Qatar for tourists: what you can and cannot do (laws, fines and local rules)

Qatar is one of the safest countries in the Middle East – and that safety is strongly backed by strict laws. Things that would just be “awkward” at home can lead to heavy fines, detention or even jail time here. As a visitor, you don’t need to know every article of the Penal Code, but you do need to understand the basic do’s and don’ts.

This guide walks through the main rules for tourists in Qatar: how to dress, where you can drink, what is illegal online, and which traffic fines are most common – so you can enjoy Doha without unpleasant surprises.

• Dress and public behaviour are regulated – cover shoulders and knees, avoid revealing outfits, skip hugging and kissing in public.
• Alcohol is tightly controlled – you can drink only in licensed venues, public drinking and being drunk in public are illegal.
• Sex and relationships are sensitive topics – sex outside marriage and same-sex relations are criminal offences under Qatari law.
• Photos and social media are risky – posting photos or videos of people without consent can now mean up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to 100,000 QAR.
• Traffic laws are strictly enforced – speeding, using a phone while driving and running red lights can cost hundreds or thousands of riyals plus black points.
• Religion and Ramadan must be respected – insulting Islam or the ruling family is a crime; during Ramadan you must not eat, drink or smoke in public in daytime.
• VPNs and the internet – using a VPN itself is not banned, but accessing illegal content or criticising the state online can still be prosecuted.

Qatar is a conservative Muslim country. Public morality, religious respect and social order are protected not only by social expectations but by criminal law. That means many things are regulated that may be considered private or harmless in Europe or North America – clothing, affection in public, what you post on Instagram and how you talk about religion or politics.

The safest mindset is simple: if you are not sure something is appropriate, do not do it in public.

What to wear

Qatar’s public decency rules don’t list exact lengths, but the common standard is:

• both men and women should cover shoulders, chest and knees;
• avoid very tight, transparent or nightclub-style outfits in malls, on the street and in government buildings;
• on public beaches choose conservative swimwear; topless sunbathing is illegal.

Hotel and beach clubs are more relaxed, but you should still not walk outside the resort in swimwear or bare-chested.

Public affection

• married couples holding hands is usually tolerated;
• hugging, kissing or “making out” in public can be treated as an offence against public decency;
• shouting, insults and fights may quickly attract police attention.

Alcohol

• Only residents with special permits can buy alcohol for home. Tourists may legally drink only in licensed bars, restaurants and hotel venues.
• Drinking in public spaces (street, park, car, public beach) is illegal.
• Being obviously drunk in public can lead to arrest, a fine and deportation.
• Drink-driving is a very serious offence and can lead to prison, heavy fines and a ban on entering the country again.

Drugs

• Possession, use, trafficking and smuggling of illegal drugs are treated as serious crimes.
• Penalties range from long prison terms up to life imprisonment; in law, the death penalty exists for some trafficking cases.
• Strong prescription medicines should be carried in original packaging together with an English-language prescription and ideally a doctor’s letter.

Under Qatari law:

• sex outside marriage is a criminal offence;
• prostitution, brothels and related activities are strictly illegal;
• same-sex sexual relations are also criminalised.

In practice, hotels usually do not ask couples to prove they are married, and many tourists stay without issues. Problems tend to arise when a situation becomes public – a fight, a complaint, a police report or a medical emergency.

To stay safe, keep your private life private, avoid public displays of affection and never discuss intimate details with strangers or online while you are in the country.

In 2025 Qatar tightened its cybercrime law on privacy. Publishing or circulating photos or videos of people without their consent – even in public places – can now lead to up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 QAR.

Practical implications:

• do not film or photograph strangers’ faces close up unless they clearly agree;
• be especially careful with women and families – always ask first;
• avoid posting recognisable people in your stories and posts unless you are sure they are fine with it;
• never photograph military sites, security facilities, some government buildings or critical infrastructure.

Online behaviour

Qatar’s cybercrime and media laws also cover:

• defamation, insults and harassment online;
• spreading rumours and so-called “fake news” that might harm public order or state security;
• insulting religion, the Emir or other members of the ruling family.

These offences can carry heavy fines and custodial sentences. The safest approach is to avoid any online discussions of Qatari politics, religion or internal affairs while you are there.

• Criticising or insulting Islam, religious symbols or clerics is a crime.
• Dress modestly near mosques and religious sites; non-Muslims should not enter prayer areas without permission and proper clothing.
• During Ramadan do not eat, drink or smoke in public places during daylight hours, even if you are not Muslim. Hotels usually provide screened-off areas where non-fasting guests can eat.

Qatar’s roads are full of speed cameras and smart radars. For visitors renting a car, traffic rules matter just as much as in any other Gulf country.

Key points to remember:

• seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers;
• children must use proper child seats;
• using or even touching a handheld or mounted phone while driving is an offence;
• speed limits change frequently – always watch the signs;
• running a red light is one of the most heavily punished violations.

