Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States needs a visa to enter Qatar. Embassies and large hotels within the country can sponsor visas. Israeli passport holders are not allowed in Qatar.
Health risks: None
Time: GMT/UTC plus 3 hours
Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to Go

Because the heat is so fierce in the summer and sandstorms are so common in spring and winter, the best time to visit is November or late February to early March. During these times you are most likely to enjoy bearable temperatures with a minimum of wind.

Events

Qatar's holidays are primarily Islamic. The big one is Ramadan, a month when everyone fasts between sunrise and sunset to conform to the fourth pillar of Islam. In 1998 and 1999, Ramadan is in December. Ramadan ends with a huge feast, Eid al-Fitr, during which everyone prays together, visits friends, gives presents and stuffs themselves silly. Eid al-Adha, held around March, is the other big feast of the year, marking the time when Muslims should make the hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca. Qatar's only non-religious holiday is National Day, on 3 September.

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