Qatar travel advice
A summary of the UK government’s (FCDO) travel advice for Qatar, last updated by the FCDO on 19 August 2026. The full advice on GOV.UK is the authoritative version.
FCDO status
No areas listed where FCDO advises against travel
The FCDO’s alert status for Qatar names no areas where it advises against travel. The FCDO says no travel can be guaranteed safe. Read the full advice.
Latest FCDO update (19 August 2026): Updated information about bringing prescription and controlled medication into Qatar, including the Ministry of Public Health's online permit application system ('Health' page).
FCDO notice
Regional tensions
The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Qatar, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
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read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
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sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
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follow advice from the local authorities
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monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
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stay away from areas around security or military facilities
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keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
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if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects
Passport validity
If you are visiting Qatar, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
If you are a resident of Qatar, your passport must be valid when you arrive.
From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.
Recent FCDO updates
- 19 August 2026: Updated information about bringing prescription and controlled medication into Qatar, including the Ministry of Public Health's online permit application system ('Health' page).
- 3 August 2026: New information on drone use, including permit requirements and penalties for non-compliance (See ‘Using cameras, binoculars and drones’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
- 22 July 2026: Updated information about regional tensions, including information about recent strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran ('Warnings insurance') page.
Plan your trip
This page shows the FCDO’s headline status and quotes its text word for word; we don’t reword safety advice. It refreshes automatically, so it can lag GOV.UK by up to a day. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: FCDO foreign travel advice on GOV.UK. FCDO advice is written for British nationals; other nationalities should also check their own government’s advice.