Qatar
About
| Qatar - or at least the capital, Doha - has metamorphosed into a self-confident, elegant entrepôt that gives the UAE a run for its money. Occupying a flat peninsula jutting into the oil-rich waters of The Gulf, Qatar is one of the richest per capita countries in the world - a wealth exhibited in high-profile projects, such as the new Museum of Islamic Art, built to house the largest such collection in the world Sip mint tea at one of the many coffee shops around the souq and try a croak on a sheesha: don't be fooled by the innocent-sounding flavours of apple, peach and strawberry - these splendid water pipes have a high tobacco content. Paddle in the shallows, or lounge in a spa at one of Qatar's growing number of resorts; for those wanting a bit of history with their sun-downer, try the pyramid-shaped Sheraton, the grand dame on Doha's skyline. Cruise into the sunset on a dhow boat ride around Doha Bay; these characterful hand-made vessels creek and groan with each gentle wave but, as the traditional Arab fishing vessel, they know all about braving high waters. Play a round or two at the Doha Golf Club and be in the company of the greats; the Qatar Masters in March is an important event on the international circuit. |
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| Capital: | Doha (DOH) |
| Currency: | Qatari Riyal (QAR) |
| Language: | Arabic. English is spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 974 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to go: | October – April. The coolest months are December – February. |
| Best For: | Islamic Art, Resorts |
| Plugs: | 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Doctors may require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | 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. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Drinking alcohol in public (other than in hotel restaurants and bars) is illegal. The import of pornographic material, non-Islamic religious material, alcohol or pork products is strictly prohibited. Homosexuality is illegal. Public displays of affection between men and women are illegal. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | ATMs may be limited outside of Doha. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Qatar without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes. • Personal items and gifts up to a value of QR3,000. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Alcohol, narcotics, pork-related products or pornography. Goods conspicuously originating from Israel may pose problems if you're stopped by customs. You cannot bring Israeli currency in or out of the country. You can only import firearms with a licence obtained in advance from the Ministry of Defence. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the State of Qatar
1077 Justice Mahomed Str, Waterkloof, Pretoria
Tel: 01) 452 1700/1
E-mail: pretoria@mofa.gov.qa
Web: pretoria.embassy.qa
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 11; Mar 2, 31; Apr 1-2; Jun 7-9; Dec 18
Public Holidays 2026: Feb 10; Mar 20-22; May 27-29; Dec 18
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by South African passport holders for Tourism Purposes of up to 30 days.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Passport must be valid for 3 months
- Confirmed onward / return flight
- Valid accommodation booking
Mandatory health insurance is required for visitors who are required to obtain a prior entry visa before reaching the border crossings. A visitor visa will not be granted until the visitor has purchased a visitor's insurance policy. Visitors who are eligible to obtain a visitor visa on arrival at the border crossings are exempt from obtaining a visitor's 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.
For more visa information, please visit: visitqatar.com
SA Representative
SA Embassy
Villa 11, Saha 100, West Bay, Doha
Tel: +974 4485 7111
E-mail: Doha.Consular@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/doha/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
