Visiting Qatar: What You Need to Know
While waiting patiently for my family to land safely at Hamad International Airport earlier in the week , it had been fascinating to ascertain first-hand the sheer number of tourists currently pouring into Qatar. Qatar has hosted several major sporting and cultural events this year, but immediately the talk about the town is that the Club World Cup . the present European Champions, Liverpool Football Club, began the semi-final against the Mexican team, C.F. Monterrey, on 18 December. Fans from everywhere the planet (including me!) attended the match at the amazing Khalifa International Stadium, a facility that has already hosted the 2019 World Athletics Championships and is home to the national team.
Fans travelling to Qatar were in great spirits, which was fantastic to witness. Having spoken to several people on the night of the match, it became apparent to me that there was still a requirement to convey some key messages for those eager to visit Qatar.
Getting into Qatar
Qatar operates a reasonably generous Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy, which is being offered to nationals from quite 80 countries. There are two main categories of VoA which apply, counting on one’s nationality:
Category 1: Valid for 180 days from issuance, but visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days at a time; and
Category 2: Valid for 30 days, and which may be extended for an extra 30 days. this is often offered to 44 nationalities, including British nationals.
When entering the country, visitors could also be asked to supply evidence of where they're going to be staying, also as proof of return to their home country. Evidence of funds is usually not requested. A key point to think about is that while the authorities make every effort to process all arrivals as quickly as possible, long queues at immigration may occur, particularly, if you're arriving in the dark . There is, however, an choice to expedite your waiting time by employing a means service, which costs around £40.
Be aware that Qatar doesn't allow alcoholic beverages into the country. Pork and medicines also are strictly forbidden.
Once in Qatar
Qatar already features a vast foreign national population and, from my experience, is welcoming to people from different countries. That being said, Qatar is, on the entire , a comparatively conservative country. As such, it’s important for visitors to remember of certain rules/norms:
Drinking is allowed in many hotels, but not publicly (Note that in sporting events, drinking alcohol is additionally permitted in dedicated Fanzones);
Being intoxicated (particularly outside) could have serious ramifications;
It is expected that each one residents and visitors dress modestly; and
Swearing and making rude gestures are taken very seriously by the authorities. It’s best to require particular care when liaising with the police and other officials.
There are another rules that the country imposes, but generally, people be happy to travel about their business. Getting around is additionally quite easy (the new metro system is impressive) and therefore the country offers many activities that visitors can enjoy.
Extending your stay
If you've got had an excellent time in Qatar and need to remain longer, confirm you check the expiry date on the visa placed in your passport. Failure to renew the visit visa can cause substantial fines (capped at QAR 10,000, roughly £2,200, per person), which you'll need to pay before you'll leave the country.
Visiting neighbouring countries
While within the region, many of us wish to see what else the center East has got to offer. If you would like to go to UAE, Saudi Arabia , Bahrain or Egypt, check online beforehand so as to seek out the simplest route to urge there, since there are not any direct flights available. Travelling to at least one of those countries via Oman or Kuwait are good options.
Final thoughts
The experience of the primary Liverpool match in Khalifa International Stadium indicated to me that Qatar is on its thanks to host an incredible 2022 World Cup . Recent sporting and entertainment spectacles have provided an honest learning opportunity for Qatar, and visitors can expect to possess an excellent time. Please ensure, however, that you simply are fully aware and sensitive to the culture and compliant with local rules and regulations—importantly, those surrounding immigration!
Fans travelling to Qatar were in great spirits, which was fantastic to witness. Having spoken to several people on the night of the match, it became apparent to me that there was still a requirement to convey some key messages for those eager to visit Qatar.
Getting into Qatar
Qatar operates a reasonably generous Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy, which is being offered to nationals from quite 80 countries. There are two main categories of VoA which apply, counting on one’s nationality:
Category 1: Valid for 180 days from issuance, but visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days at a time; and
Category 2: Valid for 30 days, and which may be extended for an extra 30 days. this is often offered to 44 nationalities, including British nationals.
When entering the country, visitors could also be asked to supply evidence of where they're going to be staying, also as proof of return to their home country. Evidence of funds is usually not requested. A key point to think about is that while the authorities make every effort to process all arrivals as quickly as possible, long queues at immigration may occur, particularly, if you're arriving in the dark . There is, however, an choice to expedite your waiting time by employing a means service, which costs around £40.
Be aware that Qatar doesn't allow alcoholic beverages into the country. Pork and medicines also are strictly forbidden.
Once in Qatar
Qatar already features a vast foreign national population and, from my experience, is welcoming to people from different countries. That being said, Qatar is, on the entire , a comparatively conservative country. As such, it’s important for visitors to remember of certain rules/norms:
Drinking is allowed in many hotels, but not publicly (Note that in sporting events, drinking alcohol is additionally permitted in dedicated Fanzones);
Being intoxicated (particularly outside) could have serious ramifications;
It is expected that each one residents and visitors dress modestly; and
Swearing and making rude gestures are taken very seriously by the authorities. It’s best to require particular care when liaising with the police and other officials.
There are another rules that the country imposes, but generally, people be happy to travel about their business. Getting around is additionally quite easy (the new metro system is impressive) and therefore the country offers many activities that visitors can enjoy.
Extending your stay
If you've got had an excellent time in Qatar and need to remain longer, confirm you check the expiry date on the visa placed in your passport. Failure to renew the visit visa can cause substantial fines (capped at QAR 10,000, roughly £2,200, per person), which you'll need to pay before you'll leave the country.
Visiting neighbouring countries
While within the region, many of us wish to see what else the center East has got to offer. If you would like to go to UAE, Saudi Arabia , Bahrain or Egypt, check online beforehand so as to seek out the simplest route to urge there, since there are not any direct flights available. Travelling to at least one of those countries via Oman or Kuwait are good options.
Final thoughts
The experience of the primary Liverpool match in Khalifa International Stadium indicated to me that Qatar is on its thanks to host an incredible 2022 World Cup . Recent sporting and entertainment spectacles have provided an honest learning opportunity for Qatar, and visitors can expect to possess an excellent time. Please ensure, however, that you simply are fully aware and sensitive to the culture and compliant with local rules and regulations—importantly, those surrounding immigration!
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