12 Essential Qatar Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Many people arrive in Qatar for a short stopover before travelling on to another destination but we think Qatar deserves more than a fleeting visit. Stay longer and you’ll find that this small Gulf nation is full of surprises.

We didn’t know what to expect before visiting Qatar but we were quickly wowed with its futuristic skylines, world-class museums, desert landscapes, and strong cultural traditions. Qatar offers first-time visitors a unique blend of modernity and heritage but, like us, you’ll likely have questions around etiquette, dress code, and getting around.

Here are our 12 essential Qatar travel tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

12 Essential Qatar Travel Tips

1. Check Your Visa Requirements Early 🛂

Qatar offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 95 nationalities, including the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and the US.

✔️Check the official Qatar Visa Portal to see if you qualify for a visa on arrival.

✔️If you need an e-visa, you can arrange it through the Hayya platform. If you are arriving into Qatar by road, you can also pre-register your vehicle on the platform.

✔️ For a visa on arrival you’ll need a passport which is valid for at least 3 months, and evidence of a confirmed return (or onward) ticket and health insurance from an approved company.

💡 Tip: If you’re using Qatar as a stopover, travellers flying Qatar Airways can get a free transit visa.

2. Understand Local Customs and Dress Modestly 👗🕌

Qatar is a Muslim country with conservative cultural values. It may feel modern and open to visitors but it’s important for visitors to dress and behave respectfully.

✔️Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops in public.

✔️Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and private beaches, but not in public areas.

✔️Public displays of affection should be avoided.

✔️ Avoid wearing clothes with graphic or offensive images or slogans.

💡 Tip: A lightweight scarf to cover up can come in handy for women when visiting mosques or conservative areas.

3. The Weekend Is Friday and Saturday 📅

The Qatari workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday. Friday is the holy day so Friday and Saturday are considered the weekend. It’s easy to get caught out by the differences so factor this into your planning.

✔️Many shops and cafés open late on Fridays especially during the morning prayer hours.

✔️ Plan visits to souqs, museums, and attractions accordingly.

✔️ Friday brunch is a popular tradition in Doha’s hotels. If you want to join in, make sure you book in advance.

💡 Tip: Museums often open later on Fridays and close earlier on weekends.

4. Stay Connected with an eSIM or Tourist SIM Card 📱

We found that staying online in Qatar was easy due to its excellent mobile infrastructure.

✔️ Use an eSIM from Airalo or Holafly (if your device is compatible).

✔️Alternatively, pick up a tourist SIM from Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar at the airport.

✔️Free Wi-Fi is common in malls, hotels, and even taxis.

💡 Tip: WhatsApp and Google Maps work seamlessly in Qatar so it’s easy to get around and make bookings.

5. Getting Around: Use Uber, Taxis, or the Metro 🚕🚇

Doha has a modern, air-conditioned metro system and you’ll find taxis are affordable.

✔️Uber is widely available and is often cheaper than regular taxis.

✔️ The Doha Metro has three lines which connect major attractions, malls, and the airport.. It boasts one of the fastest driverless trains in the world.

✔️ Paper tickets are banned so you must buy a travel card. You can choose between standard class and family cards or luxury class cards. Buy a card and then top it up with money before travelling on the metro. Cards are valid on the metro and the Lusail Tram.

💡 Tip: Download the Karwa Taxi app if you prefer to use local cabs.

6. Alcohol Rules Are Strict 🍷🚫

Alcohol is available in Qatar but only in licensed venues such as hotel bars, select restaurants, and private clubs.

✔️ Drinking in public is prohibited and strictly enforced.

✔️ You must be 21+ to drink alcohol and visitors cannot bring alcohol into Qatar.

✔️ There is a single licensed liquor store in Doha, but only for residents with permits.

💡 Tip: Respect the laws around alcohol as penalties are severe for public intoxication.

7. Fridays Are for the Desert 🏜️🐫

We recommend escaping the city skyscrapers with a trip to the desert. Desert safari are a popular weekend activity for Qatari’s.

Options include:

✔️ Dune bashing at Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea)

✔️ Camel rides and traditional Bedouin camps

✔️ BBQ dinners under the stars

💡 Tip: Book with a reputable tour operator and avoid moving around the desert in the heat of mid-afternoon.

8. Tap Water Is Safe But Bottled Water Is Preferred 🚱💧

While tap water in Qatar is treated, most visitors prefer to drink bottled or filtered water.

✔️ Hotels provide complimentary bottled water daily.

✔️ Avoid drinking from public fountains unless it’s clearly marked as filtered.

✔️ Use bottled water for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

💡 Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at filtered stations to reduce plastic waste.

9. If Travelling During Holy Month, Respect Ramadan Traditions 🌙

If you’re visiting Qatar during Ramadan, the rules around eating and behaviour change during daylight hours. The dates for Ramadan change each year so if you want to avoid changes, check current dates before booking your flights and accommodation.

✔️ Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset.

✔️ Many restaurants are closed during the day but open after Iftar (sunset meal).

✔️ Dress extra modestly and avoid loud music or public displays of affection.

💡 Tip: Non-Muslims are still welcome to Qatar during Ramadan, you’ll just need to be aware and respectful of the fasting traditions.

10. Currency: Qatari Riyal 💵

The Qatari riyal (QAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

✔️ ATMs are readily available in malls and banks.

✔️ We recommend carrying some cash for small purchases or souqs.

✔️ Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. The general rule is to tip between 5–10%.

💡 Tip: Avoid exchanging money at the airport unless necessary as you’ll find better rates in the city.

11. Don’t Skip the Culture 🌍

We discovered that there’s so much more to Qatar than just modern skyscrapers. For example, its heritage and art scene are world-class. Make sure you allocate some time in your schedule to visit some museums and galleries.

Our must-visits include:

✔️ Museum of Islamic Art – a stunning waterfront museum showcasing Islamic art from three continents

✔️ National Museum of Qatar – an impressive, futuristic building houses a diverse and engaging collection

✔️ Souq Waqif – a cultural hub offering excellent shopping and traditional food

✔️ Katara Cultural Village – featuring mosques, museums, galleries, an amphitheatre, planetarium and even a beach!

💡 Tip: Many museums are free or have low-cost entry so this is a great way to keep costs down in Qatar.

12. Be Aware of Public Behaviour and Laws 🧾

Qatar is a safe and clean destination, but it operates under strict laws. It’s essential to be aware of what’s acceptable and what’s not as travellers are subject to the same rules as locals.

✔️ Swearing, rude gestures, and arguments can lead to fines or worse.

✔️ Avoid photographing locals (especially women) without permission.

✔️ LGBTQ+ travellers are welcome, but public expression of same-sex relationships may be viewed differently.

💡 Tip: When in doubt, err on the side of caution and respect local norms.

Final Thoughts

Qatar is a fascinating and fast-evolving destination which offers an intriguing blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re flying in for a few days or exploring deeper, careful planning and cultural awareness will go a long way in making your first trip enjoyable, respectful, and stress-free.

From sunset desert safaris to dazzling museum visits and authentic souq shopping, we guarantee that Qatar will surprise and delight you at every turn.