With the 2022 World Cup just around the corner, nations are gearing up for their final international breaks before the tournament begins.
England are preparing for the tournament in the form of two Nations League games in October against Italy and Germany. After that, the Three Lions will next step onto the pitch together when they take on Iran in the World Cup opener on November 21.
With a lot of club football to play before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, it’s easy to forget that for now and put off all the planning, whether it’s from your home or even getting those last bits sorted out before heading onto the Make way to watch in person.
Much has been said about the decision to host the tournament in Qatar, particularly the fact that the tournament will be held in winter due to the extreme heat in the Middle East.
Although we’ve heard the term a lot over the past few years, the World Cup in Qatar really is the definition of unprecedented times, making planning a trip there quite difficult.
Many of us will be watching from home, gripping severe World Cup fever in the cold of winter, but there are also many traveling the world for such an unforgettable event. With that in mind, there’s a lot to consider if you’re planning to travel to Qatar for the tournament.
With the World Cup fast approaching, we’ve put together a guide on what not to do and what not to take with you when traveling to Qatar – a country many fans will be traveling to for the first time ever.
Traveling to Qatar, like most other Middle Eastern countries, requires extra precautions to comply with laws and respect their culture.
What you take with you to Qatar must be considered to protect yourself and respect the laws and norms. The instructions below are taken from the GOV.UK website.
In no case should alcohol be brought into the country, nor should pork products. As a Muslim country, Qatar has strict rules on alcohol consumption, and the same applies to foods containing pork.
You can buy alcohol within the country from licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Be careful not to carry it around, drink on the street or appear intoxicated in public as this is a criminal offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years old.
Journalists and media workers need a permit from the Qatar News Agency (QNA) to film or take photos for work purposes and should enter the country with a press visit permit to allow technical equipment such as cameras to clear customs.
Qatar has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug-related offences. If you need to bring medicines or prescriptions into the country, authorization in the form of a medical certificate is required.
Website GOV.UK says: “Make sure you carry your official doctor’s prescription, hospital receipt or letter from your GP detailing the medicine, the amount prescribed and the dosage. This note or letter should also be signed by the doctor/consultant and stamped by the hospital or practice” and provides a link for information on legalized British documents in Qatar.
Also prohibited under Qatari law is the importation, sale and purchase of electronic cigarettes, liquids and similar products. Cigarettes are not banned, but normal laws apply regarding the quantities you can bring.
As mentioned above, it is against the law to drink and get drunk in public places. This can result in severe penalties.
Avoid getting involved with drugs at all. The country has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs, and once again it is being severely punished for doing so.
It’s important to respect laws and culture in Qatar, so both men and women should dress “modestly” according to the GOV UK website. Women must cover their shoulders and are not allowed to wear short skirts. Both men and women should avoid sleeveless tops and shorts when entering government buildings, healthcare facilities, or shopping malls.
Feigned intimacy should be avoided in public and visitors must ensure that they do not behave in an abusive manner. This includes swearing and rude gestures. Be respectful and careful when interacting with the police and other officers.
