Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar is one of the countries you must visit once in a lifetime. From desert to long coastlines on the Persian Gulf, Qatar offers its visitors great views and amazing places that will leave them with wonderful memories. You will get the chance to admire futuristic skyscrapers and a lot of architectural excellences, all inspired by the unique Islamic style which is unmistakable.
Even if Qatar seems amazingly appealing to people all over the world, thanks to its all year round sun and endless sandy beaches, embarking on a journey to this country should not be done without previous research about how safe it is. Check out our Qatar safety travel guide in order to be informed about how safe is Qatar for tourists. You might dream of gathering memories in a Desert safari adventure, but in order to make sure your memories are not altered by unfortunate events and risks, we provide you the ultimate Qatar safety tips.
This Qatar safety travel guide will for sure prove helpful for you, as you will learn everything about this country and you will then be able to appreciate how safe is Qatar for tourists. Have a safe trip!
Highest Risks You Expose Yourself to When Visiting Qatar
If you’re thinking of planning a trip to this wonderful country, find out that you’re about to make a great choice. Qatar is a safe country. It is actually safer than you might think, as it features as the 16th country on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous countries in the world. From the crime risk to the natural disasters risk, danger is still present there, but authorities advise potential tourists to exercise a normal degree of caution when traveling there. Read on to find out more about the risks you’re exposing to when visiting this Asian country.
Overall Risks in Qatar: LOW
You’re probably surprised to find out that risks in Qatar are rather low. You won’t expose yourself to dangers that should keep tourists away from the beauties Qatar can offer to its tourists. Nevertheless, if you want to find out how to stay safe in Qatar, you should definitely know that the first step to making sure your trip will be enjoyable is to get informed. Therefore, we provide you the Qatar safety travel guide you need in order to keep trouble away during your journey.
With common sense, a normal degree of caution and your homework made before actually arriving in this country, you’re all set to enjoy wonderful experiences. There is a short list of the tips you can follow in order to stay safe in Qatar:
- Do not carry valuable objects with you and, in case you do, do not let them unattended;
- Do not trust everyone you meet and try to be skeptical about the help you are offered;
- Avoid isolated areas and very crowded areas, especially when you travel alone;
- Do not forget about common sense, as local people really appreciate it;
- In case of trouble, do not resist the attacker and ask for help to the local authorities;
- Make sure you have a medical insurance and the vaccines needed in order not to get exposed to dangerous viruses.
Pickpocketing and Theft Risks in Qatar: LOW
Fortunately for globetrotters who want to experience this Asian adventure, most visits there are trouble-free. Petty theft can still occur sometime, but they can be avoided with the proper safety tips in mind. The level of kidnapping and theft is very low and the mugging risk should still not trouble you. Because it is a frequently visited tourist destination, pick-pocketing might occur during your stay there. This is not surprising if you think about the huge number of visitors who go there every year. Check out our Qatar safety tips in order to make sure how to stay safe in Qatar.
- How to avoid pickpocketing and theft in Qatar?
In order to avoid any unpleasant event that might turn your holiday into an unpleasant one, you should exercise excessive vigilance in all public places and never leave your valuable good unattended.
You should also avoid gatherings and demonstrations, as they might turn violent without any warning. Getting stuck in the middle can lead to some other dangers- from being stolen from to being a victim of violent attacks. You should make sure you have the proper telephone numbers at hand and also know that you shouldn’t resist the attacker in cases in which you’re the victim. As we have already mentioned, following these tips will ensure you of a nice holiday. It’s all about common sense and responsibility.
Scam Risk in Qatar: MEDIUM
As in any other parts of the world, you can expect to find scammers in Qatar as well. Here, the most common types of scams are the ones taking place inside a taxi.
First, we have the drivers that claim that their taxi meter is not working - obviously, in most cases they only pretend that their equipment has malfunctioned, in order to overcharge you at the end of your trip. When it comes to such cases, it is recommended that you find another cab or that you decide over the fare before getting inside the cab.
One rather peculiar type of scam that involves taxis occurs when the driver intentionally doesn't reset the taxi meter - in short, they leave the meter running from their last ride and you end up paying both your ride and the sum of the previous ride as well.
You can also come across taxi drivers that forget, so to speak, to give you change back after you pay for your ride - this is why you should always check the change before leaving the vehicle.
Other types of scams involve families or groups of people that approach you claiming that they are from a remote area and have no money to get back and ask you for help - most of the times they are lying and only trying to get some cash out of you.
You also have the chances of being approached by a person that find a bundle of money on the ground near you, asking if they are yours. Naturally, you will deny this statement - in this case, the person will offer to split the money with you; but then, a second person arrives, claiming that they actually lost the money and want it back. Long story short, while the two argue and threaten each other, they will also do their best to steal any of the valuables you have on you.
- How to avoid getting scammed in Qatar?
As most of Qatar's common scams involve taxis and taxi meters, we recommend you be extremely careful when getting inside such a vehicle - first, check the meter and make sure it is working and it has been reset and, before getting out, make sure that you have the right change.
