fionamw

Good Morning Sand Pit dwellers.... sorry to 'use you' for travel advice but I'm going to Doha after Christmas and wondered if there are any recommendations about fireworks/etc over the New Year? Secondary, because I think I've got the gen from the .gov pages, but I'm still slightly confused as to whether UK passport holders need or don't need a visa/entry permit etc simply for short stay tourism?
Thanks for any advice anyone can give.
Saludos
Fiona

DohaLady

Hi,
You will get a tourist visa upon arrival into the country, nothing is needed beforehand. It will cost 100 or 120 QR and you need to pay by debit / credit card. It'll only be valid for 30 days though, you'll need to extend if you stayed any longer than that.
As for fireworks I'd imagine there will be something going on at Katara as they love a good firework display. Possibly some of the bigger hotels but I'm not 100% sure. I don't remember last year.....!
Enjoy your trip, Qatar really is a nice place

fionamw

Thanks so much. It's only a week's trip so we're trying to cram as much in as poss. ... dune bashing, camels if we have to, souq(s), etceteraaaaa.... !!

DohaLady

You'll be fine to get all of that in, we're not the biggest country!!

Enjoy it!

fionamw

While I've got your attention, is there anything less obvious, less on the 'must do' list, which you'd suggest people often miss?

DohaLady

Dune bashing will consume a day and the souq is great to have a wander round in the evening and something to eat. The Museum of Islamic Art is always worth a potter round in my eyes and Katara Cultural Village is pretty special. The Pearl is also nice to visit because it's pretty although quiet, and Villaggio Mall is different to a standard Mall so that's nice to see. It's good fun to go on a Dhow trip in the evening, although it might be a tad chilly. There are some amazing restaurants over here and a couple of nice bars if thats your thing!