- Capital
- Doha (DOH)
- Dialing Code
- + 974
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +3 hours
- Language
- Arabic
- Best Time to Go
- October – April
- Currency
- Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Travel Tips
- Do not take photos or videos of military sites, government buildings, or people without their explicit permission, as this can lead to severe legal penalties
- English is widely spoken
- The coolest months are December – February
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated
- As this is a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their shoulders and upper arms, and legs covered (at least until their knees). Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan
- Drinking alcohol in public (other than in hotel restaurants and bars) is illegal
- Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours
Last updated 7 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of the State of Qatar
1077 Justice Mahomed Str, Waterkloof, Pretoria
Telephone: 012 452 1700/1
E-mail: pretoria@mofa.gov.qa
Website: pretoria.embassy.qa
Public Holidays
2026
February: 10
March: 20 - 22
May: 27 - 29
December: 18
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by South African passport holders for Tourism Purposes of up to 30 days
- For more visa information, please visit: visitqatar.com
Entry Requirements
- Passport must be valid for 3 months
- Confirmed onward / return flight
- Valid accommodation booking and proof
Visitors who are eligible to obtain a visitor visa on arrival at the border crossings are exempt from obtaining a visitor's health insurance policy for the first 30 days from the date of entry to the country. However, if they wish to extend their stay for more than 30 days from the date of entry, they are required to purchase a health insurance policy
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Villa 11, Saha 100, West Bay, Doha
Telephone: +974 4485 7111
E-mail: Doha.Consular@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/doha/