Layover guideDoha · DOH

Local laws that catch crew out in Doha

Public drunkenness carries up to six months in prison, and photographing someone without consent can cost you QAR 100,000.

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It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. The penalty runs to six months' imprisonment or a fine of up to QAR 3,000. Alcohol is sold only at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars, and the drinking age is 21.

Public displays of intimacy can lead to arrest. Cohabitation and sex outside marriage are illegal, for same-sex and opposite-sex couples alike, with fines, imprisonment and deportation among the penalties.

Taking a photograph of someone without their consent can carry imprisonment or a fine of up to QAR 100,000. Photography near religious, military, government or construction sites needs permission, and drones need a permit.

Zero tolerance on drugs, including residual amounts. Penalties are a long prison sentence, heavy fines and deportation.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice: Qatar · checked 2026-08-17

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Getting out of the airportKarwa taxis from the Taxi Pavilion, or the Metro from the station at Terminal 1.Ride-hailingUber, Badrgo and Ryde are the only authorised airport pickups; the zone is in the car park via Gate 3, not at the kerb.Staying connectedVisitor SIM/eSIM on arrival from Ooredoo kiosks in the Arrivals Hall; free terminal-wide wifi (#HIAQatar).WeatherExtreme heat June-Sept (45C-plus, humid); mild Nov-Feb; a legal midday outdoor-work ban runs 1 June to 15 Sept, 10:00-15:30.Eating near the crew hotelsSouq Waqif is the traditional eating quarter (on the Gold Line metro); Katara Cultural Village is the beachside restaurant cluster.What to buySouq Waqif covers the category buys: gold jewellery, Arabic spices and dates, and the Falcon Souq.TippingService charge is usually already in the bill; 10-15% on top is appreciated, not expected; carry cash for it.