+ 3 h / + 2 h during our summer time

Doha

Arabic

• 240 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types D and G

Banks

8.00 am – 1.30 pm (Sun – Thu)

Shops

8.00 am – 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm – 8.00 pm (Sun – Thu)

In Doha, the major shopping malls are open daily, with some remaining open until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays.

• 18 December: National Day - this day celebrates Qatar’s independence from Great Britain.
• Eid al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. (Date varies)
• Arafat Day: The day before Eid al-Adha, when Muslims commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon on Mount Arafat. (Date varies)
• Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice): This holiday takes place around two months after Eid al-Fitr and usually lasts three to four days. (Date varies)
• National Sports Day: Takes place annually on the second Tuesday in February.
• Mawlid al-Nabi: This day celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed according to the Islamic calendar.

The following documents are required to enter Qatar:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry.

• A visa is available free of charge on arrival for stays of up to 90 days.

• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for onward travel to the next country are required. 
• A confirmed hotel booking.
• For stays of more than 30 days, health insurance issued by an insurance company registered with the Qatari Ministry of Public Health is required.

• Minors: A travel authorisation is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: December 2024

Qatar has a dry subtropical desert climate, characterised by very hot summers and mild, pleasant winters. During the summer months from June to September, temperatures often exceed 40°C and are frequently accompanied by high humidity. The winter months from December to February, by contrast, bring cooler weather, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C.

As a relatively small and flat country, weather conditions vary only slightly between different regions of Qatar. The north may receive somewhat more rainfall during the rainy season from October to March, while coastal areas can experience slightly cooler temperatures. Urban areas often have higher humidity than inland regions. Overall, however, rainfall in Qatar is very limited, resulting in a typical desert climate throughout the year.

Your ideal time to travel to Qatar:

• Beach holidays: November to March is ideal for beach trips, thanks to pleasantly warm temperatures and lower humidity.
• City trips: From October to April, the weather is mild and ideal for exploring Doha and other cities.
• Outdoor activities: The best time for outdoor activities and hiking is from November to March, when temperatures are milder.
• Cultural trips: December to February offers ideal conditions for cultural sightseeing, with cooler and drier weather.

• Using a mobile phone in Qatar may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• It is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card to make affordable mobile calls and use the internet during your stay in Qatar. The largest mobile network operator in Qatar is Ooredoo.

• Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) - Houses an extensive collection of Islamic artworks from three continents spanning more than 1'400 years of history.
• Souq Waqif - A traditional market in Doha, known for its lively atmosphere, handicraft stalls and wide range of food options.
• The Pearl-Qatar - A man-made island in Doha featuring luxury residences, shops and restaurants.
• Katara Cultural Village - A cultural centre hosting concerts, exhibitions and festivals, as well as offering attractive beaches.
• Aspire Park - The largest park in Doha, ideal for family outings and sporting activities.
• National Museum of Qatar - An architectural masterpiece showcasing Qatar’s history and its rapid development.
• Al Zubarah Fort - A well-preserved historic site offering insight into the history of the region.
• Villaggio Mall - A luxury shopping centre in Doha, known for its Venice-inspired architecture.
• Barzan Towers - Historic watchtowers in Umm Salal Mohammed that reflect Qatar’s history and cultural heritage.
• Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) - A unique nature reserve featuring a seawater lagoon surrounded by sand dunes, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Qatari cuisine is a fascinating blend of traditional Arab dishes and influences from the country’s many expatriate communities. It is characterised by rich flavours and a wide variety of ingredients that reflect Qatar’s geographical location and cultural diversity.

• Rice and meat dishes: Rice is a staple of Qatari cuisine and is often served in dishes such as Machbous (spiced rice with meat or fish) and Kabsa (an aromatic rice dish with lamb, chicken or fish).
• Mezze and dips: Typical starters and side dishes include hummus, tabbouleh and baba ganoush, often served with freshly baked flatbread.
• Street food: The streets of Doha are home to numerous food stalls serving shawarma (rolled flatbread filled with meat), falafel and samosas.
• Seafood: Thanks to its location on the Persian Gulf, Qatari cuisine offers an excellent selection of fresh seafood, including prawns, lobster and various types of fish, often grilled or served as part of generous rice dishes.
• Soups: Arab soups such as lentil soup or hearty chorba, prepared with lamb and vegetables, are popular starters.
• Sweet dishes: Typical desserts include Luqaimat (sweet dough balls), baklava and Umm Ali, a traditional bread pudding.
• Drinks: Traditional drinks include Arabic coffee (Qahwa), often served with dates, as well as a variety of freshly pressed juices and teas.

