Qatar is one of the safest places in
the world. Both visitors and residents have the opportunity to experience the
welcoming and friendly nature of Arab culture. Like anywhere else, respecting
local traditions and practices allows you to enjoy the true essence of the host
country, giving you a better travel experience
.
Visa
Tourist visas are available on entry
for citizens of 33 countries. The cost of visa for a month is QR100 per person,
and an additional QR50 per companion registered on your visa.
Tourist entry visa is available on
arrival for residents of the GCC states.
You can also apply for a joint
tourist visa for Qatar and Oman.
Business Visa: You can avail of two
types of business visa. A 72-hour visa on arrival, and one that you have to
apply for in advance that can be extended.
Family Visit Visa: Expatriates with
family status can sponsor parents and siblings for a visit of up to six months.
Clothing
Men and women should dress modestly
as a courtesy to both Qataris and Muslims. Swimsuits and beachwear are
acceptable at the hotel beaches (don’t forget sunscreen), but it is not
appropriate to show too much skin in other public areas. Tops should cover the
shoulders and upper arms, and skirts or shorts should fall to or below the
knee. Women are not obliged to cover their hair. Visitors should be thoughtful
of their clothing particularly in the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The extreme heat and high humidity
of summertime means light-weight fibres are advisable (clothes made from
‘wicking’ – high techpolyester - material are invaluable); covering up
susceptible parts of your body whilst outside they will also prevent sunburn.
However a jumper or wrap may be needed inside malls, cinemas and restaurants,
as the air conditioning can be fierce. Wintertime can be chilly, especially in
the evenings, and there is also a chance of rain, so coats and closed shoes
will be useful.
Mail
Postal services in Qatar are managed
by Q-Post. Postal services offered include regular letters and parcel postage,
along with bill payments and money transfer.
There are over 200 post boxes around
the country, including a few in prominent tourist destinations like Katara and
the museums.
Language
Arabic is the official and main
language, but English is widely spoken in every part of the country. Despite
the fact that most Qatari people speak fluently English, they feel honored to
see their guests speaking a few words in Arabic:
|
Hello (welcome)
|
marhaba
|
|
Hello (peace be upon you)
|
assalamo alaykum
|
|
Good morning
|
sabah al khair
|
|
Good afternoon/evening
|
misaa al khair
|
|
Goodbye
|
ma’salaama
|
|
How are you?
|
kaif halaak (m) / kaif haalik (f )
|
|
Please
|
min fadlak
|
|
Thank you
|
shukran
|
|
Not at all
|
afwan
|
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Yes
|
na’am
|
|
No
|
la
|
|
I want a taxi
|
ureed taxi
|
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Right
|
yameen
|
|
Left
|
yasar
|
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Straight ahead
|
alatool
|
|
Let’s go
|
yalla
|
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Finished
|
khallas
|
|
No problem
|
ma fi mushkila
|
|
This/that
|
hatha / hathaak
|
|
I want to buy…/I’d like
|
areed ashtiri…/ ana areed
|
|
The bill please
|
fatoura, laow samaht
|
|
Yesterday/today/ tomorrow
|
ams / alayum/bukra
|
|
God willing
|
insha’Allah
|
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