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.