Update to Country Specific Information
WARDEN MESSAGE
Revised Country Specific Information for Qatar
The U.S. Embassy in Doha would like to advise U.S. citizens that the United States Government’s Country Specific Information for Qatar has been updated. The complete text is available at http://travel.state.gov, but the updated section is immediately below:
Islam and tribal traditions provide the foundation of Qatar’s customs, laws and practices. Foreign visitors are expected to remain sensitive to Islamic beliefs and practices and not dress in a revealing or provocative manner, including the wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter tops and shorts. Western bathing attire is worn only at hotel pools and private beaches.
Religion and religious practice are quite sensitive issues in Qatar. Therefore, discussing religious issues, or answering questions about a religion, should be treated with care and sensitivity. Proselytizing is illegal in Qatar. Attempting to convert a member of one religion to another, “sharing one’s faith” with someone of a different faith, and similar practices can be deemed violations of Qatari law, with deportation or even prison the consequence. Accordingly, charitable activities, both religious and non-religious, must be approved in advance by the Qatar Authority for Charitable Activities (QACA). Further information on QACA, including instructions on how to contact QACA, is at www.qaca.gov.qa.
Americans are strongly encouraged to avoid labor or work camps, where unrest can occur due to local working conditions or labor grievances.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Doha's website, http://qatar.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and other Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.
U.S. citizens living and residing in Qatar are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at ACSconsularDoha@state.gov or by calling 496-6000, extension 6117 for routine services or extension 6600 for after hours emergencies. The U.S. Embassy in Doha is located on 22nd February Street (D-Ring Road), Al Luqta, Doha, Qatar.