Qatar

Driving permit

You can drive in Qatar with:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before leaving home.

If you hold a residence permit, you’ll need a Qatari driver’s licence.

More information:

Road travel

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in Qatar. It’s challenging and dangerous to drive due to road construction and high speeds.

Be careful driving on rural roads. They can be dangerous because of:

• unsafe driving
• drifting sands

Sandstorms and dust storms often occur. This can significantly reduce visibility and lead to road accidents.

Rain can cause dangerous road conditions and flash flooding.

It’s illegal:

• to drive with any alcohol in your system
• to leave the scene of an accident as a driver until the police tell you to do so

You can only move your vehicle off the road if there are no injuries from the accident.

It’s also illegal to use obscene language and hand gestures in traffic. This includes responding to other drivers’ poor driving or traffic incidents.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have enough insurance cover before driving
• check local traffic laws and practices before driving
• drive carefully and legally
• avoid arguments over traffic incidents

If you have an accident, contact police and stay with your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.

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Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. Arrange these through your accommodation. Avoid shared taxis.

Public transport

While Qatar has a well-developed bus transport network, these are not widely used by Western tourists and expatriates.

Taxis and ride share vehicles are widely available in Doha.

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Sea travel

Many areas of the Gulf are sensitive to security issues and territorial disputes.

Disputes about sea boundaries can occur. There are disagreements about the sea boundaries and control of Abu Musa and Tunbs islands in the Southern Gulf.

Authorities can inspect your vessel, and detain or arrest you if you’re in sensitive waters.

Piracy happens in the Gulf.  The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website.

More information:

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Qatar’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government