The Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued a number of guidelines and advice to Qatari nationals wishing to travel abroad.
The department has emphasised the importance of ensuring the validity of passports and identity cards by six months, obtaining entry visas from countries requiring prior visas and following the host country’s regulations, laws and travel requirements along with international aviation regulations.
The department has advised people not to purchase air tickets from the airlines of the blockading countries via the internet. It also advised citizens to keep passports, air tickets and valuables in safe places, and not to pledge a passport or ID card to any party in any way.
It urged citizens travelling abroad not to carry gold jewellery and valuables or interact with nationals of some countries that have opposing positions to Qatar. It also urged citizens to pay attention to children in gatherings and markets.
If non-Qatari workers and non-Qatari escorts are travelling, the sponsor must inquire about the visas and procedures followed in this regard, the department said.
The department also advised against allowing security services of the host country to inspect the place of residence without permission from the relevant authority, and emphasised the need to ensure the official status of persons requesting personal identity. It urged citizens to keep the numbers of Qatar Embassy in the host country for reference when necessary.
The passport number and ID number should be kept in mind when requesting the help of the mission if they are lost. The department advised citizens travelling in groups to not carry large sums of money individually and distribute it among family members. It pointed out the importance keeping the money exchange receipt.
When arriving at the airport of the country of destination, the Qatari passenger must inform the customs officer of the cash he or she has (if it exceeds 10,000 euros or $10,000) before it is discovered to avoid charges or confiscation.
The department advised citizens to avoid gatherings and suspicious places and approaching strange objects. It also advised citizens not wear face cover such as hijab (veil) in countries that prohibit it. In the event of any problem, citizens should head directly to the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar and notify officials of the problem.
If a Qatari citizen is being investigated, he or she must head immediately to inform the State Mission. If there is a terrorist act, citizens must communicate with the embassy to receive advice.
The department urged citizens to register on MoFA website before travelling.
The department advised citizens to not bringing meat and dairy products to European countries. If a citizen wished to bring food (not mentioned above), it should not exceed the limit for personal use (2 kg).
The department advised Qataris going to the US to ensure that all legal issues related to their stay in the country are resolved, such as paying traffic violations and attending US courts. It emphasised the importance of ensuring that electronic devices are free of any subjects that are against US laws.
In the case of travelling companions (servants, nannies or drivers), their passports should not be kept with the sponsor, the department said, adding that the sponsor should take into account that the number of working hours are (8) hours per day, as well as the holidays and weekends.
The department also advised to open a bank account for the worker. If the payment is in cash, then proof of receipt must be taken. The sponsor must also secure adequate housing. Sponsor must inform the nearest Qatari diplomatic mission in case the worker runs away.
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