Qatar

Recommended Vaccinations For Qatar

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A; therefore vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B; therefore vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated, at risk travellers and children under 16 years of age. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering the BCG vaccine.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in Qatar, however, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow transmission.

Polio Vaccine

There is no risk of polio in this country. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to Measles in this country, therefore, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Qatar

There are no recommendations for Qatar at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Qatar

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in Qatar, however, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow transmission.

Polio

There is no risk of polio in this country. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers.

MERS

There is a risk of aquiring MERS-CoV in this country. It is a viral infection transmitted following direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person to person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Qatar

Personal Safety

Qatar ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. The crime index stands at 15.4 with a safety index of 84.34, placing it among the top three safest destinations globally according to multiple 2024 and 2025 assessments. Violent crime is rare thanks to strict laws and zero-tolerance policies toward criminal activity. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are extremely uncommon, though they can occur in busy tourist areas like Souq Waqif and shopping malls. Qatar maintains extensive surveillance systems and facial recognition technology across public spaces. The country recorded a 17 percent decrease in total crimes between 2021 and 2024. Worries about physical attacks based on skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion score very low at 17.09 out of 100. Credit card fraud does occur, so monitor your cards and bank statements closely. Women travelers have reported feeling safe even when traveling solo. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the tournament recorded zero major crimes.

Extreme Violence

There were no reported terrorist incidents in Qatar in 2023 according to US State Department reports. The country maintains a National Counterterrorism Committee with representatives from over 10 government agencies. Qatar hosts the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism’s International Hub on Behavioral Insights and contributes $15 million annually to the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism, making it the office’s largest donor. The Qatar State Security Bureau maintains an aggressive posture toward monitoring internal terrorism-related activities. While terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, the security environment remains stable. Potential terrorist threats in the broader Gulf region exist, with occasional statements threatening attacks on western interests. Regional political developments can impact local public opinion, and increased tension may occur on Fridays. Demonstrations require government approval in advance and are rare in practice.

Political Unrest

Qatar maintains significant political stability with power concentrated in the hands of the emir and the ruling family. Political parties are banned by law, and there are no organized opposition movements. In 2024, Qatar held a constitutional referendum that ended elections for the Shura Council after only one election cycle in 2021. The emir now appoints all members of the advisory legislative body. Freedom of assembly is very limited, and organizers of public meetings must obtain permits from the Ministry of Interior. Protests are rare and can result in arrest. In 2021 and 2022, protesters against electoral laws were arrested, and several received life sentences. The law prohibits criticism of the emir, and security forces reportedly monitor communications and social media. The country experiences no significant civil unrest or armed conflict. Regional political developments and events can influence local public opinion, but Qatar maintains internal stability through strict enforcement of laws governing public expression and assembly.

Areas To Avoid

Qatar does not have dangerous neighborhoods in the traditional sense due to extremely low crime rates throughout the country. The entire country is considered safe for visitors and residents. Some locals suggest avoiding Old Industrial in Doha, Msheireb, and Doha Jadeed at night, though even these areas pose minimal risk during daytime hours. West Bay, The Pearl-Qatar, Al Sadd, and Al Waab are among the safest and most popular areas for tourists and expats. Rural roads require extra caution due to wandering animals, sandstorms, and potentially poor maintenance. Desert areas outside urban centers pose risks related to extreme heat and getting lost rather than crime. You can walk freely throughout Doha at any hour with minimal concern for personal safety. The country’s extensive surveillance systems and visible security presence contribute to safety across all areas.