MEDICATIONS AND DRUGS
Some medications prescribed in your home country may not be allowed in Qatar.
Your doctor might be able to inform you on what is permissible, however, for further clarification, call the officials at the Ministry of Health before you go.
Travellers can contact the Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department for replies on a case-by-case basis.
As the list of forbidden medications is unstable and experience is not an acceptable excuse, it is up to the discretion of the customs officer to decide whether the person has made an honest mistake, in which case the medication might just be confiscated. To avoid complications of any kind, paperwork can be obtained to bring in the medication, which is prohibited.
Illegal drugs are forbidden. Zero tolerance is the applied law for anyone using, importing, or possessing drugs in Qatar. Punishment is severe and could involve a life sentence.
BEFORE THE MOVE
PACKING
What to take along is very much a personal choice. Qatar now offers everything — from clothing, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances to cosmetics. Supermarkets also offer a variety of local and imported goods.
CLOTHING
For about eight months of the year the weather is usually around 30°C or higher. Temperatures can drop to around 7°C in December and January, however you will not need heavy coats. Jumpers and shawls are always a good idea because of the air conditioning; lightweight jackets and fine wools will suffice. If you are a skiing lover, do not hesitate to pack your ski gear, as you can easily practice the sport in nearby Dubai’s ski dome. This equipment is included in the ticket fee and will thus come in handy to protect you from the summer heat afterwards. (Refer to Chapter 6, Climate, for more information on the climate.)
ELECTRONICS / HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
Check the system of your TVs and DVDs, as they might not be compatible with the systems in Qatar. Dual-system TVs and DVDs are available locally.
Qatar’s climate also makes washer-dryers more useful, with 240 V system electricity. As for electricity, it is highly recommended
(refer to chapter 6, Utilities and Services, for more information on voltage and adaptors).
FORBIDDEN MATERIALS
All passengers’ luggage is scanned for contents at the Doha Airport Arrivals hall.
• Bringing alcohol and pork items into the country is not permissible and they will be immediately confiscated upon arrival; however, one can buy alcohol as well as other duty free items when leaving the country.
• Printed material such as art books and magazines, videos, CDs or DVDs displaying pornographic scenes are strictly banned.
• Paintings and statues should not depict the naked human form or have any sexual connotation.
• Importing caviar, ivory, Shahtoosh and valuable skins such as crocodile and snake is also prohibited.
• The penalties for possession of, or trade in, drugs are particularly severe, often resulting in prison sentences.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCES
You are allowed to bring in with you a reasonable amount of duty free items for personal use. There is no specific limit stated, but it is wise to use your judgment.
Duty free items (except for alcohol) are sold in the Arrivals hall at Doha Airport.
PETS
Getting your pets ready to move with you to Qatar will require quite a bit of organization and a fair amount of paperwork. It is important to know that dogs are neither allowed on Doha’s seafront, nor in the parks.
Remember:
• There is no quarantine imposed if your pet comes vaccinated and with all the correct documentation;
• Make sure the accommodation you may be staying in allows animals;
• A maximum of two pets per person is allowed into the State of Qatar, and they must be over thirty days old;
• An early check-in at the airport (a few hours before departure) would be advisable to ensure that all is properly taken care of, as your pets will not be sent with your luggage. Do not be alarmed, this is a standard procedure;
• Your pet will travel and arrive as unaccompanied cargo (named manifest cargo) even if you are on the same flight – and will be released immediately after Customs clearance;
• Check with your airline as each company, according to IATA standards, has their own process with regards to the carriage of animals and the containers they are travelling in;
• Make sure your dog has plenty of water.
Importing specific breeds of pets in the State of Qatar is prohibited (see below).
Professional pet relocation companies like Qatar Pet Relocators will help you through the whole import process (Janet Berry is looked upon as a pet guru due to the extensive experience she has had in this area). Qatar Pet Relocators are a member of the International Animal Transport Association (IATA) and the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). However, you can opt to do the whole process yourself.
Note: Refer to chapter 17, Leaving Qatar, for information on exporting your pet from Qatar.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE IMPORTATION OF A PET
Import permits – valid for 14 days from the date of issue – are obtainable from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. Health certificates (which must be issued from a government approved clinic) and Rabies Neutralization Antibody Test (RNATT) records must be submitted with the completed application form. Documents to submit are the following:
• A copy of the animal’s vaccination book, with the rabies vaccination and the combination/annual vaccinations. The rabies vaccination should be older than thirty days, but younger than one year;
• All pet’s details: name, species, breed, date of birth, sex and colour;
• The pet’s picture;
• Details of the owner and a copy of the owner’s passport, along with flight details or airway bill;
• Import form (provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture).
Your pet can be cleared at customs only with the original import permit, the original vaccination records and the Ministry of Health Certificate issued from the country of origin.
BANNED BREEDS FOR QATAR
Many airlines impose their own restrictions on certain breeds. Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways, has an extensive list. This information can be obtained by checking online directly or with your pet relocation agency. Airlines have their own list of banned breeds, so it is best to double-check with them before flying.
BANNED BREEDS FOR QATAR
Raf Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, Dobermann, Great Dane, Japanese Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Afghan Hound, Rottweiler.
Birds cannot be imported into the State of Qatar.
FOOD SUPPLIES FOR ANIMALS
All supermarkets have a pet food section. For more specialized foods, you may need to visit one of the pet stores or a veterinary clinic, as some carry specific food brands.
BUYING A PET
Before rushing to the pet shop, it would be useful to check with veterinary clinics, as people often have to suddenly leave the country and therefore put their pets at the local vets if they cannot take them along.
Another option is the Qatar Animal Welfare Society, also known as Q.A.W.S., that shelters abandoned cats and dogs in Qatar. They are always looking for volunteers to help out at the shelter, and monetary donations are appreciated. A lost and found office is available on site. Their website is detailed and useful: www.qaws.org
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VETERINARIANS
Many veterinarians are available in Qatar, operating in clinics and pet shops. They are able to provide microchips and vaccinations. Specialized clinics for falcons are also available. The Veterinary Surgery and the Qatar Veterinary Centre are recommended. Refer to the directory to contact details.
BOARDING FACILITIES
The demand for placing pets in care when owners are away on holidays is growing. Many people find themselves leaving town for Christmas, spring or summer holidays. Make sure you make arrangements early for your pet to stay somewhere in your absence, as the boarding facilities get booked up very quickly.
It is always strongly recommended to visit the facility and meet those involved before making a decision, as only you truly know the requirements of your pet. Qatar Veterinary Centre, Pampered Pets and The Veterinary Surgery are recommended. Also Paws and Claws located near Hyatt Plaza and Lagoona Mall (QR 30/day for a cat and QR 50/day for a dog).