QatarLevel 3/4

Qatari and Canadian criminal law systems are significantly different. Laws, penalties and legal procedures may vary. You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Suspects and witnesses to incidents may be detained with limited or no access to legal counsel or consular officials for 3-5 days. Qatari officials may issue a travel ban pending the resolution of the case. These processes can last up to several years.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences.

The consumption of alcohol in public is illegal. Avoid drinking alcohol outside licensed premises. Drugs, alcohol and travel

The importation, possession and use of drones, including aerial photography and videography, are strictly regulated in Qatar. You must obtain authorization before importing or operating a drone. Failure to comply with drone regulations may result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and confiscation of the equipment. Drone regulations – Qatar Civil Aviation Authority

In 2027, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 7. In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Religious proselytism is illegal. Avoid engaging in religious activities that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values. This includes preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material.

Qatar customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, is not well socially accepted. Foreign female travellers are not typically expected to wear head covers. However, revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions
• seek permission from locals before photographing them

Common law partnership is illegal in Qatar. Men and women are not permitted to share a home unless they are legally married or are related to one another. If you marry a Qatari citizen, the Qatari government may inform you that you have lost your Canadian citizenship. Foreign governments don't have the authority to strip you of your Canadian citizenship. If this occurs, contact the nearest Canadian government office as soon as possible. Sexual relations outside of marriage are a criminal offence. Marriage outside Canada

Qatar family law is different from Canadian family law. Decisions are based on Islamic law. Children of a Qatari father automatically acquire Qatari citizenship at birth. They must enter and leave the country on a Qatari passport. If you are involved in a custody dispute in Qatar, consult a Qatari lawyer for advice and assistance regarding your own specific situation.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Qatar. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Qatar by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Qatar to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

The following activities are illegal in Qatar and punishable by heavy fines or jail time:

• photographing government buildings and military installations
• littering in public spaces and common areas of public buildings
• trafficking or eating pork
• issuing bounced checks
• engaging in prostitution
• possessing pornographic material
• spitting in public places, including on beaches
• cutting, uprooting, burning and damaging trees, shrubs, and weeds, as well as stripping them of their leaves or bark

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

• Carry photo identification at all times.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa or residence permit in a safe place, in case they are lost or confiscated.

You can drive in Qatar with your Canadian driver's license for up to 7 days. You must carry an international driving permit if you plan to drive beyond 7 days in the country. New residents may use an International driving permit for a maximum of six months. In that period, you can convert it into a valid Qatari driving licence. Driving laws are severe in Qatar. Local authorities strictly enforce them. The country has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. International Driving Permit

Qatar is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious areas.

Religion is a sensitive topic in Qatar, approach any discussions with care. You could face imprisonment for defaming, desecrating, or committing blasphemy against Islam, Christianity or Judaism. Public worship and proselytising by non-Islamic faiths is illegal and can result in deportation or imprisonment.

You must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit. If you live in Qatar, your residence card is acceptable.

Dress modestly in public, including while driving: *men and women should cover their shoulders and knees * the dress code is strictly enforced in government buildings, healthcare facilities and banks - you may be asked to leave or be denied entry

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates change every year. Ramadan in Qatar in 2026 will likely start on 17 February and will last approximately 30 days. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be patient and show tolerance

Only licensed hotels, restaurants and bars can sell alcohol. Expatriates living in Qatar can get alcohol on a permit system. Don’t carry alcohol around with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21. Places serving alcohol will ask for original photo IDs (copies are not accepted) upon entry. It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. For example, if you drink in a non-licenced public place, you could get a prison sentence of up to 6 months or a fine up to 3,000 Qatari riyals.

Any intimacy in public, between any couples (including between teenagers), can lead to arrest. Couples living together while unmarried is illegal in Qatar. Sex outside marriage is illegal for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. You can be arrested and punishments can include a fine, a custodial sentence and deportation once the sentence is complete. Because of laws on sex outside marriage, if someone becomes pregnant outside marriage, both partners could face imprisonment or deportation. Doctors will ask for proof of marriage during antenatal checks. An unmarried woman who gives birth in Qatar may also face problems registering the birth of the child in Qatar, and could be arrested, imprisoned or deported. To get a birth certificate from the Qatari authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. Authorities may compare the marriage date against the estimated date of conception.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Qatar. See our information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

Organisers of protests need to get permission from the Ministry of Interior. This must be done in advance and cannot be spontaneous.

Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts. You can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with police and other officials.

Smoking is prohibited in all closed public spaces including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public transport, malls, restaurants and government buildings. It is illegal to vape or use an e-cigarette. Police can arrest you and courts can impose a fine, a prison sentence or deportation.

