Qatar Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Qatar perfectly combines cultural and historical heritage with modernity and technology to create a country like no other in the world. This warm and welcoming peninsula offers a wealth of attractions such as art and cultural museums, historical heritage, beautiful beaches, desert getaways, and brand-new theme parks.

Located in the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a seductive blend of modernity and antiquity. Its capital, Doha, is considered the glass and steel of a 21st-century megalopolis but still retains a traditional atmosphere, with wooden dhows and venerable markets such as Souq Waqif. For culture lovers, there is also the Museum of Islamic Art.

Nowadays, most travelers must present the Qatar Entry Pre-Registration to travel freely in the country. iVisa can help you apply for the form online in less than 10 minutes, avoiding any complicated bureaucratic processes. That way, you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy planning your trip.

What travel document do I need to travel to Qatar, and what do I need to do?

In order to enter Qatar, you will most likely have to obtain the pre-registration form. The pre-registration system on the Ehteraz website or the Ehteraz mobile app is a system that the authorities have set up to speed up the arrival process for all travelers to Qatar.

This document will be valid for during your stay in the country.

Please note that this document does not replace a visa. If you need a visa to enter Qatar, you must contact your local Qatari embassy or consulate.

There are some exceptions. Not everyone must register for this travel document. According to border authorities, the exceptions are:

• All residents and tourists under the age of 18 traveling with an adult.
• Visitors who are holders of the NHS UK COVID Pass or EU COVPass.
• Citizens and residents of Qatar who have been fully vaccinated in Qatar.

To obtain this document, iVisa works in three simple steps:

• Step 1: Complete all your details in our questionnaire and choose your preferred processing time.
• Step 2: Check and verify your information. Once everything is correct, pay the iVisa service fee.
• Step 3: Finally, attach all the required documents and click the submit button to submit the application form.

The final and completed document will be automatically sent to your email. Make sure you save the form on your mobile device or print it out, as you will be asked to present it on arrival in Qatar.

If you need more information about the requirements and the procedure, you can contact any of our experts, who will advise you.

How much does the Entry Pre-Registration cost?

There are three options of payment and processing times to select from, depending on your travel budget and needs.

• Standard Processing Time: - .

• Rush Processing Time: - .

• Super Rush Processing Time: - .

Learn more about Qatar

What is the official language in Qatar?

In Qatar, the denominating population is Arabic. Therefore, Arabic is the country's official language, but English is also widely used, especially for tourism and business. Consequently, it can be considered a second language in the country. On the other hand, being a multicultural country, numerous dialects are also used in the country, such as Urdu, Balochi, Malayalam, Pashto, Hindi, Telugu, Tagalog, Tamil, Sinhala, Nelapi, and Bengali. Next, we will discuss the most widely spoken languages.

As mentioned above, Arabic is the official dialect of Qatar. It is divided into two categories: Gulf Arabic and Standard Arabic. Gulf Arabic, on the other hand, is called Khaliji and Qatari. In addition, it is divided into two different languages, South Qatari and North Qatari. Gulf Arabic comprises Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Iran, Bahrain, and other nations near or bordering Qatar.

Meanwhile, English is widely used in Modern Qatar, which is attributed to the fact that the country was once a British protectorate. English is also used as a de facto dialect between Arabic speakers and non-Arabic speakers to coordinate business meetings mostly with countries such as China, Japan, Canada, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, and many other countries. However, learning a few words of Arabic will make your hosts and some natives you interact with grateful for your visit.

How is Qatar's climate?

Qatar's climate is sizzling and quite humid. It is a desert climate, with very high temperatures almost all year round. The average temperature is approximately 26ºC. However, in summer, the temperatures can reach 45ºC. On the other hand, during the winter, there is a drop in temperatures. The Qatari nights are freezing and can reach 5ºC between December and February.

Another characteristic of Qatar's climate is the low rainfall. In the summer months, it does not rain at all. However, it can rain for 8 to 10 days in Qatar during the same year. And it rains briefly and lightly, which is why it is so hot.

