Top 6 Tips When Travelling to Qatar

Before you head off on your Arabic holiday to Qatar, there are a few things to know that will make your trip easier:

1. Both a visa and a passport are required in order to visit Qatar. You can apply for a tourist visa online through the Qatar e-government website.
2. There are several vaccinations that are recommended before travelling to Qatar, and it is suggested that all travellers visit a doctor four to eight weeks before their departure.
3. Smartraveller says travelling to Qatar is safe and tourists should exercise normal safety precautions.
4. Arabic is the national language of Qatar, but however, English and French are also widely used. If you are looking to fit in with the culture as best you can, there are few key words you should know, for instance Salaam which means 'hello' in Arabic.
5. When in Doha, it is advised to dress modestly as a sign of respect to local customs and culture. Both women and men usually refrain from wearing clothing that reaches above their knees and women are seen with their arms covered.
6. Weekends in Qatar fall on Fridays and Saturdays. Most of the stores are usually closed on Friday mornings until the afternoon prayer, and they begin to open for business around 1:30pm.

Before you take off on your journey to Qatar, consider purchasing international travel insurance for access to emergency assistance while travelling abroad.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Francisco Anzola