travel advice Qatar — Aquamarine Health Clinic

With the World cup starting shortly many travellers intend to head out to Qatar to enjoy this iconic sporting event. Here are Aquamarine Health Clinic, like on any overseas trip, we want travellers to have the best experience and remain healthy for the duration of their holiday.

There are a few recommendations and handy tips we would suggest before travelling to Qatar and the World Cup.

Do your research

As with any trip look at the FCDO page for recommendations, consideration and safety issues. There are entry requirements in relation to Covid -19, including online applications and proof of negative tests prior to arrival regardless of vaccination status. One of the other main things to read is in relation cultural practice, local customs and laws. Behaviour that may seem acceptable and even common practice in the UK maybe illegal in Qatar.

Customs and laws

· It is an offence to drink alcohol in public or be drunk in public

· Swearing or making rude gestures can lead to arrests

· A zero tolerance to drugs

· Sex outside of marriage is illegal

· Homosexuality is illegal

· Importing alcohol, pork products, religious books, drugs and pornography is illegal

· Be culturally aware when filming or taking photographs and posting insulting material online can be a crime.

· You should dress modestly in public, women should have their shoulder covered and avoid short skirts. Some areas will not allow men or women access if wearing shorts or no sleeves

Travellers need to mindful that even though it is a large international sporting event the inherent laws and customs will not change.

Heat and Sun

Other things to consider are the environmental effects from the heat and sun. Travellers need to stay well hydrated and avoid the sun from 11 until 3pm when it is at its hottest. A high factor sun cream should be regularly applied, and they should wear clothes which will aid protection like a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and loose fitting, lightweight but tightly woven clothes.

Sun safety — Aquamarine Health Clinic

Vaccines

Travellers should be up to date with their tetanus vaccine (boosted in the last 10 years) and anyone staying for an extended about of time or mixing closely with the local population might consider Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B or Rabies.

If you think you may need vaccines, we offer a travel vaccine clinic here in Plymouth.

Other risks

There are other risks that cannot be protected from vaccines, these include diseases carried by mosquitos like West Nile fever or Chikungunya. So, it is important that travellers follow strict bite avoidance techniques

Avoiding mosquito bites — Aquamarine Health Clinic

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

This is a viral infection transmitted via infected camels or camel – related products, this can direct or indirect. There is only limited transmission from person to person though coughing and sneezing.

Traveller should practice good health measures with regular hand washing. People should avoid contact with camels, raw camel milk or camel products.

Travelling with medications

Qatar has strict rules about which medication can and cant be brought into the country. It is really important that individual travellers check with the Qatar embassy about the suitability of their medication and what documentation may be require to bring these products into the country. Many medications that can be bought over the counter in the UK are illegal or restricted there. All travellers should keep medication in its original packaging and travel with prescriptions.

For further information see – NaTHNaC - Medicines and travel (travelhealthpro.org.uk)