Typical fine levels (figures can change, but this is the general order of magnitude):

• speeding – usually from 500 to 1000 QAR depending on how far over the limit you are, plus black points;
• using a mobile phone while driving – around 500–1000 QAR and black points;
• not wearing a seatbelt – typically from 500 QAR upwards;
• running a red light – up to 6000 QAR and several black points on your licence;
• illegal parking – 300–500 QAR; in sensitive locations your car may also be towed.

Fines are linked to the car and/or driver’s licence. Unpaid fines can block you from leaving the country or returning a rental car until everything is settled.

A short “never ever” list:

• Illegal drugs in any amount;
• Weapons and ammunition without specific permits;
• Pornography in any format – paper or digital;
• Gambling and betting – officially illegal;
• Rude gestures and aggressive insults – a street argument can easily escalate into a legal case;
• Demonstrations and protests without permission – participation can bring serious consequences.

Despite the strict laws, Qatar is very visitor-friendly if you respect local norms:

• walking around Doha late at night is generally safe;
• solo female travellers can get around by metro and taxi if they dress modestly and use official services;
• families enjoy clean beaches, parks and modern malls;
• hotel staff, guides and taxi drivers are used to foreign guests and will usually help you navigate local customs.

If you behave a bit more conservatively than at home and remember that you are a guest in a traditional Muslim society, you are very unlikely to have any problems.

To understand how painful a fine can be, it helps to know the general price level.

According to cost-of-living data:

• Average monthly expenses for a single person (without rent) are around 880 USD (about 800 EUR).
• A family of four spends around 3200 USD per month (about 2900 EUR), excluding rent.

Typical everyday costs for visitors:

• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant – about 4–17 USD (roughly 4–16 EUR) per person.
• Three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant (without alcohol) – around 30–95 USD (about 27–90 EUR).
• Regular cappuccino – roughly 2–8 USD (2–7 EUR).
• Single metro or bus ride – about 0.5–1.5 USD (0.5–1.5 EUR).
• Taxi start plus 1–3 km in the city – usually in the 4–10 USD range (4–9 EUR) depending on distance.
• Small bottle of water (0.33 l) – around 0.3–0.5 USD (0.3–0.5 EUR) in a supermarket.

Travel insurance

Ready-made 7-day worldwide policies typically cost:

• basic “quiet rest” coverage – roughly 7–13 USD (6–12 EUR);
• extended and sports coverage – from around 35–40 USD (32–37 EUR) and up.

Put side by side with this, a fine of 500–1000 QAR (around 135–275 USD) for a single mistake looks very noticeable – and a 6000 QAR red-light ticket can eat a big part of a holiday budget.

• Dress so that shoulders and knees are covered in public places.
• Keep your passport and visa/entry code handy but not visible in open pockets.
• Never argue with the police or security staff; stay polite and comply with requests.
• Avoid filming or photographing people’s faces and do not post strangers in your stories unless you have their consent.
• Steer clear of conversations about politics, religion and the royal family – both offline and online.
• If you rent a car, read about speed limits and traffic fines in advance and drive defensively.
• Always have health insurance that covers treatment and hospitalisation in private clinics.

Can men wear shorts in Qatar?
Yes, but they should be at least knee-length. In malls, restaurants and government offices long trousers are safer. For women, short shorts and mini-skirts are strongly discouraged; choose midi skirts, dresses or loose trousers instead.

Will an unmarried couple be allowed to share one hotel room?
In most international hotels, yes. Staff usually don’t ask for a marriage certificate. Legally, however, sex outside marriage is an offence, so avoid drama, loud arguments and anything that could trigger a police report.

Can I drink alcohol if I stay in an apartment or Airbnb?
Officially tourists cannot buy alcohol in shops, and drinking outside licensed venues is risky. It is safest to drink only in hotel bars and restaurants that have a licence.

Is it safe for a woman to use taxis and the metro alone?
Generally yes – Qatar is considered very safe. Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps, sit in the back seat, dress modestly and keep conversations with drivers polite and neutral.

What happens if I accidentally post someone’s photo on social media?
If no one complains, nothing may happen. But under the new privacy rules, sharing recognisable photos or videos of people without their consent is technically an offence that can bring heavy fines and even jail. It’s smarter to blur faces or frame your shots to avoid showing people clearly.

Is using a VPN legal in Qatar?
Using a VPN to secure your connection is not prohibited, but accessing content that is illegal in Qatar (pornography, gambling sites, calls for unrest, etc.) is still illegal even through a VPN.

Can I vape or smoke e-cigarettes in public?
Vaping follows similar rules to smoking: no smoking in enclosed public places and in certain restricted areas. Always respect “no smoking” signs and avoid smoking near mosques, playgrounds and crowded locations.

Qatar offers a very safe and comfortable travel experience – as long as you play by local rules. Dress modestly, be discreet with affection, drink only where it’s allowed, drive carefully, stay quiet on politics and religion, and think twice before posting anything online. Follow these simple principles and Qatar will likely feel welcoming, orderly and surprisingly easy to enjoy.