Alcohol and disorderly behaviour laws in Qatar

Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Qatar. Disorderly behaviour can lead to attention from police and often leads to detention. Drinking in public places is punishable with up to six months in jail, and booze is only accessible at some hotels and bars that have the correct licensing. Swearing and making obscene and rude gestures can result in deportation or jail time.

Import laws in Qatar

Bringing in religious books and materials to Qatar is illegal, as is bringing in pork. Drugs, alcohol and pornography are all also against the law. E-cigarettes are also banned.

Dress code laws in Qatar

People should dress carefully while in Qatar, adopting a modest approach. This applies to when you’re behind the wheel, while women should make sure their shoulders are covered and they are not wearing short skirts. Men shouldn’t wear shorts or tops without sleeves.

Laws about displays of affection in Qatar

Public displays of affection can lead to arrest in Qatar. A man and woman living together while they are not married can lead to arrest, and sex outside marriage regardless of the context or who it is between is illegal. Same-sex intercourse is illegal and can lead to prison time.

Drug laws in Qatar

Many drugs are illegal in some countries but Qatar’s approach to them is stricter, adopting a zero-tolerance approach. Using, possessing and selling recreational drugs can all incur major penalties ranging from deportation to long stretches behind bars. Hamad International Airport uses cutting-edge security equipment and people with “even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested”. Other prescribed and over-the-counter medications may be regarded as controlled substances in Qatar, so make sure you bring the correct documentation from your doctor or hospital if you’re on a prescription.