June 5, 2017, the governments of Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Qatar. Some airlines have suspended flights to and from Qatar. Further measures could impact transportation. If you are planning to travel between Qatar and one of these countries, or transit through Qatar, verify your travel plans with your airline or travel agent. Monitor local media for the latest development.

The border between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is closed.

Road safety

Exercise increased caution when travelling by car, due to recent attacks against foreigners in the region.

Accidents are common. Unsafe driving practices, including use of excessive speed, and poor lighting create hazards.

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. Leave a travel itinerary with a relative or friend. Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cell phone.

In case of accidents without injury, move the vehicle to the nearest parking area (or you may receive a fine for blocking traffic), call 999 and wait for the police to arrive. If the accident caused injuries or deaths, do not move the vehicle, call 999 and wait for the police to arrive. The driver must not leave until permitted by the police to do so, as leaving the scene is considered a criminal offence.

Public transportation

Use only officially marked taxis or reputable limousine services, and avoid shared taxis.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Sea travel

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Masa and the Tunbs. Iran and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over these islands.

General safety information

Carry identification documents at all times. Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes. Make copies of your visa or residence permit and keep it in a safe place.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Qatari authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the State of Qatar for up-to-date information.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Qatar, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Visas

Canadians must possess a visa to visit Qatar. Visas, valid for 30 days, can be obtained upon arrival in the country. Overstaying the length of your visa can result in heavy penalties.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Canadians must possess residence and work permits to work in Qatar. To receive these permits, you must be sponsored by an employer, who then controls the issuance of exit permits for the employee, even for personal travel and emergencies. Canadians working in Qatar should request a multiple entry/exit permit from their employer. If you subsequently break your employment contract, you may be subject to substantial penalties before being allowed to leave the country. In the event of a contract or employment dispute, Qatari authorities refer to the Arabic language of a contract. Transferring employment in Qatar also requires the permission of the current sponsor.

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Qatar because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available in main cities.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Driving

New residents may use an International driving permit for a maximum of six months. In that period, you can convert it into a valid Qatari driving licence without any additional driving test.

Drunk driving, public intoxication and other alcohol-related offenses, possession and/or use or trafficking in illegal drugs are illegal in Qatar.

Illegal or restricted activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Avoid public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing.

Common-law relationships, adultery, prostitution and possession of pornographic material are illegal and are subject to severe punishment.

Do not drink alcohol outside licensed hotels.

It is forbidden to photograph government buildings and military installations. Do not photograph people without their permission.

LGBTQ2 travellers

The laws of Qatar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality. Convicted offenders can face up to life imprisonment or the death penalty. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Qatar.

See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.

Customs

Do not import pork products, alcohol or pornographic material. Videos are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Qatar. If local authorities consider you a Qatari citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Qatari passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Marriage

If you marry a Qatari citizen, the Qatari government may inform you that you have lost your Canadian citizenship. Note, however, that governments do not have the authority to annul citizenships of other countries. If such an event occurs, contact the nearest Canadian government office as soon as possible. For more information, consult Marriage Overseas.

Custody

Children of a Qatari father automatically acquire Qatari citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the country on a Qatari passport. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is difficult for a Western woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through the Qatari courts. Minor children of a Qatari-national father must have his permission to leave the country.

Legal process

Suspects and witnesses to incidents may be held for a few days without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Qatari authorities. The Embassy of Canada to the State of Qatar is usually not notified by the authorities when a Canadian citizen is arrested. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, including labour dispute, or issue a travel ban, pending resolution of the case. These processes can last up to several years.

Dress and behaviour

The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour, and dress conservatively. Western women do not usually cover their head. Western women may wear dresses and skirts, provided they cover the shoulders and knees; shorts, short skirts and tight and revealing clothing are considered inappropriate.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2017, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 27.

Exercise particular care in your behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, you could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Money

The currency is the Qatar riyal (QAR). Credit cards and traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars and pounds sterling are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller’s cheques in U. S. dollars or pounds sterling.

Natural disasters & climate

The rainy season extends from December to January and may result in flooding.

High levels of humidity and severe heat occur from June to September.

Sand and dust storms also occur.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Doha and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.