List of banned activities in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Football fans travelling to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup may face jail time if they bring pork, porn, or sex toys with them.
With less than a week until the tournament begins, the United Kingdom government has issued World Cup foreign travel advice.
The government advises its citizens to always respect all local traditions, customs, laws, and religions in the Islamic country.
[the_ad id=”2914″]
See Also:
UK Visa Types for Foreigners 2023
Why the Qatar world cup is so controversial
Dos and donts in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Alcohol
It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. British nationals have been detained under this law, usually when they have come to the attention of the police on a related matter, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour. For example, drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000.
Alcohol is available only at licenced hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system. Don’t carry alcohol around with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will ask for an original photo ID upon entry.
2. Drugs
In Qatar, there is no tolerance for drug-related offences. Drug use, trafficking, smuggling, and possession of any amount of drugs are all punishable by harsh laws. Deportation, lengthy incarceration terms, and hefty fines are all possible forms of punishment.
On their way to other locations, many travellers stop at Hamad International Airport in transit. The airport uses cutting-edge security equipment; all luggage are examined, and transiting travellers found to be in possession of any amount of drugs, even traces, may be detained and arrested.
[the_ad id=”2914″]
In Qatar, some prescription and over-the-counter medications might be considered restricted substances. Make sure you have an official doctor’s prescription, hospital record, or letter from your general practitioner specifying the substance, the quantity given, and the dosage if you need to carry controlled or prescription medication into Qatar. Additionally, the doctor or consultant should sign and date this letter or note, and the hospital or practise should stamp it.
3. LGBT
In Qatar, homosexual behaviour is illegal. You can read more here>>> Why Qatar has warned LGBT groups ahead of the World Cup
4. Relationships outside of marriage
Any public intimacy between men and women, including between teens, is grounds for arrest.
Both cohabitation and extramarital sex, whether it be between same-sex or opposite-sex couples, are prohibited in Qatar.
[the_ad id=”2914″]
This may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and a court proceeding where you could be sentenced to a fine, a term in jail, and eventual deportation. This is particularly true in cases where the behaviour has offended someone.
The restrictions against sex outside of marriage make it possible for you and your partner to be imprisoned or deported if you get pregnant outside of marriage. During prenatal visits, doctors will inquire about marital documentation.
During prenatal visits, doctors will inquire about marital documentation. If an unmarried woman gives birth in Qatar, she can have trouble reporting the birth of the child there and risk being detained, jailed, or expelled. You must present a marriage certificate to the Qatari authorities in order to obtain a birth certificate, and they may compare the marriage date to the anticipated conception date.
5. Dress code
When out in public, even while driving, you should dress modestly. The shoulders of women must be covered, and short skirts must be avoided. When visiting governmental offices, medical facilities, or shopping malls, it is advisable that both men and women avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops. You might be asked to leave or denied entrance to these places if you are not dressed modestly.
It is especially crucial to dress modestly during the holy month of Ramadan.
[the_ad id=”2914″]
6. Offensive behaviour
Swearing and making inappropriate gestures are obscene acts, and violators may face imprisonment and/or deportation. When interacting with the police and other authorities, exercise extra caution.
7. Financial crimes
Financial crimes, including fraud, bad checkwriting (including post-dated and “security” checks), and not paying bills (such as hotel or car rental bills), can get you imprisoned, fined, and deported in Qatar. Other assets, such as bank accounts, can also be frozen. Additionally, you might be held accountable for checks that you endorsed on behalf of a business.
You may be subject to a travel ban that will prevent you from leaving Qatar, including to go on vacation, if you have unpaid loans or financial obligations. You will also not be allowed to terminate your residency visa if this is the case. Before leaving the country, all debts must be paid in full. When you have paid all of your debts, ask your bank for a certificate to prove there are none left.
8. Importation of Goods
Drugs, alcohol, pornography, pig products, and religious literature and materials are all prohibited from entering Qatar. At the arrivals hall of Hamad International Airport, all luggage is scanned. Videos and DVDs may be checked, edited, and seized.
[the_ad id=”2914″]
The importation, sale, and purchase of electronic cigarettes, liquids, and other like goods are also prohibited under Qatari legislation (e.g., electronic shisha pipes). Regardless of quantity or intended purpose, the law is applicable. Customs agents may seize and confiscate any such items discovered entering the country through any means, including traveller luggage or mail.
9. Photography/media
When documenting or photographing individuals at religious, military, or construction sites, be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Visitors who attempted to record or take pictures in sensitive areas have been detained. When in doubt, get consent.
To film or take photos as part of your work as a journalist, you must obtain authorization from the Qatar News Agency (QNA) and enter the country with a visiting press pass. This licence offers other important information as well as clearing technological equipment, including cameras, through airport customs.
In Qatar, there are stringent privacy laws. Under Qatari law, it may be illegal to publish online content (including videos and pictures) that appears to offend, defame, or be culturally insensitive. People have been arrested, charged with crimes, and/or found guilty for sharing this kind of content.
Read Also:
Harvard University Free Online Courses 2023
FIFA World Cup: FIFA records nearly 3 million ticket sales ahead of Qatar 2022.
Qatar Airways FIFA World Cup Jobs 2022: How To Apply
Conclusion
The State of Qatar reserves the authority to issue an administrative deportation order if you are found responsible for any of the aforementioned offenses. Regardless of whether deportation was part of the judgement, this is true. If you work in Qatar, this will undoubtedly have an effect on your job and could limit your ability to stay in Qatar in the future.