The Qatari summer begins in March, a month in which temperatures reach 30ºC. During the following months, the thermometer reaches 40ºC-45ºC and 50ºC during the months of July and August, which are the hottest months. Although the atmosphere is somewhat more pleasant at night, the minimum temperatures are usually maintained at 26ºC-28ºC.

On the other hand, Qatar's climate during the winter is much more bearable and pleasant. Temperatures during the day vary between 18ºC and 25ºC; at night, they drop a lot and hover around 5ºC - 10ºC.

What to do in Qatar?

Here are some activities you can do during your visit to explore Qatar.

Surf the dunes

The sand dunes are as high as they are steep, so getting to know them from the desert to the sea can be a spectacular experience. You can spend the night in a luxurious Arabian camp, eat local food, and sleep under the stars. Experienced drivers pick you up from your hotel and take you to the desert for a half-day, full-day, or overnight adventure.

Visit Souq Waqif

Doha's Souq Waqif market has been reconstructed to evoke an atmosphere of yesteryear. It is a maze of stores filled with fabrics, spices, sweets, household goods, and souvenirs. In addition, there are many restaurants, including Syrian and Lebanese establishments and shisha lounges.

Stroll along the Corniche and cruise the dhows

A great way to spend the afternoon, the seven-kilometer promenade stretches along the Persian Gulf in the West Bay. You can sip a coffee, fly a kite or take your picture with the iconic pearl-shell sculpture.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art

Located just off the Corniche, the museum appears to float on the water from some angles. Among the museum's most important collections are different Islamic patterns, jewelry, and textiles from three continents. Some of these objects date from the 7th to the 19th century.

Admire East-West/West-East artwork

Qatar is a destination country full of art and culture. It possesses some world-renowned artists' pieces, such as the East-West/West-East. It consists of four monoliths, each approximately 15 meters high. Qataris, expatriates, and tourists gather here to create their memories in a breathtaking setting.

Visit Al Zubarah Fort and the Abandoned City

Visit the restored Al Zubarah Fortress and surrounding archaeological ruins, the first tourist attraction in the country to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological remains here date back to the 18th century, but the fort was built in 1938.

Explore the Al Thakira Mangroves

The Al Thakira Mangroves is one of the country's most iconic destinations. With a large area of vegetation and water in a desert ecosystem, this destination is considered unique in the country. It is full of birds, herons, and flamingos that have been migrating to the region for years.

Go shopping

We recommend visiting some of the best-known shopping malls, such as the Villaggio Mall. With Venetian inspiration, it has more than 200 stores. However, the Venice Canal is its main attraction. Here you can take a gondola ride and look up at a blue sky painted with clouds and lights.

You can also visit the Al Hazm, which features a mix of Arab tradition with European design, and you will even find 200-year-old olive trees imported from Europe.

Qatar Government Information

Qatar enacted its constitution in 1970, became independent in 1971, and later in 1972 amended the interim constitution to be compatible with the country's requirements and responsibilities. These amendments established the main objectives of the State of Qatar and emphasized its Arab and Islamic roots.

Qatar’s Economy and Wealth

Qatar is one of the world's significant economies. However, some variables can help you know a little more if you are going to travel to Qatar or want to learn more about the standard of living of its inhabitants.

The GDP per capita is an excellent indicator of the standard of living. In 2021, it was 51,810 euros, so it is in a good position, ranking 13th in the world.

As for the Human Development Index, which the United Nations prepares to measure the progress of a country, it indicates that the Qataris are in 45th place. On the other hand, if you are traveling for business, it is helpful to know that Qatar is ranked 83rd out of the 190 that make up the Doing Business ranking.

Did you know about the mandatory app?

The Ehteraz app was announced as one of the mandatory requirements for all tourists who want to travel to Qatar during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

All relevant information about the traveler is registered in this app, from the hotel where he/she will stay to the vaccination certificate. This application will allow tracking travelers and ensure compliance with the country's regulations.

What are the Qatar Rules for women?

Women in Qatar have the right to vote and can run for political office. Qatar introduced the right to vote for both men and women simultaneously on the occasion of the elections for the Central Municipal Council in 1999.

