See our Current Issues page for information on the 15th Asian Games, which will be held in Doha from December 1st to December 15, 2006.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
The Government of Canada remains concerned about the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks against the United States and its allies in the region. On March 19, 2005, a bomb exploded near a theatre in Doha. Two people were killed and at least 12 people were injured.
You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments frequented by foreigners. Canadians should monitor local developments and register and follow the advice of local authorities.
Penalties for using or trafficking drugs, as well as for drunk driving and other related offences are severe.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.
Unlike some other countries in the region, however, it is uncommon for Western women to cover their head. Dresses and skirts are permitted, provided they cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
Persons who possess Qatari citizenship in addition to Canadian citizenship are considered Qatari citizens by the Government of Qatar and are subject to its laws. Qatari citizenship imposes special obligations, particularly with respect to child custody, military service, and entry and departure procedures. Qatar is not a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. This may limit the ability of Canadian consular officials to provide assistance.
Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences, lashing and/or deportation.
Importing pork products, alcohol, pornographic material, firearms, and religious material for the purpose of proselytizing is forbidden. Videos are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.
Do not photograph public buildings and military sites.
Kuwait - Kuwait City, Embassy of Canada Address: 24 Al-Mutawakkel Street, Area 4, Da'aiyah, Kuwait City, Kuwait Postal Address: P.O. Box 25281, Safat 13113, Kuwait City, Kuwait Tel.: 965 256-3025 Fax: 965 256-0173 E-mail:kwait@international.gc.ca Internet:http://www.kuwait.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City, Kuwait, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Qatar. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Although single-entry visas are available upon arrival at border points, visas should be obtained from the Embassy of the State of Qatar prior to departure in order to avoid complications upon arrival. You can also apply online via the Ministry of the interior in the State of Qatar Web site. Canadians are also required to have a ticket for round-trip or onward travel.
Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required
The Government of Qatar has recently modified its policy on the issuance of residence work visas. Any person that wants to obtain a residence work visa must submit a Certificate of Good Conduct to their potential employer, who is responsible for the collection of the residence work visa. It is strongly recommended that you obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from police authorities before leaving Canada. Otherwise, the process could take several months and you could be forced to leave the country until the situation is resolved.
Canadians have been denied entry into Qatar because their passports bear: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).
A Seafarer's Identity Document (SID), also known as a seaman's book, is necessary to enter Qatar with a ship.
Qatari employers/sponsors have customarily retained the passports of foreign employees. Foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, may not leave Qatar without the permission of their employer/sponsor.
All foreigners planning to travel or reside in Qatar for longer than one month must undergo a medical examination and testing for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Medical certificates must be issued upon arrival in the country; those issued by foreign medical authorities will not be accepted. HIV positive individuals will be refused entry in the country.
Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.