Plan Your Perfect Qatar Holiday with Go Qatar

Most international travellers can enter Qatar visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, including visitors from the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and many Asian countries. Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) can enter with just their national ID. We recommend checking the latest entry requirements with the Qatar Ministry of Interior or your nearest Qatari embassy before travelling, as requirements can vary by nationality.

The best time to visit Qatar is between October and April, when temperatures are pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities - typically ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F). This is also the peak season for events, festivals, and outdoor experiences like desert safaris and beach days. May to September brings intense heat with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), though indoor attractions, shopping malls, and museums remain comfortably air-conditioned year-round.

Three to five days is ideal for a well-rounded Qatar experience - enough time to explore Doha's highlights, take a desert safari to the Inland Sea, visit a heritage site, and enjoy the city's dining and shopping scene. If you're on a short layover or transit, even a half-day Doha city tour can be surprisingly rewarding.

Q4: What currency is used in Qatar? Can I pay by card? Qatar uses the Qatari Riyal (QAR). The exchange rate is fixed at approximately QAR 3.64 to USD 1. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and most tourist attractions. It's useful to carry a small amount of cash for souqs, local eateries, and tips, though Qatar is increasingly cashless-friendly.

Arabic is Qatar's official language, but English is very widely spoken throughout Doha - in hotels, restaurants, taxis, shopping centres, and tourist areas. You'll have no trouble getting around with English as your primary language.

Qatar is on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. Qatar does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset remains consistent throughout the year.

Qatar is a Muslim country with a modest dress culture, but it is welcoming and tolerant of international visitors. In public spaces - souqs, malls, museums, and streets - clothing should cover the shoulders and knees for both men and women. Swimwear is perfectly acceptable at hotel pools and private beaches. Avoid very revealing outfits in public, especially at religious or heritage sites. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are highly recommended given the climate.

Yes - Qatar is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travellers. Street harassment is rare, public transport is safe, and women travel independently throughout the country without issue. Standard travel precautions apply, as they would anywhere.

Qatar has a warm and hospitable culture. A few things to keep in mind: public displays of affection should be kept minimal; photography of government buildings, mosques, and local people (particularly women) should always be done with permission; during Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is restricted. Greetings are important - a simple "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) goes a long way and is always appreciated.

Yes. The Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque (also known as the State Mosque) in Doha is open to non-Muslim visitors on selected days and hours. Modest dress is required - women should cover their hair and wear an abaya (available at the mosque entrance). It's a genuinely beautiful experience and highly recommended.

Qatari food is rich, flavourful, and deeply rooted in Bedouin and seafood traditions. Must-try dishes include Machboos (slow-cooked spiced rice with meat or fish), Harees (a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish), Balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), and Luqaimat (sweet fried dumplings drizzled in date syrup). Fresh seafood is also a highlight - Qatar's Gulf coastline means fish and shrimp feature prominently in local cooking.

Alcohol is available in Qatar but is regulated. It is served at licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as at the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) - the country's only licensed retail alcohol store, accessible to non-Muslim residents and tourists. Alcohol is not served in public restaurants, cafes, or unlicensed establishments. Consuming alcohol in public spaces is prohibited.

Yes - the vast majority of food served in Qatar is halal. Pork is not widely available, though some international hotel restaurants and select supermarkets may carry pork products in designated sections. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are increasingly available across Doha's diverse dining scene.

Doha has an exceptionally diverse restaurant scene. From authentic Qatari and Middle Eastern cuisine to Indian, Asian, European, and American dining - the city caters to every palate. Doha is also home to several Michelin-recognised restaurants and international celebrity chef concepts, making it a genuinely exciting destination for food lovers.

Hamad International Airport is approximately 15–30 minutes from central Doha, depending on your hotel's location. Options include metered taxis, Karwa (the official Qatar taxi app), Uber, or the Doha Metro (with a short walk or transfer depending on your hotel). Go Qatar offers private airport transfers - a reliable, stress-free option especially if you're arriving late or travelling with family and luggage. [Book an airport transfer →]

Doha has an expanding public transport network including the Doha Metro and a bus system, which are clean, modern, and affordable. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Karwa Taxi are widely used and readily available. For day trips outside Doha - such as desert safaris, the Inland Sea, or the north of Qatar - a private vehicle or guided tour is strongly recommended, as public transport doesn't cover these areas well.

Yes, international visitors can rent a car in Qatar with a valid driving licence from their home country (for most nationalities). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is advisable for added assurance. Roads in Qatar are modern and well-maintained, though traffic in Doha during peak hours can be heavy. Driving is on the right-hand side.

Qatar offers an impressive range of experiences for every type of traveller. Top highlights include visiting Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art, taking a desert safari to the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), exploring the Katara Cultural Village, kayaking through Al Thakira's mangroves, touring a FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium, and taking in the Doha skyline from the Corniche waterfront. Browse our full range of [Qatar tours and activities →].

Absolutely. Qatar is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the region. Beyond the beaches and waterparks, families can enjoy the Doha Metro's easy accessibility, child-friendly museums, theme parks, and a wide range of outdoor activities that are suitable for all ages. Hotels in Doha are also very family-oriented, with excellent facilities and kids' programmes.

Yes - and it's one of the most extraordinary natural experiences Qatar has to offer. The Inland Sea is a UNESCO-recognised natural reserve located about 80km south of Doha, where towering sand dunes meet the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. It's accessible by 4x4 only, which is why a guide

Yes. Qatar has a number of beautiful beaches, ranging from public beaches along the Doha Corniche and Sealine Beach to private beach clubs attached to five-star hotels. The sea is warm and calm for most of the year, making Qatar a genuinely enjoyable beach destination - particularly between November and April.