Qatar

Recommended Vaccinations For Qatar

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B; therefore vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A; therefore vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated, at risk travellers and children under 16 years of age. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering the BCG vaccine.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in Qatar, however, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow transmission.

Polio Vaccine

There is no risk of polio in this country. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to Measles in this country, therefore, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Qatar

There are no recommendations for Qatar at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Qatar

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in Qatar, however, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow transmission.

Polio

There is no risk of polio in this country. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers.

MERS

There is a risk of aquiring MERS-CoV in this country. It is a viral infection transmitted following direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person to person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Qatar

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. Women travellers should exercise greater caution when travelling alone, particularly at night. Unaccompanied women are occasionally harassed. Qatar is an Islamic country and travellers should wear modest, conservative clothing. Shoulders should be covered. Avoid sleeveless shirts, tank tops, short skirts or shorts. Athletic clothing should only be worn in public when engaging in sports activities. The penal code in Qatar punishes and forbids the wearing of revealing or indecent clothing.

Intimate behaviour between men and women of any age in public can lead to arrest.

Homosexual relations/behaviour is illegal in this country and penalties are severe.

Always have a copy of your passport in your possession for proof of identity, or authorities can and may detain you for questioning.

Proselytizing is against the law and the penalty can include deportation or imprisonment. Any behaviour that appears as an attempt to convert someone to another religion or even sharing information about your faith can be considered “proselytizing.”

Respect local customs, laws, traditions and religions at all times. Be mindful and avoid any actions that might offend the cultures or religious beliefs in Qatar.

It is illegal to import drugs, alcohol, religious materials/books, pornography or pork products. Luggage is scanned on arrival. The penalties for drug offenders are severe.

Arrive with your medications in original packaging with your prescription and an official letter signed and stamped by your physician stating the name of the medication and why you require it. There could be some prescription and over-the-counter medications in your country that might be considered controlled substances in Qatar.

It is illegal to drink alcohol or be intoxicated in public. There are severe penalties for public drunkenness or other alcohol-related offences. This country has a zero-tolerance policy for driving and drinking.

Incidents such as obscene language or gestures or even insulting comments can lead to fines and/or arrest and overnight imprisonment.

Be aware that one could be arrested for being a potential witness to a crime (including traffic accidents that involve injuries, slander, etc), road rage, for being a relative of a suspect, or a crime suspect. You may not have access to legal counsel. Even rude gestures can result in major penalties. You could be imprisoned and barred from leaving the country until your case has been resolved. Serious cases could take as long as six months to resolve.

Use only registered taxis. Do not take a taxi late at night unaccompanied.

Qatar has a very high road accident fatality rate. Drivers may not follow standard rules of the road and may drive at high speeds. Rural roads may be poorly lit, and animals may wander onto roads. If you are involved in a vehicle accident, do not leave the scene of the accident. If there are no injuries, you can remove your vehicle to a safer place if necessary. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Do not use cell phones when driving.

Extreme Violence

Terrorist activity is low in Qatar. However, Islamist extremism is a threat throughout the Middle East. Some extremist organizations have called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are. It is prudent to exercise caution with respect to safety in any foreign country.

Political Unrest

Public protests and political unrest may be rare in Qatar. However, regional conflicts in the Middle East and Gulf could affect Qataris. It is advised to monitor national and international media. In the event of a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid areas of mass gatherings, large crowds or public demonstrations.