Warden Message

Travel Alert -- Liquids, Aerosol, Gel (LAG) in Hand Baggage

The U.S. Embassy in Doha would like to alert American citizens to changes in the baggage screening procedures at Doha International Airport.  Effective June 1, 2007, the LAG (Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels) Policy mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be implemented at Doha International Airport.

The LAG Policy limits the amount of liquid, aerosol and gel products passengers may bring aboard planes.  Passengers will be allowed to carry a small amount of LAG items such as creams, gels, pastes, lotions, aerosol sprays and drinks.  These regulations include both products purchased outside the airport and duty free purchases.   Passengers purchasing duty free items will be advised to purchase these items at their final destination; however, passengers transiting to another destination will not be allowed to purchase amounts over the LAG Policy limit.  Duty free staff will ask for a boarding card to verify travelers’ itineraries.

The LAG Policy requires:

• The volume of each container to be less than 100ml.
  
  
• Containers to fit into a one liter, re-sealable plastic bag, with a maximum combined volume of one liter.
  
  
• The bag to be a maximum size of approximately 20 x 20 cm (only one bag is permitted per person).
  
  
• Travelers be ready to present the bag at screening points, separately from other carry-on items.

Exemptions:

Medicines and special dietary items (including baby food) required during the flight may be carried in addition to the above. When requested, travelers will have to provide a valid prescription for certain medicines.

Other Restrictions:

• Laptop computers and other large electrical devices must undergo separate screening.
  
  
• Coats and jackets must be removed and presented separately for screening.
  
  
• Current regulations on the size, number and weight of carry-on items will continue to apply.
  

Americans 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, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and other Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to “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.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
 
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.  U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at ACSconsularDoha@state.gov or by calling 488-4101, extension 6500.   Further updates will be forthcoming when new information is available.  This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://qatar.usembassy.gov.