Doha is Qatar's capital, a Gulf waterfront city where the Museum of Islamic Art, the traditional Souq Waqif, the Katara Cultural Village and the glass towers of West Bay sit within a short drive of each other.
Doha has very low crime against visitors, but the regional security situation is the main factor in 2026: following US-Iran hostilities that began on 28 February 2026, Iranian missile and drone attacks have affected Qatar, including strikes reported in July 2026. Qatari air defences have intercepted most incoming attacks. Travellers should check current government advice before and during any trip.
Current safety advisory
Elevated
Doha has very low street crime; the regional security situation is the main risk in 2026. The US State Department lists Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) as of 28 August 2026, and visitors should monitor official advice.
Last updated: 2026-10-21
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Check your government's current travel advisory before departure and again before flying; the regional security situation has changed repeatedly in 2026.
Register with your embassy and follow official alerts from the Qatar Ministry of Interior and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
Confirm flights with the airline and Hamad International Airport before travelling; schedules were disrupted in 2026.
Do not photograph military, government or police sites or people without permission.
Carry a copy of your passport and Hayya or entry permit; police may ask for ID.
Never bring alcohol, drugs, or unprescribed medication into Qatar; check the Ministry of Public Health controlled-medicine rules.
Use official Karwa taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) rather than unmarked cars.
Drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid outdoor activity in midday heat from June to September.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unmetered taxi fares
Unlicensed drivers or non-Karwa cars at the airport and hotels may quote inflated flat fares.
How to avoid: Use Karwa taxis with a meter, or book through Uber, Careem or the Karwa app.
Souq overpricing
Initial prices for gold, perfume, carpets and souvenirs in Souq Waqif can be well above market.
How to avoid: Compare two or three shops, bargain politely on non-gold goods, and ask for a receipt.
Online rental and job-offer fraud
Fake listings and visa-service offers are common in Gulf expatriate groups.
How to avoid: Pay only through official platforms and confirm visas on the Hayya portal or Ministry of Interior site.
Fake gold or pearl purchases
Imitation pearls and low-karat gold are sold as premium goods.
How to avoid: Buy only from licensed jewellers in the Gold Souq and ask for a purity certificate.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers arriving from outside yellow-fever zones; routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly advised. Check current official advice.
- Water
- Tap water is treated and desalinated, but most visitors use bottled water.
- Food
- Food hygiene standards are high; take care with heat and refrigeration at outdoor events.
- Facilities
- Hamad General Hospital (Rumailah, Doha) has the main emergency department; private hospitals include Al Ahli Hospital and Doha Clinic, and Sidra Medicine treats children. Heat illness is a real risk from June to September. Carry travel insurance with medical cover.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Share the itinerary and accommodation address with someone at home., Save 999, your embassy number and the accommodation address in Arabic on your phone., Keep a charged phone and a power bank, and a hotel card for taxi drivers., Register with your embassy's traveller programme before arrival.
Female travellers
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) to avoid unwanted attention., Doha Metro has a Family Carriage that women and children can use., Use Karwa, Uber or Careem at night and share the ride details.
Families
Keep children hydrated and out of midday sun from May to October., Use age-appropriate car seats in rented cars; many taxis do not carry them., Beach and pool areas are often unsupervised; watch children closely.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relations are criminalised in Qatar and public displays of affection are discouraged; discretion is strongly advised.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999
- Medical
- 999
- Fire
- 999
- General Emergency
- 999
- Health Hotline
- 16000 (Ministry of Public Health)
- Main Hospital
- Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Street, Doha (Hamad Medical Corporation emergency department; call 999 for an ambulance).
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Doha: +974 4496 6000 (Al Luqta Street, Al Luqta district, Doha)
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Doha: +974 4496 2000 (West Bay, Doha; confirm on gov.uk)