As for the other type of scams, it is better if you avoid any type of contact with the strangers that might be approaching you - just ignore them and mind your own business, so to say.
In short, if anything seems suspicious, just leave and don't bother arguing or talking with any of the locals that are, most likely, trying to take advantage of you.
Kidnapping Risk in Qatar: LOW
In 2017, Qatar was ranked as the tenth safest country in the world - the number of registered homicides was 97.5% lower than the global average and the overall rates of crime were low compared to the rest of the continent.
In this respect, we can say that Qatar is quite the safe country and that there are little to no chances of you experiencing some unwanted scenarios. However, you should still take the basic safety measures so that you are never caught off-guard in case something happens.
- How to avoid getting kidnapped in Qatar?
Naturally, you'll want to avoid walking alone during the night - also, it is advised that you avoid shady alleys, remote areas, or bad-reputed neighborhoods during the day as well.
Moreover, you should be dressed in a decent manner and also avoid displaying any valuables - keep your camera in your backpack until you actually need it and don't walk with your phone in your hands if you are not using it.
A little bit of common sense and preparedness for danger can get you a long way - namely, you get to keep your valuables and enjoy your holiday.
Terrorism Risk in Qatar: MEDIUM
With the global threat of terrorist attacks all over the world, such unfortunate events cannot really be ruled out. Qatar is not an exception, as recent record of such attacks have been registered and could pose serious trouble for you and your travel companions.
In the recent years, a number of terrorist attacks occurred in the Gulf region in the last years. This is one of the reasons why the probability of new such attacks is quite high and should be carefully considered. Even if the number of victims harmed by such attacks is not scary, you should still know how to avoid such unpleasant events. Read on to find out how to stay safe in Qatar during a terrorist attack.
- How to avoid terrorism in Qatar?
Recent history has proved that terrorist attacks can be indiscriminate and can occur at all times. The target places where terrorist attacks operate are always areas visited mostly by tourists. Crowded places such as supermarkets, cinemas, museums and such other areas should be avoided or- if possible- visited briefly, without staying too much in one place.
Such events cannot be foreseen, but they can be handled with care by you and your travel companions. If you notice something strange, do not hesitate to call the authorities who are usually vigilant and react quickly.
Risks for Women Traveling Alone in Qatar: LOW
Although crime levels are low, female visitors should take extra care when traveling alone at night. In remote areas, the risk of violence and assaults can be higher and you should avoid taking such unnecessary risks in order to stay safe as a woman traveling solo in Qatar.
Unfortunately, there have been incidents of sexual harassments and assaults targeting expatriate females, especially in remote neighborhoods late at night. All of these can be avoided with the proper Qatar safety travel tips at hand.
- How to avoid crime as a solo woman traveler in Qatar?
In order to stay safe in Qatar, you can try hiring a local guide who not only help you discover everything worth admiring in this country, but also help you choose wisely the places you’re heading to. Among the basic things you can avoid in order to stay safe are not to walk alone at night and not to risk taking walks in remote areas in which you can get lost. If you’re a victim of sexual assault, you should contact the British Embassy at the earliest opportunity.
With common sense, a good knowledge about the local laws and customs and this guide in your pocket, you’ll enjoy this country even if you choose to travel by yourself in Qatar.
Rape Risk in Qatar: LOW
According to various reports and statistics, the rape rate of Qatar has decreased by 67.1% in the past few years, thus making the country quite safe when it comes to such matters.
However, you should be aware of the fact that the rate of robbery reportedly increased by 100% - therefore, while you may be safe from rape, you are quite likely to get robbed if you are not paying attention.
- How to avoid getting raped in Qatar?
When it comes to such scenarios, it is better to do you best to avoid them - how can you do that? Well, you can start by having a decent outfit - also, checking the locals laws and customs that refer to the country's dress code before your trip can prove to be very helpful.
Then, you should avoid any areas that look even remotely suspicious - dark alleys, remote areas, suspicious neighborhoods, and such. You should also try to not be left alone - travel with your friends or have a tour guide accompany you.
In short, try to draw as little attention as possible to you - dress in a decent manner and avoid the display of any valuables, as a simple petty theft can quickly escalate.
Risks for People Traveling with Children in Qatar: LOW
If you are traveling with your children, there isn't much that you should be worried about - still, you have to keep in mind that, while taking care of your children and keeping an eye on them, you will also have to keep an eye out for pickpocketers and thieves.
Thus, you should have someone else with you that can take care of your children while you are caught in other matters - this doesn't apply only when traveling through Qatar, but in every other country as well.
- How to avoid unwanted scenarios?
In short, as mentioned before, you should be able to have your children under surveillance at all times - the worst that can happen is them wandering off through the crowds of tourists.
We know that they are already hard to manage and deal with and having to find them through the busy streets of Qatar may prove too much to handle. Therefore, make sure that someone is always taking care of them - either you, your friend that is traveling with you, or the tour guide.
Natural Disaster Risks in Qatar: LOW
You shouldn’t get scared of natural disasters that might ruin your trip when you travel to Qatar. This is because no recent record of natural disasters has been registered and therefore, it’s one of the safest countries you could choose for your trip.
