Qatar is one of the smallest countries in the world, located in the Arabian Peninsula. Thanks to its massive oil and gas resources, it remains extremely wealthy, conservative and hugely innovative. It went through a development era thanks to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The government used this opportunity to make lots of investments in the country’s infrastructure, stadiums and tourism. Here is my complete Qatar travel guide for best experience.
The country is only 190km long, located in the Arabian Gulf it shares a land border with only one neighbour – Saudi Arabia.
Qatar travel guide.
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Doha - visa on arrival.
For 101 countries (2023) there is visa on arrival is available in the Immigration Counter at the airport.
Visa-free entry means Visa-on-arrival.
Other countries can apply online for an e-visa through the www.Hayya.qa platform.
ENTRY VISA FEE is 30$. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months – this is an entry rule for most countries in the world. Most countries which qualify for a visa on arrival would get 180 days visa (without extension possibility) or a 30-day visa.
How to get from Hamad International Doha Airport to the city center?
Hamad International Airport is located 15 km from Doha city centre. It may normally take 20-30 minutes to get to the city centre, but I landed in the evening time and it took me almost an hour by taxi. There are a few transportation options to get to Doha city centre:
- TAXI (around 20$) – depends on traffic!! – which can be really heavy in the afternoon and evening,
- There are a few shuttle buses during the daytime running from the airport to the Doha city centre,
- Public buses: 777, 747 and 109 will take you from the airport to the city,
- IF Doha is your transit airport, you can get a free visa on arrival and a shuttle bus which takes you around the city. Ask for directions at the airport. I wasn’t aware that this option was available, and I paid for both – visa and city transfer.
Renting a car in Qatar.
Renting a car in Qatar is a very good option for traveling around and exploring the country outside of Doha.
DISCOVER CARS is the best award-winning car rental, with the best rates, no hidden costs, and free cancellation (World Travel Awards, Financial Times 1000).
Health insurance is mandatory for all Qatar visitors.
Visitors to Qatar are now required to have a health insurance policy. You should never travel without an insurance policy, and according to new rules, you need to obtain one for Qatar.
If you don’t have pre-purchased health insurance for Qatar, you will be able to purchase on arrival.
Public transport in Doha city.
There are regular buses from the airport to the Doha city centre. You need to buy a smartcard and charge it (you can buy it at the airport).
There are also about 3 shuttle buses during day time taking you from the airport to the city centre of Doha. Public bus number 747, 777 or eventually 109. They will all take you to the Doha city centre. It was late afternoon, so I took a taxi to reach the city as fast as possible.
The city’s skyscrapers look unbelievable at night. The night was warm, very quiet on the streets despite lots of construction sites. Since I’m an adventurous traveler, exploring the darkest corners of the city and local sights, I had a feeling like someone was constantly watching me when I was walking the streets. Well, except for hundreds of workers around the area. Perhaps it was just an ilission, but few luxury cars stopped asking me what I was doing in the area.
Qatar travel guide - best adventures!
Inland Sea Safari tour is an authentic experience and one of the most incredible adventures in Qatar.
- Duration 5 hours,
- Pick-up from Doha Hotels,
- Lots stopovers in key landmarks for photo oppotunities,
- Guided Tour across the desert in a 4DW Land Cruiser driver,
- Camel riding,
- Dune bashing
- Sandboarding
Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes, sun glasses and sun protection.
Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) adventure.
Inland Sea is a lovely spot in Qatar for several unique attractions:
- Flamingos migration – during the winter time you can watch hundreds of flamingos migrating to the Inland Sea shores,
- Amazing sunset spots,
- Dune bashing.
City Centre Doha.
There is a huge shopping mall located in the heart of Doha. I took few kilometres walk along the bay. I guess one day (and night) is definitely enough for exploring the famous Doha. Of course, Doha has much more to offer.
Especially if you want to see the amazing Losail International Motor Racing Circuit, which you can find in my picture from the plane perspective. You can escape the city by taking one of the highways, leading to some absolutely amazing and empty beaches. The question is whether you are able to cope with the incredible heat, usually way above 40 degrees.
Best chilled tours for nature lovers.
Top rated city tours:
- Private Doha City Tour, Souq waqif, Peral isaland, Corniche | Tripadvisor – Duration 4h,
- Doha Private 4-hours city tour |Tripadvisor,
- National Museum of Qatar,
- The Golden Masjit (Mosque) – one of the most visited attraction by tourists. The Mosque was built in Ottoman style.
- Katara Mosque at Katara Cultural Village,
- Souq Waqif Art Centre.
Doha beyond the scope.
Hanging around the city, don’t be surprised to be stopped by different people – both locals and foreigners (there’s probably more foreign people than locals)!
I was stopped a number of times – twice by a luxury shining jeep with dark windows (like a security patrol), who were asking simple questions, what I am doing in Doha and where I am going. They were all hugely interested in the Nikon camera I was carrying.
What to wear in Qatar and can you drink alcohol?
A conservative outfit is recommended, but Doha is a multicultural city, and there isn’t a specific street dress code in place. Stay respectful toward local laws by covering your shoulders and knees, and avoid provocative, transparent clothing.
At 40 degrees, I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Many people were out running in a sport outfit.
More than 60% of the country population are Muslims. Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Qatar, except restaurant and bar areas in luxury hotels. Night views of the city are memorable.
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