Travel to Qatar

QUICK QATAR FACTS

Currency: Qatari Riyal is the currency of Qatar and can be withdrawn from ATMs. ATMs are generally everywhere in big cities and a few in a smaller cities.
The ability to pay by card in some stores or restaurant is not always an option, so it’s better to withdraw and have a small amount of cash with you. There are also ATMs everywhere in big cities.

Power Points: Most power points in Qatar are the same as UK plugs (3 rectangular pins in a triangular pattern). Obviously I would recommend you take a Travel Adapter if you don’t use the UK plug.

Official Language: Most people speak English, however, there are 3 distinct dialects: Qatari Arabic or Gulf Arabic the local dialect.

Health: There are no major health concerns for travellers to Qatar, however I would recommend that you contact your doctor a few weeks before you travel as in some cases you need to start medication a few days before your trip or get some vaccinations.

Drinking Tap Water: The tap water is generally safe to drink in Qatar.

Visa: If you don’t have a Hayya card, you’ll need a visa to enter. You may be eligible for a visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar for the latest details.. all visitors must purchase health insurance for the duration of their stay in Qatar. You can purchase insurance from companies approved by the Qatari Ministry of Public Health at a standard cost of 50 Qatari Riyals per month, either prior to or on arrival in Qatar. For more information: Ministry of Public Health – Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme (moph.gov.qa). Health insurance policies purchased outside Qatar may not meet Qatari entry requirements – please check with MoPH if in doubt.

Popular foods:
– Saloona – A classic Arabic stew, made with beef, lamb or fish, as well as seasonal vegetables tempered with garlic and ginger.
– Warak enab – Stuffed vine leaves with ground beef or lamb and rice, seasoned with garlic, pepper and coriander.
– Madrouba – Rice porridge, made with milk, butter, cardamom and chicken (sometimes beans).
– Luqaimat – Sweet fried dumpling flavored with cardamom and saffron, topped with sugar syrup (similar to a donut).

When to go: The months of mid-October to mid-March are the busiest for travel to Qatar. Temperatures at this time of year often range from 20 to 28 °C, making it a great time of year for spring. It is quite hot and dry for the majority of the year.