Country guide

Qatar

Visa

Visa on arrival

Vaccinations

None required

Currency

Qatari Riyal (QAR)

Time zones

UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 974

Best time to go

October – April. The coolest months are December – February.

Drinking water

Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated.

Visa guide

Entry requirements

Passport must be valid for 3 months
Confirmed onward / return flight
Valid accommodation booking

NOTE: Visitors who are eligible to obtain a visitor visa on arrival at the border crossings are exempt from obtaining a visitor's health insurance policy for the first 30 days from the date of entry to the country. However, if they wish to extend their stay for more than 30 days from the date of entry, they are required to purchase a health insurance policy.

Visa requirements

Visas are not required by South African passport holders for Tourism Purposes of up to 30 days.
For more visa information, please visit: visitqatar.com

Issuing authorities

Embassy of the State of Qatar
1077 Justice Mahomed Str, Waterkloof, Pretoria
Tel: 012 452 1700/1
E-mail: pretoria@mofa.gov.qa
Web: pretoria.embassy.qa

SA representative

SA Embassy
Villa 11, Saha 100, West Bay, Doha
Tel: +974 4485 7111
E-mail: [Doha.Consular@dirco.gov.za](Doha.Consular@dirco.gov.za)
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/doha/

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

2026: Feb 10; Mar 20-22; May 27-29; Dec 18