The only dangers regarding the weather there are the high temperatures, which can sometimes exceed 50C. You might encounter sandstorms, which occur on a regular basis and sometimes, they precede severe thunderstorms that can be quite unpleasant, especially if you’re out there exploring the city.
You can, nevertheless, check the news periodically and make sure you do not expose yourself or your travel companions to any of these dangers, by checking the information released by the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
Transportation Risks in Qatar: MEDIUM
One of the aspects that can pose some problems are accidents that you may encounter or be involved into while travelling on the road. Threats regarding the off-road driving are common and your plans before embarking on a journey in this country need to be thoroughly made. These difficulties are likely to be found especially in the capital, but outside it, the road conditions may vary from very good to poor.
Try to avoid the public transport as much as you can, as it is not necessarily in the ideal conditions. You might have to waste a lot of time waiting for the right bus, you will probably stay into a crowded bus for longer than you’ve imagined and risk ruining your trip for no reason. Taxis are to be avoided as well, as scams usually occur inside them.
You might want to avoid unnecessary travel inside the country, as it can turn out into an unpleasant experience that can alter your mood and the quality of your stay in Qatar.
In order to keep safe while you’re in Qatar, you should follow some simple safety travel tips. First of all, try to plan ahead your schedule before actually arriving there, as it’s the first step to make sure you won’t get lost.
In case you plan to use your own car, make sure it is very well equipped and can carry enough water. Gas stations are not very common and you don’t want to embark on a journey without making sure you’re all set to enjoy it completely. You should also avoid driving at night, as some of the roads are poorly illuminated- not to mention that the road conditions can be very poor. With the proper precautions taken in advance and a good insurance, you can be sure trouble will not ruin your holiday.
Night-Clubs, Pubs, and Bar Risks in Qatar: MEDIUM
Even though there aren't any official reports that tell of spiked drinks and such, there are a couple of articles online in which people claim that such practices, so to say, are being used in some of Qatar's night-clubs, pubs, and bars.
Of course, if you don't plan a wild night and drink every single glass of alcohol that you can find, you are not likely to have any issues - obviously, no matter how much you drink, you should always be able to keep an eye on your drink and make sure that no one is acting suspicious around it.
Moreover, you should definitely not accept any drinks from strangers - keep in mind that you still can have fun, even though you don't drink as much as you'd want to.
It is also recommended that you avoid the night-clubs, pubs, and bars that are located in remote, bad-reputed, or shady areas - stick to the central ones or to those inside of hotels and such.
Health Risks in Qatar
As Qatar is quite the famous location, the healthcare is overall in excellent condition - however, it can get quite expensive as well, depending on the treatment you may need.
Same goes for any routine treatments - they are available to tourists but can be expensive. In this respect, we recommend you to come equipped with proper travel health insurance and enough funds to cover any medical fees.
In case of an emergency, you can request medical assistance by dialing 999 - it is also recommended that you contact your medical assistance/ insurance company as soon as you are sent to a medical facility for treatment, so that they tell you exactly how you should proceed with the fees and such matters.
List of Vaccines You Need in Qatar
Even if Qatar has well-equipped hospitals and you can be safe there in cases in which you need medical assistance, you should still visit your medical care provider before travelling to this Asian country. Make sure you have the right medical assurance and do not forget to get the right vaccines at least 4 weeks before embarking on your journey, respectively the routine vaccines against: measles and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, influenza and others. Another dangerous threat is the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), which is a respiratory disease you might encounter when travelling to this part of the world. Make sure you take into account every factor before embarking on a journey to Qatar.
Most Dangerous Areas in Qatar
If you stay within the main areas of the city you are visiting and avoid any suspicious-looking places, you should be more than safe - reportedly, not many people in Qatar would risk they freedom and reputation for a petty theft of such.
Moreover, the police is said to be very effective and frightening as well, so to say. Several people living in Qatar say that, among vandals that break into cars or shops once in a while, there is really nothing else that should bother your trip.
Still, you should take all of the information that you find with a pinch of salt and prepare yourself for some bad scenarios, so to say, as well. Always be aware of your surroundings and get to a safe place if you notice anything suspicious.
Concluding Remarks: Is Qatar Safe to Visit?
After reading our Qatar safety guide, you are for sure familiarized with the requirements a trip to Qatar can imply. If the medium to low risks still did not change your mind about enjoying the beauties Qatar can offer you, do not forget to keep in mind the safety tips that ensure you of an enjoyable holiday far away from any unpleasant events:
- Make sure you have the right vaccines and health insurance before embarking on this journey;
- Do not carry valuable goods with you around, when travelling in Myanmar;
- Do not leave your luggage unattended;
- Pay attention to the people around you and be skeptical about the people you’ve just met;
- Keep up with the news permanently and make sure you’ll well informed about the local laws and customs;
- Exercise a high degree of caution when exploring the country and do not forget about common sense.
The decision to travel is always up to you, so if you have packed the Qatar safety guide in your thoughts and think this country will turn out to be a great experience for you, enjoy a safe trip and treasure every experience this part of Asia can offer you.