These elections were deliberately held on March 8, 1999, International Women's Day. However, women's rights are still affected due to rules and religion, there is still a great difference between men's and women's rights and liberty.

In addition, women who are or live in this city must cover their heads with a headdress called Shayla, wear a long black dress called abayha, and some are used to covering their faces with something called a niqab. - TO - In addition, a majority of women who live in this city must cover their heads with a headdress called Shayla, wear a long black dress called abayha, and some are used to covering their faces with something called a niqab.

How to dress in Qatar?

Qatar is one of the most developed countries in the Muslim community due to its constant business activity and investment efforts to improve the country. Despite this, the Arab nation is still governed by Sharia, better known as Islamic Law.

One of the main aspects to consider if you make the trip is the dress code.

On the one hand, women may not wear uncovered clothing such as short dresses, shorts, miniskirts, bikinis, or clothes with bare arms or necklines. In addition, women who are or live in this city must cover their heads with a headdress called Shayla, wear a long black dress called abayha, and some are used to covering their faces with something called a niqab.

Remember that you cannot get used to wearing excessive makeup, jewelry, or other embellishments as a tourist.

On the other hand, men are advised not to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, tight-fitting clothes, or torn pants. Instead, wearing long pants and T-shirts covering a large part of the body is advisable to respect the country's culture.

What is the best time to visit Qatar?

Like most countries in the region, Qatar has a dry, sunny desert climate almost all year round. However, summers are very hot, and winters are mild.

The best time to visit Qatar is from October to November or February to March. However, during Autumn and Spring, the weather is bearable, and the days are still long enough to make the most of it.

Another ideal time is during Qatar's winter, where rainfall is rare, and the temperature is perfect for tourism.

Tips for traveling in Qatar

To travel to Qatar for more than four days, you will probably need a visa to enter. This document can be obtained at the airport, or you can apply online if you are from the European Union. However, if you are staying less than four days, you will not require any travel documents.

You should also consider the type of currency. For example, in Qatar, the official currency is the Qatari Riyal, but it is advisable to use Euros, US Dollars, and credit cards in all establishments in Qatar.

Most middle eastern countries might not have the best healthcare facilities, so we recommend you travel with health insurance. You can research the coverage on any public health website. Apply for one before traveling.

Regarding transportation, before taking buses, we recommend taking a cab. This service is not expensive. You can even rent one for the whole day. Also, Qatar Airways is the best company in this Islamic country; you only have to apply for an airline online booking form, add your travel documents and get ready to travel.

Although tap water in Qatar is safe to drink, we recommend buying bottled water. This is because there is so little rainfall, and the water tends to have some high concentrations of minerals.

Finally, Qatar is an extremely religious country, so it is imperative that, if you are going to travel to this country, you must follow all its rules and traditions.

COVID-19 Restrictions to entering Hamad International Airport in Qatar

For travel to Qatar, visitors must present a valid certificate of full COVID-19 vaccination to be exempt from quarantine requirements. To be valid, the final dose must have been administered at least 14 days and no more than nine months prior to travel. It must also reflect that a booster vaccination has been administered, and validity will be extended for 12 months.

Only Qatar-approved or conditionally approved vaccines will be accepted. Those with a conditionally approved vaccine must prove their immune status valid by providing an antibody test performed 30 days before traveling.

Alternatively, a negative PCR verifiable laboratory test result, taken within 48 hours prior to travel, must be presented at the airport. All travelers are subject to selective COVID-19 testing upon arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers must be quarantined for five days in government-licensed hotel restaurants. To leave quarantine, government agents will administer a rapid antigen test on the fifth day, and those who present a negative test result will be released from quarantine.

Certificates must be in English or Arabic.

As COVID information change from time to time we recommend you to check our latest updates here.

Travel with iVisa

At iVisa, we can provide you with all the information about any travel document you may require, depending on your nationality and flight needs. Furthermore, if you have to contact one of our Customer Service Experts or write to them at [email protected], you can do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week on our website.