Qatar is one of the safest places in the world. Both visitors and residents have the opportunity to experience the welcoming and friendly nature of Arab culture. Like anywhere else, respecting local traditions and practices allows you to enjoy the true essence of the host country, giving you a better travel experience.

 

Visa

Tourist visas are available on entry for citizens of 33 countries. The cost of visa for a month is QR100 per person, and an additional QR50 per companion registered on your visa.

Tourist entry visa is available on arrival for residents of the GCC states.

You can also apply for a joint tourist visa for Qatar and Oman.

 

Business Visa: You can avail of two types of business visa. A 72-hour visa on arrival, and one that you have to apply for in advance that can be extended.

 

Family Visit Visa: Expatriates with family status can sponsor parents and siblings for a visit of up to six months.

 

( see also:QATAR TRAVEL VISA REQUIREMENTS)

 

Clothing

Men and women should dress modestly as a courtesy to both Qataris and Muslims. Swimsuits and beachwear are acceptable at the hotel beaches (don’t forget sunscreen), but it is not appropriate to show too much skin in other public areas. Tops should cover the shoulders and upper arms, and skirts or shorts should fall to or below the knee. Women are not obliged to cover their hair. Visitors should be thoughtful of their clothing particularly in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The extreme heat and high humidity of summertime means light-weight fibres are advisable (clothes made from ‘wicking’ – high techpolyester - material are invaluable); covering up susceptible parts of your body whilst outside they will also prevent sunburn. However a jumper or wrap may be needed inside malls, cinemas and restaurants, as the air conditioning can be fierce. Wintertime can be chilly, especially in the evenings, and there is also a chance of rain, so coats and closed shoes will be useful.

 

Mail

Postal services in Qatar are managed by Q-Post. Postal services offered include regular letters and parcel postage, along with bill payments and money transfer.

There are over 200 post boxes around the country, including a few in prominent tourist destinations like Katara and the museums.

 

Language

Arabic is the official and main language, but English is widely spoken in every part of the country. Despite the fact that most Qatari people speak fluently English, they feel honored to see their guests speaking a few words in Arabic:

 

Hello (welcome)	marhaba
Hello (peace be upon you)	assalamo alaykum
Good morning	sabah al khair
Good afternoon/evening	misaa al khair
Goodbye	ma’salaama
How are you?	kaif halaak (m) / kaif haalik (f )
Please	min fadlak
Thank you	shukran
Not at all	afwan
Yes	na’am
No	la
I want a taxi	ureed taxi
Right	yameen
Left	yasar
Straight ahead	alatool
Let’s go	yalla
Finished	khallas
No problem	ma fi mushkila
This/that	hatha / hathaak
I want to buy…/I’d like	areed ashtiri…/ ana areed
The bill please	fatoura, laow samaht
Yesterday/today/ tomorrow	ams / alayum/bukra
God willing	insha’Allah

 

SOURCE: Qatar Tourism