Qatar is Open for Tourism! Here’s What You Need to Know

Travel Bestie
22 Apr 2022 - 6 min read

Image by Konevi from Pixabay

Qatar cannot be separated from its tradition of date cultivation, Arabic coffee, bakhoor incense, oud and pearls. Travellers can experience these traditions served by the hospitality of the Qatari people through their cuisines and gatherings.

The country is also well-known for its excellent performance in football among Asian countries. Following their performance, the country is set to host the World Cup 2022, the first country to do so in the Arab region.

Let’s see what else is special in Qatar?

Travel Requirements to Qatar

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Good news for travellers from Singapore! Qatar has included Singapore in the Green list countries.

Fully vaccinated travellers or children below 12 years old accompanied by vaccinated family members are exempted from quarantine upon arrival and only required to have a negative PCR test result 72 hours before arrival. This PCR test requirement applies to unvaccinated travellers too.

Additionally, unvaccinated travellers need to complete a 7-day home or hotel quarantine and PCR test on Day 6 after arrival in Qatar.

Other things to know:

All travellers need to pre-register on www.ehteraz.gov.qa to upload necessary documents and sign an Undertaking and Acknowledgement form before arriving in Qatar.
Travellers are recommended to check Qatar's Ministry of Public Health website for other regulations and in case of any changes to the existing restrictions or policies.
Should any travellers require COVID-19 screening upon arrival, you may do so at any COVID-19 test clinics situated at the access port.

Check here for the latest travel advisories.

Top Airlines Operating to Qatar

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Travellers from outside of Qatar can reach the country by air. There are two main airports in Qatar, both of which are situated in its capital, Doha.

Currently, Hamad International Airport caters for all international commercial traffic by air, while Doha International Airport serves as a military and aviation training ground as well as an alternative airport to support the incoming air traffic for the World Cup 2022.

Among the airlines that fly from Singapore to Qatar are Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air, SriLankan Airlines and Asiana.

Passengers can choose to either fly directly or transit on the way on these airlines.

Flight ticket prices may vary between SGD 1600-8203 for a round trip on economy class subject to flying dates, transits and flight services.

How to Get Around in Qatar

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Travellers have different options to move around Qatar.

For flexible journeys around the country, travellers may opt to ride Karwa taxis or hire car rentals. Alternatively, travellers may ride on the public bus or rail network to reach their destinations.

If you plan to ride on public buses, be sure to purchase a Karwa Smartcard, which will facilitate your payment for bus fare as cash is not accepted on board.

Meanwhile, Doha Metro rapid transit system offers three network lines that connect the cities to major coastal, educational and cultural attractions.

Travel tips:

From the metro stations, travellers can ride on free feeder buses to reach their desired destinations.
The rail network operates between 6.00 am-11.00 pm on Saturdays to Wednesdays, 6.00 am-11.59 pm on Thursdays and 2.00 pm-11.59 pm on Fridays.
To ride the metro, travellers need to purchase metro cards with fares starting from QR 3. Children below five years old can enjoy a free ride on the metro.

Best Places to Visit in Qatar

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif, or "The Standing Market", is one of the most visited attractions by tourists in Doha, Qatar.

The market made its name centuries ago as an important trading place for mainly livestock goods by the Bedouins and the locals.

Due to the decline of visits in the 1990s and fire mishap at the market in 2003, Souq Waqif underwent massive reconstruction and renovation for two years, mainly to restore the authentic traditional Qatari architectural design and old structures that were built before the 1950s.

Image by Nordcap Studio from Pixabay

Souq Waqif has since become an important tourist attraction in Qatar, with a vibrant interior look and mesmerising illumination of lights at the entire marketplace building at night.

Visitors will be spoilt for choices while shopping at the market, with many handicrafts and souvenirs to purchase from. This market is also an excellent place to shop traditional Qatari garments and ouds.

