Written by Oryx |
Added: 26.08.2010, 15:01
Qatar Essential Information
Located halfway along the western coast of the Gulf, the State of Qatar also benefits from its key global location, midway between Europe and Asia.
At a glance
With gas reserves in excess of 900 trillion standard cubic feet in its
North Field, and oil reserves of over 15 billion barrels, Qatar has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Its population also enjoys the world’s highest per capita income.
Qatar’s official religion is Islam. Accordingly, male and female visitors should dress modestly as a courtesy to the country’s citizens. Arabic is the official and main language, but English is widely spoken in every part of the country. Qatar has a relatively liberal attitude to the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims (within hotels), but it is strictly forbidden
to bring alcohol into the country.
An inherently welcoming nation, please wait for your host to first extend his hand (only offer the right hand) and say “Marhaba” (Welcome), to which you reply “Assalam alaikum” (Peace be upon you).
Visa Requirements
Nationals of the following countries can apply for a simple 30-day entry visa (costing QR100), covering both business and leisure travel, upon arrival at Qatar, or at their local embassy: Andorra; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brunei; Canada; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hong Kong; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Liechtenstein; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Portugal; San Marino; Singapore; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; UK (with the right of abode); USA; Vatican City Many visas can now be processed online at the Ministry of Interior’s website (www.moi.gov.qa), but the Ministry only accepts credit cards as payment. The Qatari Riyal (QR) is divided into 100 dirhams, and is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of QR3.64 to US$1.
