Qatar

Overview

Military strikes and reprisal attacks have occurred in a number of locations in the Middle East, including Qatar. The situation continues to be unpredictable, and the risk of military conflict remains.  If the security situation deteriorates, travel disruptions and airspace closures should be expected. Our travel advice levels could also change at short notice. 

There remains an increased threat of attacks against United States linked locations, and Israeli communities in the region. Avoid likely targets areas, including military bases, oil infrastructure, critical infrastructure like airports, power plants and sub-stations, telecommunication sites, de-salination plants and US diplomatic facilities like US Embassies, US Consulates and identifiably US businesses.  

New Zealanders in the region should stay vigilant and monitor the media to stay informed about current events in your travel destination. 

 If you are in, or planning to travel to, the middle east, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities at all times, including any shelter in place orders. 

You can read more about our advice for what to do during violence or conflict here. 

For further information about the security situation in the Middle East, you can read our news article here. 

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand. There is a threat of terrorism in the Gulf region, including Qatar.

Some things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Qatar should be aware of are:

• Local laws and customs - Qatar is an Islamic country with a different law enforcement system than in New Zealand. There are serious penalties for some acts that may not be illegal or inappropriate in New Zealand. 
• Entry requirements - Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not accepted for entry into or departure from Qatar. Passports showing ‘X’ in the sex field are not accepted for entry or transit through Qatar. You can only enter or transit Qatar if you carry a passport that shows the sex specified as ‘F’ or ‘M’.
• Extreme weather - From June to September, temperatures can reach over 50˚C. Flash flooding can sometimes happen. 
• Insurance - If you're staying longer than 30 days in Qatar, you must purchase health insurance from companies approved by the Qatari Ministry of Public Health at a standard cost of 50 Qatari Riyals per month. This is separate to travel insurance.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Qatar should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

See below for detailed travel advice. 

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