Things to know:

Opening hours of Souq Waqif from Saturdays to Thursdays is between 7.30 am - 10.00 pm while Fridays between 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
The shops may also be closed between 1.00 pm-4.00 pm although eateries are generally open all day long.
Travellers can reach Souq Waqif by bus or metro on the Gold Line.

National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar was originally the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani, former Emir of Qatar, which has been carefully conserved and restored into a home of historical and cultural Qatari heritage for public viewing.

The museum offers a unique touring experience around its eleven galleries by engaging visitors' senses through music, film display and aromatics while unveiling the story of Qatar.

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Since its recent opening in March 2019, the museum has displayed various captivating artefact displays, including the oldest Holy Quran in Qatar and the Pearl Carpet of Baroda.

Adhering to the COVID-19 measures, visitors need to purchase the admission tickets online prior to their visit as the museum is currently limiting the number of visitors in a day.

Things to know:

Dining at the restaurant in the museum may also require advance booking for large groups.
The museum also requires all visitors to dress properly and modestly while touring the museum building and its park to respect the local culture.
The museum is open between 9.00 am to 7.00 pm from Saturdays to Thursdays and 1.30 pm to 7.00 pm on Fridays.
Visitors can reach the National Museum of Qatar by taking a public bus or stopping at the National Museum Station on the Gold metro line.

Doha Corniche

As one of the strategic locations to view the scenery of Doha city, Doha Corniche is undoubtedly among the top-visited attractions in Qatar.

Visitors can take time strolling down along the seven-kilometre waterfront promenade for sightseeing and leisure activities.

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The entire Corniche is divided into three parts: the Corniche Promenade and Park, Corniche Street, and the Government zone.

Corniche Street connects to the West Bay, the best skyline view of Doha's skyscrapers.

While walking along Corniche Street, visitors will come across a giant pearl monument constructed to signify the importance of pearls to Qatar's history.

Things to know:

Other nearby landmarks that visitors can visit while touring the Corniche are the Al-Bidda Park, Doha Port, Richard Serra's sculpture seven and many more.
Travellers can easily reach the Doha Corniche by public bus or metro.

Katara Cultural Village

Visitors are highly recommended to explore the Katara Cultural Village if you seek for arts and cultural experience.

Situated between the West Bay and The Pearl residential area, Katara was envisioned to be the centre of multi-cultural exchange and guardian to Qatari traditions and heritage.

The cultural village hosts events such as exhibitions, festivals, lectures, music performances, annual programs and many more.

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Do not miss visiting spectacular landmarks located around the village, including its amphitheatre, Katara's Gardens, the Masjid of Katara and its halls and galleries.

In addition, visitors can discover other interesting activities at the Arab Postal Stamp Museum, Katara Art Centre, Planetarium and QM Gallery Katara situated within the village.

Things to know:

You can also access the Katara website to find out about the upcoming events that may be held during your stay in Qatar.
The Katara Cultural Village Foundation is open on Saturdays to Thursdays between 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.

Things to Remember when Travelling to Qatar

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To ensure your safety and convenience while getting around Qatar, travellers may consider the following tips:

Keep your mobile phones active by enabling roaming or purchasing a local SIM card upon your arrival and downloading the Eteraz application on your mobile. This application displays your COVID-19 vaccination and green status that will enable your access to public transports, tourist attractions and other venues that impose this requirement.
Some attractions in Qatar may be closed or have restricted access due to COVID-19. Travellers must check the latest status and restrictions imposed on the attractions they wish to visit.
Attractions in Qatar may also be subjected to advanced booking. Plan your journey up ahead by inquiring about the admission requirements before adding any visits to your itinerary.
Prepare supplementary payment cards while touring around Qatar in case of any change of plans during your stay, extra travelling charges, additional costs for COVID-19 related issues and/or other unforeseen circumstances.
Practice regular self-hygiene and wear face masks in public areas.
Pack along modest attire to wear while touring in Qatar. Some public areas and attractions may have dress codes to follow in consideration of the local Qatari culture.

Go to a trip in Qatar now and experience its many wonders! Book your flight via Traveloka for the best deals!

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