Things You Should Know if You’re a First-Time Visitor to Qatar
Are you planning a trip to Qatar soon, or will you be visiting for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM? Every country has a unique set of considerations to make when traveling there, and Qatar is no exception. When visiting this country, visitors must respect and adhere to the local laws, customs, and traditions.
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Read More: Do's and Don'ts for Qatar Visitors
we have compiled a list of items to consider and bear in mind while visiting Qatar. Happy browsing and continue reading to learn more about it!
Drinking is banned in public places
The laws and customs in Qatar reflect the fact that it is an Islamic nation. It's against the law to consume alcohol or to be drunk in public. "Whoever consumes any enhanced beverages in a public place shall be penalized with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months and/or a fine not exceeding three thousand Qatari Riyals," states Article 270 on the Qatari Legal Portal - Al Meezan (QR 3,000). Anyone who is discovered drunken and disturbs others on the main road will receive the same punishment.
Only licensed hotel restaurants and bars in Qatar are allowed to serve it, and foreign nationals can only get it with a permit. Alcoholic beverage establishments will also require an original photo ID since you are not permitted to take alcoholic beverages with you.
No drugs
Harsh punishments are in place in Qatar for the use, trafficking, and possession of illegal narcotics. According to Article 35, anyone found in possession of, purchasing, or dealing drugs for commercial gain faces a minimum 10-year sentence and a maximum 20-year prison term, as well as a fine ranging from QR 200,000 to QR 400,000.
Smoking
According to Article 12, smoking is not permitted in closed public areas like hospitals, health facilities, Ministries, governmental institutions, public stores, elevators, theaters, and shopping centers.
No gambling
Gambling is not permitted in Qatar either. According to Article 274, "gambling" is defined as "any game in which the possibility of gain or loss rests upon uncontrolled chance and each party agrees to pay to the winning party an amount of money or any other benefit to be agreed upon in the case of a loss."
In accordance with Article 275, "whoever gambles shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and a fine not exceeding three thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 3,000) or one of these two penalties. if gambling occurs in a public place and performed openly or in any place or house-made for this purpose, the imprisonment can be extended to six months and/or a fine not exceeding six thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 6,000).
No Pork Products
You are not allowed to import pork or pig-related products into this Islamic nation. Additionally, neither restaurants nor motels serve it. To purchase pork in Qatar, you require a license. Residents who are foreigners may get it through a permit procedure.
Tipping
Although tipping is not customary in Qatar, you will see foreigners leaving tips in cafés, restaurants, and other establishments. You are fully free to tip whatever much or what percentage you choose.