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| Entry Regulations / General Information |
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Entry for German Nationals |
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It is possible to obtain a visa for a stay of up to 14 days on arrival (the fee of QAR 55 must be paid by credit card). The following documents must be submitted: a national passport valid for at least a further six months (temporary passports and children´s passports ("Kinderreisepass") are not accepted!), proof of booked hotel accommodation and sufficient funds, as well as valid travel documents and tickets for the return or onward journey.
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Geographical Location |
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The Sheikdom of Qatar is situated on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf. To the south, the country is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi). To the west, north and east, the country shares maritime borders with the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Bahrain.
Total area: 11,437 km².
Administrative divisions: 9 districts.
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Population |
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Population: approximately 777,000.
Cities (approximate numbers): Doha (Al Dawhah, capital) 340,000; Ar Rayyan 273,000; Umm Silalait 31,600; Al Wakrah 31,500.
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Language |
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In Qatar, High Arabic is spoken. Additionally, English is spoken almost everywhere.
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Time Difference |
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Central European Time (CET) +2 hours.
During European summer the time difference is +1 hour.
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Electricity |
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220/240V alternating current, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are used; an adapter should be carried.
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Postal Service |
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The English spelling "Qatar" must be used when addressing mail to Qatar. Mail is not delivered to private addresses; a post office box must be rented. Letters should only be sent via airmail (they take approximately one week to arrive in Europe).
In major hotels fax machines are available.
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Telephone |
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The international dialling code for calls from Western Europe to Qatar is 00974; in the case of calls from Qatar to Western Europe, the international prefix "00" must be dialled prior to the country code (for example in the case of calls to Germany: 00-49). Automatic dialling service.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Police, ambulance and fire brigade 999.
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Mobile Phones |
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Mobile network technologies: GSM 900/1800.
Information for users of mobile phones registered with German network providers: Mobile phones connected to E-Plus, O2, T-Mobile or Vodafone networks can be used due to international roaming agreements. Travellers intending to use other mobile phones are advised to contact their network provider for detailed information.
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Internet |
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Country code suffix: .qa
Internet cafés are available in Doha.
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Public Holidays |
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27 June (Accession of the Emir), 3 September (National Holiday/Independence Day). Additionally, there are several annual movable Islamic public holidays.
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Opening Hours |
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The Islamic working week ranges from Saturday to Thursday morning; Friday is the weekly day of rest (in the case of foreign oil companies: Thursday and Friday).
Banks: Sun to Thurs 7:30a.m.-1p.m.;
Public offices: Sat to Thurs 7a.m.-12p.m.;
Private offices: Sat to Wed 8a.m.-12p.m., 4p.m.-7p.m.; Thurs 8a.m.-12p.m.;
Shops are closed at noon and on Fridays (except for some supermarkets).
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Clothes |
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Travellers visiting the country in summer are strongly advised to take light, airy summer clothes, which should be easily washable; moreover, good sunglasses are strictly required during this season.
When travelling in autumn or winter, summer clothes are appropriate during the day, but light woollen clothes should be carried as well for the evenings. Moreover, travellers should also take some kind of rainwear. Almost all buildings open to the public are equipped with air-condition systems. Female travellers should bear in mind that Qatar is an Islamic country; in public - i.e. outside hotels and away from beaches and swimming-pools - no mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless or halterless and close-fitting clothes should be worn. Likewise, male travellers should bear in mind never to wear shorts, or to appear stripped to the waist, in public.
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© 2001 All rights reserved TIP Gesellschaft für Touristik-Informations-Programme mbH, München Last updated: 14.03.2007 - Proposals, hints and contact - Copyright
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