Travel Vaccines and Advice for Qatar
Resting in the desert, right along the Persian Gulf, is the country of Qatar. Qatar offers travellers an artistic, unforgettable glimpse into Middle Eastern and Islamic traditions.
A popular destination in Qatar is Al Wakrah, a city resting right along the Persian Gulf. This is the perfect destination for travellers wishing to soak up some sun on the beach. Al Wakrah’s family beach gives adults and kids the chance to hop into the beautiful waters of the Persian Gulf. The city is also home to the Al Wakrah Souq, a large marketplace with over 100 shops. With all the delicious restaurants in the souq, Al Wakrah promises exciting nightlife.
Al Khor is another stop in Qatar that tourists like to visit. In the town is the popular Al Khor Park. The park also has a zoo, a children’s play area and a field.
With a rich culture and history, Qatar is the perfect destination for all travellers.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Qatar?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Qatar
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Qatar?
What Is the Climate Like in Qatar?
How Safe Is Qatar?
Respecting Religion in Qatar
What Should I Pack for Qatar?
Canadian Embassy in Qatar
Do I Need Vaccines for Qatar?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Qatar. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Qatar: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Qatar |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Qatar |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causing severe symptoms. To prevent it, practice hand-washing, consume safe water and food, and consider vaccination, especially when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, ensures strong immunity, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting both individuals and the broader population from these potentially severe illnesses.
Dengue is present in Qatar. Make sure you bring insect repellents or netting for protection.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Qatar
Prevent Bug Bites in Qatar
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using PHAC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
Food and Water Safety in Qatar
While dining abroad, prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practicing hand hygiene, and selecting fully cooked dishes. Opt for sealed bottled or canned drinks. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by adhering to hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Infections To Be Aware of in Qatar
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever and pain. The PHAC emphasizes prevention through avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration, avoiding certain pain relievers that can worsen bleeding risks.
- MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV virus. To prevent MERS, maintain proper hygiene, minimize contact with infected individuals and camels, and adhere to PHAC travel recommendations.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Qatar?
A passport which is valid for 6 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. A visa, which is valid for 30 days, is required to enter the country. This visa may be obtained upon arrival.
Qatar Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Qatar? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Qatar and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Exit permits may be required based on the nature of your trip.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Qatar?
Qatar has three popular tourist destinations – Doha, Al Wakrah, and Al Khor. The weather in these places depends on the time of year. Qatar has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
In Doha, it is hot and humid from May to September, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees during the day. From December to February, the temperature is around 20 during the day, and it can drop to around 15 at night.
Al Wakrah and Al Khor have a similar climate to Doha, with hot summers and mild winters. The temperature can reach up to 45 degrees during the summer months, and from December to February, the temperature is around 20 during the day, and it can drop to around 10 at night.
It can be uncomfortable to spend a long time outdoors during the summer months because of the high temperatures and humidity. It’s best to plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening when temperatures are cooler.
How Safe Is Qatar?
If you are travelling to Qatar, it’s important to take steps to stay safe. You can start by doing some research ahead of time to learn about the local laws, customs, and any safety concerns. When you’re in Qatar, be aware of your surroundings and avoid any areas that seem unsafe.
Use licensed taxis if you need transportation, and keep your belongings secure and out of sight. Choose safe and reputable accommodations and keep important documents like your passport in a secure place.
Stay up-to-date with local news and events during your stay and follow any instructions given by local authorities. Remember that safety should always be a top priority when travelling to any country.
Respecting Religion in Qatar
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Religion is a very sensitive topic in Qatar. This exposure to religion will likely spark conversation and discussion.
It is important to remember that Qatar is an Islamic country that takes religion seriously. Proselytizing, or attempt to convert someone to a different religion is illegal. But, even attempting to share a differing faith may be considered proselytizing. Consequences for proselytizing include deportation and imprisonment.
Visitors should also dress modestly in accords with Islamic traditions. Show the proper respect for the religious beliefs and culture of those in Qatar.
What Should I Pack for Qatar?
In addition to all travel documents and medications recommended by a Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist, here are some items to consider packing:
- Sunscreen – Qatar is a country that experiences much blistering, intense sunlight. Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 50 and has long-wearing protection.
- Sunglasses – Since the sun in Qatar can be relentless, it is important to have enough protection. While sunscreen can shield your skin, you will still need something to shield your eyes.
- Modest Clothing – Revealing clothing should be avoided altogether in this traditional country. Women should bring long skirts or pants and sleeved shirts. Some religious sites might also require you to wear a headscarf to cover your hair. Men should also dress more modestly, so avoid shorts unless you’re at the beach and pack pants instead.
Canadian Embassy in Qatar
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Qatar, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada to the State of Qatar
Tornado Tower,
Corner of Majlis Al Taawon Street and Al Funduq Street,
P.O. Box 24876
Doha, State of Qatar
Tel.: (974) 4419 9000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Qatar
“The nurse was so pleasant and welcoming I relaxed immediately. She was very knowledgeable and friendly and made our visit so easy! We can barely wait for our trip to Qatar.”
“Very knowledgeable and professional. Appointment was on-time and thorough. Covered everything I may need for Qatar.”
“The staff at the Whitby Passport Health Centre were excellent. Didn’t have to wait for appointments. Knowledgeable staff was very informative of all aspects of travel with review and information given specific to our trip to Qatar. Great service!”
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