Qatar announces air travel advisory for its citizens

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
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Qatar Airways
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Qatar has issued a number of guidelines and pieces of advice to Qatari citizens wishing to travel abroad in order to aid their travel and stay, and protect them from any difficulties during their travel.

The Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised travelers to observe and follow the instructions issued by countries in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).

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The department has requested every passenger to ensure that the validity of the passport and the ID card is not less than six months.

Other guidelines include:

  • Obtain entry visas from countries that require pre-entry visas.
  • Commit to the host country’s laws, adherence to travel conditions and global aviation regulations, and avoid carrying prohibited items.
  • Keep official documents such as passports, airline tickets and valuable personal holdings in safe places.
  • Avoid providing the passport or ID card as a guaranty to any party in any way.
  • If Non-Qatari workers and Non-Qatari escorts are traveling, the sponsor must inquire about the visas and procedures followed in this regard.
  • It is preferable not to carry jewelry and precious objects while traveling.

During their stay at the Host nation

  • Pay attention to children in gatherings and markets.
  • Prevent the security services in the host country from inspecting the place of residence unless the permission to search from the competent authority is presented.
  • Identify the official capacity of people asking you to show your personal identity.
  • Keep the contact numbers of the embassy of Qatar in the host country for help when needed.
  • Keep the passport number and ID card for reference when visiting the mission in case they are lost.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash during travel and keep the receipt received from the money exchange.
  • When arriving at the airport of the country of destination, inform the customs officer of the cash on you if it exceeds 10,000 or $10,000 before it is discovered to avoid charges or confiscation.
  • Stay away from suspicious gatherings and places.
  • Don’t approach or interact with foreign objects.
  • Avoid carrying the luggage of others during travel.
  • Comply with the veil ban law in force in some European countries, such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria to prevent legal accountability.

Emergencies 

  • In the event of any problem, it must be reported to the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar.
  • In the event of an investigation in any case, the embassy must be informed immediately.
  • Contact the embassy immediately to get advice in the event of a terrorist act.
  • Register on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling.
  • Don’t bring meat and dairy products to European countries.

Instructions for Travelers to the USA 

  • Ensure that the electronic devices in your possession are free from any issues that are contrary to US laws.
  • Ensure that all personal legal matters in the US are completed, such as paying traffic violations and appearing before the US courts.
  • If domestic worker, nannies or driver are traveling with you:
    • Avoid keeping the passport of the accompanying persons.
    • Take into account that the number of working hours is eight per day.
    • Commit to holidays, weekly and annual holidays.
    • It is advisable to open a bank account for the domestic worker to transfer his dues to, and in case of cash disbursement, a receipt must be obtained.
    • In the event of domestic worker absconding, the citizen must inform the nearest Qatari diplomatic mission in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website can be consulted to find out countries that exempt holders of passports (of all kinds) from obtaining entry visas or granting visas upon arrival or requiring obtainment of pre-visas through embassies, as well as to review travel warnings before leaving the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be contacted via the following phone numbers from inside and outside Qatar 40111140 – 40111000 – 40111104.

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