Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Qatar is a developing nation classified as high income. Located in the Middle East along the Persian Gulf (north of Saudi Arabia), the climate is classified as dry (arid).
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
See also: Library article for Yellow Fever
Although yellow fever does not occur in Qatar, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.
- Requirement: A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 9 months coming from countries with risk of YF transmission. This does not apply to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) in risk countries.
Other Vaccines
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, typhoid fever, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), snakebites, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Negligible risk of violent crime and low risk of petty crime exist throughout the country.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations may infrequently occur and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Territorial disputes occur in international waters of the Persian Gulf, including near the islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs. Piracy (involving commercial and private leisure vessels) may occur in coastal and international waters.
Water Safety
Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.
Outdoor Safety
Desert excursions should only be undertaken with organized groups and experienced guides. Participants should inform someone not on the tour of their itinerary and anticipated return time. An adequate supply of food and water for extended unforeseen delays is essential.
Transportation Safety
Risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 7 to 12 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Airline Safety
The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.
Natural Disasters
Sandstorms and dust storms frequently occur.
Seasonal flooding occurs.
Extreme heat (which can lead to heat-related illness) occurs from June through September.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Qatar
- United States: [+974] 4496-6000; qa.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+974] 4419-9000; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/qatar
- United Kingdom: [+974] 4496-2000; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-doha
- Australia: [+974] 4007-8500; www.qatar.embassy.gov.au
Qatar's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: washington.embassy.qa/en
- In Canada: ottawa.embassy.qa/en
- In the U.K.: london.embassy.qa/en
- In Australia: canberra.embassy.qa/en
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV and hepatitis testing are required to obtain a work or residence visa. Travelers, including short-term travelers, may be detained or deported after arrival if found to be positive for HIV or hepatitis.
