Qatar

Religion is a sensitive topic in Qatar, approach any discussions with care. You could face imprisonment for defaming, desecrating, or committing blasphemy against Islam, Christianity or Judaism. Public worship and proselytising by non-Islamic faiths is illegal and can result in deportation or imprisonment.

You must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit.

If you live in Qatar, your residence card is acceptable.

Dress modestly in public, including while driving:

*men and women should cover their shoulders and knees * the dress code is strictly enforced in government buildings, healthcare facilities and banks - you may be asked to leave or be denied entry

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates change every year. Ramadan in Qatar in 2026 will likely start on 17 February and will last approximately 30 days. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be patient and show tolerance

Only licensed hotels, restaurants and bars can sell alcohol. Expatriates living in Qatar can get alcohol on a permit system. Don’t carry alcohol around with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21. Places serving alcohol will ask for original photo IDs (copies are not accepted) upon entry.

It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. For example, if you drink in a non-licenced public place, you could get a prison sentence of up to 6 months or a fine up to 3,000 Qatari riyals.

Any intimacy in public, between any couples (including between teenagers), can lead to arrest.

Couples living together while unmarried is illegal in Qatar. Sex outside marriage is illegal for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. You can be arrested and punishments can include a fine, a custodial sentence and deportation once the sentence is complete.

Because of laws on sex outside marriage, if someone becomes pregnant outside marriage, both partners could face imprisonment or deportation. Doctors will ask for proof of marriage during antenatal checks.

An unmarried woman who gives birth in Qatar may also face problems registering the birth of the child in Qatar, and could be arrested, imprisoned or deported. To get a birth certificate from the Qatari authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. Authorities may compare the marriage date against the estimated date of conception.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Qatar. See our information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

Organisers of protests need to get permission from the Ministry of Interior. This must be done in advance and cannot be spontaneous.

Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts. You can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with police and other officials.

Smoking is prohibited in all closed public spaces including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public transport, malls, restaurants and government buildings.

It is illegal to vape or use an e-cigarette. Police can arrest you and courts can impose a fine, a prison sentence or deportation.

There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences in Qatar. Some medications that are legal in other countries are illegal in Qatar. See guidance on medications that you can bring into Qatar.

Penalties for using, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs, including cannabis, (even residual amounts) are severe.

You should expect a long prison sentence, deportation and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. 

Airports in Qatar have highly effective technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing. Taking pictures and sharing any visual imagery of people without their consent can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 Qatari riyals.

Some visitors attempting to film or photograph near religious, military, government or construction sites have been arrested. If in doubt, seek permission.

Drone use, including aerial photography and filming, is regulated in Qatar. You may need licences or permits before importing or operating a drone. Breaching drone regulations may result in fines, imprisonment and confiscation of equipment.

Check the latest requirements with the relevant Qatari authorities before travelling.

Journalists must get permission from the Qatar News Agency (QNA) to film or photograph as part of their work and enter the country on a visiting press permit. Even with permission to film or photograph, you cannot capture or share imagery of individuals without their consent. This permit allows you to take technical equipment like cameras through airport customs.

There are strict privacy laws in Qatar. See the guidelines for using cameras and binoculars. Posting messages, videos or photos that appear to insult or slander people, or are culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime. Individuals have been detained, prosecuted and convicted for posting this type of material.

Financial crimes include:

• fraud
• giving somebody a cheque which bounces (including post-dated and ‘security’ cheques)
• non-payment of bills (for example hotel bills or car hire)

You may also be liable for cheques that you have signed on behalf of a company.

Financial crimes can be punished with:

• imprisonment
• travel ban
• fines
• deportation
• freezing bank accounts and other assets
• seizing of any end-of-service benefits or bonuses 
• blocking your access to possible future sponsors (employers)

If you have unpaid loans or financial commitments you may be prevented from leaving Qatar.

See more details about financial crimes if you are living and working in Qatar.