• Greetings: In Qatar, it is customary to greet someone with a friendly but not overly firm handshake. Women should wait for the other person to offer their hand, as some conservative men do not shake hands with women for religious reasons.
• Politeness: It is important to always say “please” and “thank you”. These simple words are highly appreciated and demonstrate respect and good manners.
• Clothing: Visitors should dress conservatively, particularly in public. For men, this means wearing long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders. Women should wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders and should wear a scarf or head covering at religious sites.
• Dining etiquette: In Qatar, it is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. It is considered polite to compliment the food and try small portions of everything served at the table.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, shopping centres and restaurants. It is advisable to use designated smoking areas.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Qatar, particularly in restaurants and hotels. A tip of 10-15% is considered appropriate if service is not already included in the bill.

• Qatar has a highly developed healthcare system with modern medical facilities and well-trained professionals, most of whom speak English and some of whom also speak German. Both public and private clinics offer a wide range of healthcare services that meet international standards.
• Travellers should nevertheless take out comprehensive travel health insurance to cover potentially high medical treatment costs.
• Pharmacies are widely available in Qatar, particularly in Doha, where many are open around the clock. Although most medicines are available, certain prescription medicines that are commonly used in Western countries, such as some antidepressants, may be prohibited or unavailable in Qatar.
• Bring a travel medical kit as well as all medication you require regularly. For entry into the country, you may need an English-language medical certificate confirming the necessity of these medicines.

• Tap water: Tap water in Qatar is generally safe to drink, as it is largely well treated and monitored. However, the taste may sometimes be considered unpleasant due to the desalination process. Many residents and visitors therefore prefer bottled water for everyday use.

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Qatar. However, it is advisable to check that routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling and to receive any necessary boosters. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For travel under basic conditions outside urban areas, vaccination against hepatitis B and possibly rabies may also be advisable.

• Keep informed about the current situation through the media before and during your trip and stay in contact with your tour operator.
• The FDFA currently advises against tourist and other non-essential travel to Qatar.
• Due to the military escalation in the region since 28 February 2026, security-related developments and significant disruptions to air travel may occur at short notice (including possible airspace closures and flight cancellations; hubs in Qatar may also be affected). Travellers are advised to check the latest travel advice regularly.
• The domestic security situation in Qatar is generally stable and the crime rate is considered low. The country invests heavily in its security infrastructure to protect both residents and tourists.
• Qatar has a very low crime rate and is known for strict law enforcement. Travellers are nevertheless advised to take the usual safety precautions and familiarise themselves with local laws and customs in order to minimise potential risks.
• To date, there have been no terrorist attacks in Qatar; however, the risk of such an incident cannot be completely ruled out.

• Further information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: 3 March 2026

• In Qatar, a Swiss driving licence is recognised only for the first 7 days after entry. For longer stays, a local driving licence is required. However, it is advisable to obtain an international driving permit before travelling. 
• To hire a car in Qatar, an international driving permit is mandatory and must be presented together with your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for hiring a car is 23 years.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰. 

• There are no long-distance trains or regional trains in Qatar due to the country’s small geographical size. 
• Metro: The Doha Metro is at the heart of Qatar’s public transport system. It connects key districts of the city, Hamad International Airport and attractions such as Education City Stadium.
• Buses: The public bus system is mainly operated by Karwa and covers numerous routes in Doha and other parts of the country. The buses are modern and air-conditioned.
• Taxis: Taxis are a common and convenient means of transport in Qatar. Karwa taxis, operated by the state-owned Qatar Transport Company, are widely available and can be booked via the Karwa app or at taxi ranks. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem are also available and are often used as a convenient alternative.
• Tickets: Tickets for the metro and buses can be purchased conveniently from ticket machines, at stations or via the Karwa app. Rechargeable cards are a practical option for regular journeys.

The main airport in Qatar is:

• Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha - Direct flights from Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA)

The national airline Qatar Airways is one of the world’s most renowned carriers and offers numerous connections to destinations across all continents. In addition to Qatar Airways, international airlines such as Turkish Airlines and British Airways also serve Hamad International Airport.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Unified emergency number: 999

Villa 60, Zone 66, Wadi al Humra Street 807
Doha
Tel. +974 4020 3400
Email: doha@eda.admin.ch

• Alcohol is served only in licensed bars and restaurants. Private imports are prohibited and strictly controlled by the airport authorities. The import of pork, as well as religious books and materials, is also prohibited.

• Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.

• Drug laws are very strict, with penalties including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Always drive carefully and defensively, and avoid gestures that could lead to misunderstandings or conflict.
• When travelling in the desert, make sure you carry enough fuel and water as well as a fully charged mobile phone. You should also inform your hotel or host of your planned route and expected return time.
• During Ramadan, restaurants outside hotels are closed during the day, government offices operate reduced hours and there is increased sensitivity towards religious traditions. Non-Muslims should also act respectfully and refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public.
• In Qatar, pregnant women may be required to present a marriage certificate in order to receive certain medical services. Unmarried pregnant women are advised to contact the Swiss Embassy before seeking treatment.