(Last updated: 7 Jul 2011)

Visas

Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States needs a visa to enter Qatar.

One-month tourist visas are issued at the Doha International Airport on arrival to nationals of 33 countries for a fee currently of QR55. These can be extended for another month for a small fee.

Cash is not accepted at Immigration and visas must be paid by credit card or by the Ministry of Interior's eCash card, which can be purchased at the Qatar National Bank Counter in the Arrivals Hall for an issue fee of QR20. The specified countries can be found on the Qatar Ministry of Interiors' website.

Alternatively a visa can be applied for in advance on the Ministry of Interiors' website. This will be valid for one month and is a joint tourist visa for Oman and Qatar, but you must visit Qatar first. This service again corresponds to the defined 33 nationalities.

There is also a business visit visa available. This service covers the issuance of single entry business visas requested for businessmen by eligible Qatari companies.

Israeli passport holders are not allowed in Qatar.

Climate

Qatar has a mild winter and a hot summer with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 45°C + in the height of summer. The weather is generally pleasant from October to May.The hottest months are generally June to September with some humidity during August and September. Rainfall in the winter is slight averaging 80mm per year.

For weather details in Qatar, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Qatar is building a brand new replacement airport called the New Doha International Airport (NDIA). The airport is being constructed 4km from the existing facility on a 5,400-acre site. The new airport is a response to a projected demand for additional international passenger capacity to the region. The current airport handles 4.2 million passengers a year.

Ground transport

Airport transfers can be arranged with your hotel, although there are always plenty of metered taxis and limousines available at the airport. Taxis or hotel limousines are also usually available from hotels, but it is advised that you check with your hotel on arrival.

Taxis are hard to locate once out in Doha, so it’s advisable to hire the taxi by the hour and keep hold of it until you have finished all meetings. An alternative is to hire a car, although first time visitors to the region may find the driving challenging.

Hotels

There are now many good four- and five-star hotels in Qatar with several more opening this year. For information and contact details see www.qatar-tourism.com.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Qatar. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Time zones and time differences

Qatar is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Doha, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Qatar's country code is 974.

For calls to Qatar from Australia dial: 0011/0018 + 974 + telephone number.

For calls from Qatar to Australia dial: 0 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Weekends are Friday and Saturday, although some trading companies may work Saturdays.

Western companies are open from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Local and trading companies are open from 7.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30 to 8.00pm.

Banks are open daily, except Friday and Saturday.

Public holidays

February 26 – Mouloud
July 9 – Leilat al-Meiraj
September 3 – Independence Day
September 11 – Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
November 17 – Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
December 2 – National Day
December 7 – Al-Hijra
December 16 – Ashoura

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR).

Electricity and water

Qatar's power supply is AC 50 cycles, 240/415 volts, 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires.