CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Qatar

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 has been updated (removal of information on Ramadan).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Qatar

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Qatar do not experience problems.

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City, Kuwait, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Regional developments and socio-economic conditions are usually the main causes of concern. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare, including against foreigners. Petty crime could occur, including banking and credit cards fraud. To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, showing signs of affluence should be avoided and personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents should be secure at all times. 

Women’s Safety

There have been reports of physical and verbal harassment towards women. Travelling alone, especially after dark, is not advisable. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

In case of an emergency, dial 999.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Qatari authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the State of Qatar for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Qatar. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Whatever the purpose of their stay, Canadians must be in possession of a visa obtained at the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar, prior to departure, along with a ticket for round-trip or onward travel. It is possible to apply online for visas via the Ministry of the Interior in the State of Qatar website. For detailed information on requirements related to each type of visa, Canadians should seek advice from Qatari authorities. Those overstaying the duration of their visa should expect heavy penalties.

Regional Travel
 
Canadians have been denied entry into Qatar because their passports bear: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Qatar. Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Doha at the following address:

Qatar – DOHA, Embassy of the United Kingdom
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3, Doha, Qatar
Tel.: (974) 496-2000
Fax: (974) 496-2086
E-Mail: consular.qatar@fco.gov.uk
Internet: http://ukinqatar.fco.gov.uk/en/

The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City, Kuwait, has consular responsibility for Qatar:

Kuwait - KUWAIT CITY, Embassy of Canada
Address: Villa 24, Block 4, 24 Al-Mutawakkal Street, Da'aiyah, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Postal Address: P.O. Box 25281, Kuwait City, Safat 13113
Tel.: 965 2256-3025
Fax: 965 2256-0173
E-Mail: kwait@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kuwait.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City, Kuwait, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Modern medical care is available in main cities, but could be inadequate in remote areas. Immediate cash payment is required.

Dehydration is a serious risk due to very high temperatures during the summer months. Preventive action includes ensuring protection from the sun and drinking plenty of water.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Religion

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Religious and social traditions should be respected in order to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Legal Process

Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Qatari authorities. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

Identification Documents

Identification documents should be carried at all times. Visitors are advised to leave their passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

Dress and Behaviour

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Men and women should dress conservatively. It is uncommon for Western women to cover their head. Dresses and skirts are permitted, provided they cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.

All travellers should exercise particular care in their 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, the accused could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment.

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.

The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. Penalties for using or trafficking drugs, as well as for drunk driving and other related offences are severe. Visitors should not drink alcohol outside licensed hotels. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. Public intoxication is advised against.

It is not permitted to import pork products, alcohol, and pornographic material. Videos are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

It is forbidden to photograph government buildings and military installations. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Employment

Qatari employers/sponsors have customarily retained the passports of foreign employees. Foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, may not leave Qatar without the permission of their employer/sponsor.

Family

Children of a Qatari-national 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.
 
Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Dual citizens are required by law to enter or exit Qatar on their Qatari passport. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Canadians marrying Qataris should know that the Qatari government may retain their Canadian passport and inform them that they have lost their Canadian citizenship.  However, governments do not have the authority to annul citizenships of other countries. If such event occurs, contact the nearest Canadian government office as soon as possible.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Sea Travel

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Caution should be exercised 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 UAE each claimed sovereignty over the islands.

Road Travel

Accidents are common. Unsafe driving practices, poor lighting, speed driving and roaming animals create hazards. The main international routes from Saudi Arabia are often impassable during the rainy season (December-January).

In the event of an accident, the driver should not attempt to move the vehicle, even if it impedes traffic. The driver should call 999 and wait for the police to arrive. If the accident resulted in injuries or deaths, the driver must not leave until permitted to do so by the police, otherwise, it would be considered a criminal offence.

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers should be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food, and a cellular phone.

Only officially marked taxis or reputable limousine services should be used.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

---

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

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from December to January, often resulting in flooding.

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

Sand and dust storms also occur.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP