Qatar Guida di viaggio
Informazioni di viaggio essenziali — numeri di emergenza, sicurezza, valuta, visti, usanze e come spostarsi.
Qatar is internally one of the safest countries in the world for everyday travel: violent crime is extremely rare, women travel freely, and Doha is clean, orderly and heavily surveilled. The elevated rating reflects regional geopolitics rather than street-level danger. As of mid-2026, Qatar sits close to the US-Iran/Iran-Israel tension zone, and advisories were raised after periods of military escalation in the Gulf. Conditions can shift rapidly, so check your government's advisory and register with your embassy before and during travel.
Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Types D and G, 240V, 50Hz (the UK-style three-pin Type G is most common, so UK travelers need no adapter)
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Many restaurants add a 10 percent service charge; if not, rounding up or leaving 10-15 percent is generous. A few riyals for hotel porters, housekeeping and taxi drivers is customary. Karwa taxi drivers do not expect tips but appreciate rounding up the fare.
Two main operators, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar, sell prepaid tourist SIMs with data at Hamad International Airport and in malls; bring your passport to register. Ooredoo's 'Hala' tourist SIM is popular and includes data and local minutes. Coverage and 5G are excellent across Doha and main roads. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly and the local operators) are a convenient alternative. Free Wi-Fi is widespread in malls, hotels and the metro.
Around 100 nationalities (including the UK, EU/Schengen states, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival, typically valid for 30 or 90 days depending on nationality. You generally need a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed onward/return ticket and proof of accommodation. Some nationalities (e.g. India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, Ukraine) must pre-book accommodation via the official Discover Qatar platform, and stays over 30 days now require health insurance. Always confirm the current rules for your passport before travel as policies change.
Right
Doha's modern, air-conditioned Doha Metro (Red, Green and Gold lines) is fast, cheap and spotless, linking the airport, West Bay, Souq Waqif, Msheireb, Education City and Lusail. Buy a Travel Card or tap a contactless bank card; free Metrolink shuttle buses connect stations to nearby attractions. Karwa public buses cover wider routes. Metered Karwa taxis (turquoise) and ride-hailing apps cover everywhere the metro doesn't.
Uber, Careem, Karwa Taxi (Mowasalat) app
Qatar is small (roughly the size of a large city-region), so 'intercity' travel mostly means short drives from Doha to places like Al Khor, Al Wakrah, the Zubarah fort and the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid). There are no passenger trains between cities; renting a car or hiring a driver is the norm, and a 4x4 with a guide is essential for the desert dunes. The land border with Saudi Arabia (Abu Samra) is open but used mainly by residents and freight.
- • Dress modestly in public. Qatar's national dress code asks both sexes to cover shoulders and knees in malls, museums and government buildings; men should avoid sleeveless tops and very short shorts, and women a headscarf is not required but light, loose clothing is appreciated.
- • Greet with the right hand. Handshakes are common between same-sex acquaintances, but many Qatari women may not shake hands with men; let them initiate, and place your right hand over your heart as a respectful alternative.
- • Accept hospitality graciously. Being offered Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates is a gesture of welcome; take the cup with your right hand, and gently shake it side to side when you've had enough.
- • Respect Ramadan. During the holy month, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours; many restaurants close until sunset, and the pace of the day shifts to the evening iftar.
- • Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving, as the left is traditionally considered unclean. Avoid pointing the soles of your feet at people.
- • Ask before photographing people, especially local women and government or military sites, and avoid public displays of affection, which can cause offense or legal trouble.
Modest and conservative. In public spaces, malls and attractions both men and women should cover shoulders and knees; women do not need a headscarf or abaya but should avoid tight or revealing clothing, and men should avoid sleeveless shirts. Beachwear and swimwear are fine at hotel pools, beach clubs and private beaches but not in public streets. Modest dress is required to enter mosques, where women are given an abaya and headscarf.
Qatar is a Muslim country following a conservative Wahhabi-influenced Sunni Islam, though it is more relaxed than neighboring Saudi Arabia. Islam shapes daily life: you'll hear the call to prayer five times a day and some shops briefly pause. Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques except the Imam Abdul Wahhab (State) Mosque, which offers guided visits in modest dress. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight. Never disparage Islam, the Qur'an or the ruling family; importing alcohol, pork or non-Islamic religious materials for proselytizing is restricted. Friday is the main day of worship, with many businesses opening later.
Football (soccer) — Qatar has aggressively positioned itself as a global sports hub, headlined by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Football is the national passion, with the Qatar Stars League and a state-of-the-art stadium legacy (Lusail, Al Bayt, Education City). The country also hosts world-class events year-round: MotoGP at Lusail, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open (tennis), top athletics and cycling meets, and equestrian and camel racing rooted in Bedouin heritage. Falconry, dhow sailing and desert dune-bashing remain culturally beloved pastimes, and National Sport Day each February turns the whole nation out for public fitness activities.
December 18
Qatar National Day
The biggest patriotic celebration, marking Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani's accession in 1878. Expect a grand military and heritage parade along the Doha Corniche, fireworks, traditional performances, falconry and Ardha sword dances, with maroon-and-white flags everywhere.
Second Tuesday of February
National Sport Day
A unique national public holiday devoted to fitness and well-being. Government offices and businesses close while parks, the Corniche and venues host free runs, football, watersports and family activities encouraging everyone to get active.
Varies (lunar calendar)
Eid al-Fitr
The festive holiday marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with family feasts, new clothes, gifts for children, decorated malls, fireworks and special events across Doha. Dates shift roughly 10-11 days earlier each year.
Varies (lunar calendar)
Eid al-Adha
The 'Festival of Sacrifice' tied to the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most important Islamic holidays, marked by communal prayers, charity, family gatherings and public celebrations. Many businesses close for several days.