Driving in Qatar

If you travel to Qatar for tourism or for a short-term stay, you can drive in the country with your national driving license for a period up to 14 days. Your national driving license must be recognized by the Qatari authorities; the list of eligible nationalities is available on the Ministry of Interior of Qatar website at http://www.moi.gov.qa/.  

After 14 days in Qatar, you need to apply for a temporary driving license. The temporary driving license is required if you do not permanently reside in the country. In order to apply for a temporary driving license, go to the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department with the application form duly completed (in Arabic), your national driving license, proof of identity (your passport) plus a copy, 3 photographs. Fees apply. A sight test is performed. Note that in most cases, driving tests are not required. 

If you permanently reside in Qatar, you can exchange your national driving license or your temporary Qatari driving license for a full Qatari driving license. The documents' checklist includes: the application form duly completed (in Arabic), your national driving license, your no objection letter, an ID (passport) plus a copy, 3 passport-sized photographs payment for the fees. A sight test should be performed. 

If your national driving license is not recognized by the Qatari authorities, driving tests are required. 

The international driving license in Qatar: 

The international driving license is accepted in Qatar for visitors. For more information about the international driving license, please refer to http://www.international-license.com/ or contact the dedicated driving services in your country.  

 Good to know: 

They drive on the right side of the road in Qatar. Zero tolerance is applied in Qatar for drunk driving. Note that the roads can be very dangerous in Qatar. Driving mortality is high in the country and the greatest caution is required! 

 Important: 

It is of your responsibility to check the latest information mentionned above with the embassy of Qatar in your area or with the Traffic Department of Qatar. 

 Useful links:  

Qatar Ministry of Interior  

http://www.gov.qa/ 

Qatar Traffic Department 

http://www.gov.qa/ 

Qatar News Agency - Driving license in Qatar 

http://www.qnaol.net/ 

Qatar Visitor Guide - Driving in Qatar 

http://www.qatarvisitor.com/

 

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