TOURISM

The State cares a lot for tourism and provides all facilities and incentives so that this vital sector can cope with the pace at which other sectors are developing. This patronage stems from the firm policy adopted by HH the Emir, HH the Heir Apparent and the government to open up to the outside world. The General Authority for Tourism was established in line with this policy, with the aim to promote Qatar locally, regionally and internationally, and support activities relating to the general trends of the Qatari policy.

Qatar National Hotel Company (QNHC) has gone a long way in the field of tourist achievements and has established several tourist attractions and first class hotels.

Point of Entry

• Land: through the two main border points at Abu Samra and Sauda Nathil.

• Air: through Doha International Airport.

• Sea: through the ports of Doha and Mesaieed.

Visitors are charged some taxes by the Customs General authority for some goods at the points of entry. Entry of alcoholic drinks is forbidden.

Entry Regulations

Qatar grants tourist and visit visas at border points for the nationals of more than 33 countries including USA, Canada, Iceland, West European countries, some East European countries, Japan. Singapore, Malaysia. Hong Kong, South Korea, Brunei, Australia and New Zealand, besides the nationals and residents of the GCC countries and their companions. Entry visas for businessmen coming from places other than the countries mentioned above need to be arranged beforehand.

Visitors on tourist visas are required to use Qatar Airways to enter the country. With the exception of travel documents holders, all nationalities whose next of kind of the first category are living in Qatar are eligible to have tourist visas. They are not required to have valid residence permit in one the GCC countries. Tourist visas are issued in 24 hours from the passport section at Doha airport. The visa is valid for 2 weeks and renewable.
This visa policy goes in line with the trend of openness currently prevailing in the country in various fields.
For more information please refer to the website of the Ministry of Interior at www.moi.gov.ga

General Authority for Tourism

In July 2000 H.H. the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, issued a law ordering the establishment of the General Authority for tourism as a public authority with an artificial personality and autonomous budget, to be affiliated to the Council of Ministers and based in Doha.

The authority aims to draw up the State's general tourist policy, organize and develop tourism, promote Qatar as a destination locally and abroad and undertake supervision and control over all tourist activities in the country.