There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences in Qatar. Some medications that are legal in other countries are illegal in Qatar. See guidance on medications that you can bring into Qatar. Penalties for using, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs, including cannabis, (even residual amounts) are severe. You should expect a long prison sentence, deportation and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Airports in Qatar have highly effective technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing. Taking pictures and sharing any visual imagery of people without their consent can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 Qatari riyals. Some visitors attempting to film or photograph near religious, military, government or construction sites have been arrested. If in doubt, seek permission. Drone use, including aerial photography and filming, is regulated in Qatar. You may need licences or permits before importing or operating a drone. Breaching drone regulations may result in fines, imprisonment and confiscation of equipment. Check the latest requirements with the relevant Qatari authorities before travelling.

Journalists must get permission from the Qatar News Agency (QNA) to film or photograph as part of their work and enter the country on a visiting press permit. Even with permission to film or photograph, you cannot capture or share imagery of individuals without their consent. This permit allows you to take technical equipment like cameras through airport customs.

De façon générale, les violations de la loi sont plus strictement punies au Qatar qu’en Suisse et de nombreux produits sont soumis à des restrictions d’importation. Par exemple, l'importation de l'alcool, de la viande de porc, de tabac à chiquer, de cigarettes électroniques, de certains autres produits à base de tabac et de produits à fumer est interdite. Des violations sont passibles de plusieurs années de prison et de lourdes amendes. Observez les informations fournies par les autorités douanières du Qatar et adressez toute question à l'Ambassade de l’État du Qatar à Berne. General Authority of Customs Embassy of the State of Qatar Sont également punissables entre autres:

• l'importation, la détention et le commerce de boissons alcoolisées ainsi que l'alcool au volant (0 pour mille) et l’ivresse publique. La consommation d'alcool est uniquement autorisée dans certains grands hôtels.

• l'outrage aux autorités politiques, aux symboles de l'État et aux institutions;

• l'outrage aux autorités religieuses;

• tout comportement provocant en public, par exemple des gestes affectifs entre personnes adultes, les vulgarités;

• durant le Ramadan: manger, boire ou fumer en public (même dans sa propre voiture) durant la journée;

• les relations homosexuelles et extraconjugales ainsi que les grossesses et naissances extraconjugales. Les grossesses et naissances extraconjugales peuvent mener à des poursuites civiles et pénales.

• la photographie des bâtiments et infrastructures du gouvernement et de l’armée, des complexes industriels tels que les champs pétrolifères et les raffineries, ainsi que des installations stratégiques comme les aéroports, est soumise à des restrictions. Certaines zones relevant de ces catégories peuvent prêter à confusion. En cas de doute, sollicitez l’autorisation des forces de sécurité locales ou abstenez-vous de prendre des photos.

• le fait de photographier ou filmer des personnes clairement identifiables dans les lieux publics sans leur consentement peut être puni d'amendes et/ou de peines d'emprisonnement.

Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de lourdes peines de prison; la peine de mort peut être prononcée. En cas d' infraction du code de la route , il faut s'attendre à une lourde amende voire à une peine d'emprisonnement. La personne au volant impliquée dans un accident de la route ayant fait des victimes ne peut pas quitter le pays pendant l'enquête/l'instruction aussi longtemps que la question de la responsabilité n’a pas été…

Il est recommandé d'adapter sa tenue vestimentaire et son comportement aux us et coutumes locaux ainsi qu'aux sensibilités religieuses et nationales. Renseignez-vous dans les guides de voyages, auprès de votre agence ou directement sur place, sur les codes de conduite et les conventions à respecter. Songez également aux règles et prescriptions particulières à observer durant la période du Ramadan.

Les excès de vitesse et les fréquentes infractions au code de la route augmentent considérablement les risques d'accidents sur les routes du Qatar. Pour voyager dans le désert sans emprunter les routes asphaltées, il est recommandé de circuler uniquement en convoi de plusieurs véhicules tout terrain. Il est vital de se munir d’un instrument de navigation et d’une provision suffisante d’eau, de nourriture et de carburant, ainsi que de pièces de rechange. En cas d'accidents de la route graves ou en cas de désaccord sur la responsabilité de l'accident, les véhicules ne doivent pas être déplacés avant l'arrivée de la police. Un changement de position pourrait être interprété comme un aveu de culpabilité. General Directorate of Traffic Les points de passage des frontières peuvent être temporairement fermés à court terme, par exemple afin d’endiguer la propagation de maladies. Informez-vous auprès des autorités locales ou directement auprès des postes-frontières.

Le Qatar ne reconnaît les passeports provisoires suisses que de manière restreinte. Si vous vous rendez au Qatar, voyagez avec un passeport suisse ordinaire ou renseignez-vous auprès de l’Ambassade de l’État du Qatar à Berne ou auprès du Consulat général à Genève sur les prescriptions exactes.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

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Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

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