Food and other items you cannot bring into Qatar

All countries in the world have a list of items that travellers are not allowed to bring in within their borders. The Gulf countries are no different, there are items that may be allowed elsewhere in the world but they are banned in the Gulf countries including Qatar. Today we bring you a list of items that passengers/travellers must not try to bring into Qatar.

Food Items:

1. Pork and related products

Bringing in pork or products that contain pork into Qatar is strictly prohibited. The products will be confiscated no questions and you would most probably be let off with a warning.

2. Alcohol

Drinking in Qatar is regulated and people need a liquor permit for drinking, which can be had after duly getting a permission from one’s sponsor and an interview to attest that you are not a Muslim. Qatar being a Muslim country regulates the flow of alcohol into the country, hence, alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited from entering the country with an individual, and the beverages will be confiscated upon discovery at the airport.

3. Edible Seeds and spices

Seeds used in bakery such as poppy seeds, black poppy plants, poppy straw, mace, hemp seeds, coca leaf are also on the list of prohibited items.

Other substances

1. Narcotic drugs of any kind or any quantity

Qatar follows a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to dealing with people who indulge in buying, selling, transporting, manufacturing or consuming narcotic drugs. Law No. 9 on Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS) stipulates fines of up to QR500, 000 and even death sentences for repeat offenders.

2. Pornographic materials

According to Article 294 of Qatar’s Penal Code, “Whoever instigates debauchery, dissipation or adultery in public through words, gestures or any other means shall be liable to a prison term of no less than six months and not exceeding three years”.

3. Fireworks, weapons & ammunition

This one is a no-brainer and items such as these are prohibited all-over the world, Qatar is no exception.

Image result for weapons not allowed

4. Exotic Hunting Trophies and Endangered Species

To emphasis Qatar’s commitment to the international crackdown on the illegal poaching and trade of ivory and rhino horns these items are banned to contribute to the protection of these endangered species.

5. Some over-the-counter drugs

As drug peddlers have sought to exploit prescription drugs, which when taken by people who do not need them can have narcotic effects in the consumers. Such drugs include painkillers for example Tramadol, Morphine, Diazepam, and medicines that contain amphetamine as an active ingredient. To plug this loophole and not allow ill-intentioned people to bring large quantities of prescription drugs into the country, authorities have taken some measures to regulate the flow of these drugs into the country. One of the most important policy changes in this regard is that visitors entering Qatar can no longer carry prescription drugs without a valid prescription from a certified practitioner.