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.