Qatar: Between sea and desert, a journey to the land of black gold

Documents and visa

French travellers wishing to enter Qatar do not need a visa, but must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the date of arrival in Qatar.

Money

Qatar's sole currency is the Qatari rial (QAR), with €1 more or less equal to QAR4. International credit cards are accepted everywhere. ATMs are available in town. Banks are generally closed on Fridays.

Safety

Qatar does not present any particular risks. However, it is forbidden to photograph public buildings and military installations. It is also best to avoid taking photos of the premises. The emergency number is 999.

Electricity

Sockets supply 240 V and are of the British type (with three flat plugs), so remember to take an adaptor with you!

Health

No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Qatar, but vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever are recommended. You should also check that your diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination is up to date.

To avoid the risk of dehydration, drink plenty of water: tap water is safe to drink, although bottled water is widely consumed. And don't forget sun cream and mosquito repellent! Finally, if your credit card doesn't provide you with one, take out travel insurance.

Time difference

When France is on winter time, Qatar is 2 hours ahead. With summer time, the time difference is only 1 hour.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Qatar, with Persian and Urdu also spoken. English is spoken fluently in all public places.

Tipping

Service is often included in the bill, but it is customary to add a tip equivalent to 10-15% of the bill.

Transport

Buses are only available in the cities. The easiest way to get around Qatar is to hire a car; there are international car hire agencies throughout the country. A French driving licence is valid for 7 days, after which time an international driving licence is compulsory. The cost of petrol is very low and the road network is exceptionally good! On the road, take care when crossing camels, especially at night, and be aware of the risk of burst tyres due to the high temperatures. You should not venture into the desert alone: vehicles are no longer insured if an accident occurs outside the usual known tracks.

Travellers who do not wish to drive can use taxis, some of which are equipped with meters, otherwise you will have to negotiate the price in advance. Dhows, traditional local river transport, can be used, but there are no official prices. Doha's dhow port is located near the Emir's Palace, close to the city centre.

Best time of year

Summer in Qatar is extremely hot, with average temperatures around 35°C and regular heat peaks in excess of 40°C. The best time to enjoy pleasant temperatures is from November to April.

Religion

The practice of Islam is part of Qatari tradition. The daily life of the inhabitants is punctuated by prayer five times a day. During Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in the streets. However, hotels remain open and it is possible to eat there. Public displays of affection should be avoided.

Men and women must dress appropriately as a sign of respect for Qataris and their religion, especially during Ramadan. Beachwear, including swimming costumes, is acceptable on hotel beaches, but should not be worn in other public places. It is more appropriate to have shoulders and arms covered, and shorts and skirts should be kept below the knee. Foreign women are not obliged to cover their hair.

Telephone

To call Qatar from France, dial +974 (country code) followed by the number of your correspondent. To call France from Qatar, dial +33 followed by the number of your correspondent without the 0.