Next month Qatar will be hosting the FIFA World Cup and many Brits will be travelling to the country for the event. It will take place from November 20 until December 18.
There are certain entry requirements football fans will need to comply with in order to enter Qatar, such as having a fan ID card and taking a Covid test. In addition to travel requirements the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (The FCDO) has also published guidelines on Qatar’s laws and customs.
UK fans are advised that Qatari laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and that Brits should be aware of their actions to ensure they don’t cause offence. People can face serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK.
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Below is what the FCDO says about what you can and cannot do in Qatar. It's important to familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs and if you need more details and information, visit the FCDO website.
Drugs
Qatar has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and you can expect a severe penalty for possession of even residual amounts. Those found trafficking, smuggling and in possession of drugs can face lengthy custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation.
Some prescribed and over the counter medicines may be controlled substances in Qatar. If you need to bring prescription medication then you should bring your official prescription, hospital note or letter from your GP.
Alcohol
Unlike previous tournaments, the availability of alcohol will be very different. Alcohol is currently only available to visitors at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, with additional availability expected at certain fan zone sites during the tournament. It is not possible to buy alcohol in shops.
The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 and it is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in a public place. The importation of alcohol into the State of Qatar is illegal and you will not be able to purchase alcohol from duty free in airports to take into Qatar.
LGBT
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and although private life is largely respected, any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.
Host authorities have stated that “everyone is welcome” at the World Cup. They have publicly confirmed that there will be no restrictions on non-married friends or couples (including LGBT people) staying in the same room.
Fans are advised to visit the FCDO’s LGBT information and advice page before they travel.
Offensive behaviour
Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported. The FCDO advises that you take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.
Photography and media
Brits are advised to be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming and photographing people and religious, military and construction sites. People have been arrested before for attempting to film or photograph in sensitive areas.
There are strict privacy laws in Qatar. Posting material (including videos and photographs) online that appear to insult, slander or are culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime punishable under Qatari law. Individuals have been detained, prosecuted and/or convicted for posting this type of material.
Importation of goods
Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material into Qatar is illegal. All luggage is scanned at Hamad International Airport Arrivals Hall. DVDs and videos may be examined, censored and confiscated.
Dress code
The FCDO advises that you should dress modestly when in public, including while driving. Women must cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts.
Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, when going to government buildings, health care facilities or malls. If you do not dress modestly, you may be asked to leave or be denied entry to these locations.
Relationships outside of marriage
Any intimacy in public between men and women (including between teenagers) can lead to arrest.
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