Qatar

Qatar is an hereditary constitutional monarchy governed by the ruling Al Thani family in consultation with a council of ministers, an appointed advisory council,and an elected municipal council. Qatar’s first written constitution was adopted in 2005. Islamic beliefs and tribal traditions provide an important foundation of the country’s customs, laws and practices.  Located on the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a dynamic, rapidly developing country that is among the wealthiest in the world by per capita income. Tourist facilities are available. Please read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Qatar for additional information.     

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Qatar, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Qatar is provided for general reference only and is subject to change at any time. Current traffic regulations may be obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Police.

Do not drive in Qatar on a U.S. driver’s license.  New and prospective residents should obtain a permanent Qatari Driving License immediately after arrival.  To obtain a Qatari driver’s license, you must pass a driving exam and road test.  Short-term visitors and business travelers can also obtain a Temporary Qatari Driving License by presenting their U.S. driver’s license at any branch of Qatar’s Traffic Police.

Traffic accidents are among Qatar’s leading causes of death.  Informal rules of the road and the combination of local and third-country-national driving customs often prove frustrating for first-time drivers in Qatar.  The extensive use of roundabouts, numerous road construction projects, and high-speed driving can be challenging.   In rural areas, poor lighting, wandering camels and roads lacking shoulders present other hazards.

Avoid altercations or arguments over traffic incidents, particularly with Qatari citizens who, if insulted, may file complaints with local police that can result in arrest and overnight detention of U.S. citizens.  Drivers can be held liable for injuries to other persons involved in a vehicular accident, and local police have detained U.S. citizens overnight while ascertaining the extent of injuries.  Due to its conservative Islamic norms, Qatar maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving.  Qatar’s Traffic Police have arrested U.S. citizens for driving after consuming amounts of alcohol at lower levels than legally allowed in the United States.

Any motor vehicle over five years old cannot be imported into the country.  For specific information concerning Qatari driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact either the the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC, the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Houston, the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in New York, or the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Los Angeles.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Qatar’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Incidents of violence are rare in Qatar, although attacks against Western targets have occurred.  To provide for public security, a large police presence is deployed throughout the country.  U.S. citizens in Qatar should maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security at all times.  U.S. citizens should also avoid visiting labor or work camps, where unrest can occur because of local working conditions or labor grievances.

The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. interests worldwide, including in the Middle East.  Both historical and recurring information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan strikes against Western targets through such tactics as assassination, kidnapping, hijacking, and bombing.

U.S. citizens are urged to avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Increased security at official facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer, less fortified targets.  Other locations of potential concern include any venue where U.S. citizens and other foreigners are known to congregate in large numbers, such as public assemblies, sporting events, restaurants, residential areas, clubs, places of worship, schools, hotels, etc.  The Government of Qatar occasionally provides security for such locations and events, but to varying degrees.  In most instances, the Embassy cannot gauge the appropriateness of security for a given event before it starts.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Qatar on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The crime rate in Qatar is generally low.  A large police presence is apparent to travelers throughout the country.  Incidents of violence are rare but have occurred more frequently in recent years as Doha’s population and economic pressures on expatriate workers have increased.  Local and third-country-national young men have occasionally verbally and physically harassed unaccompanied expatriate women.  Reports of petty theft are infrequent but have been growing, including ATM and credit card theft, purse snatching, and pickpocketing.  Travelers should not leave valuables such as cash, jewelry, and electronic items unsecured in hotel rooms or unattended in public places.

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available.  Not only are bootlegged items illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates ). We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friend.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Qatar is 999.  You can contact the Qatari Police for emergency assistance by dialing 999 from any telephone in Qatar.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.