Rules and regulations concerning the issuing of visas vary depending on nationality, and because details can change with little warning it is worth checking before traveling. However, in order to promote tourism and international business the government is determined to make things easier for visitors. Citizens of the 33 countries listed below can get a visit visa (or tourist visa) on arrival, valid for two weeks, for QR 55. Nationals of other GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) can also get a two-week visa on arrival, for QR 105. These visas may be extended for a further two weeks. Citizens of those countries not listed may be able to arrange a tourist visa prior to travel, sponsored by a Qatar-based hotel or tour company. Visitors on such a tourist visa must use Qatar Airways to enter the country.

Other visas include a businessman visit visa, an official visit visa and a work visa. The businessman visa can be applied for in advance by eligible Qatari companies, allowing businessmen to visit them from overseas. It is valid for two weeks and can be extended for a further two. An official visit visa allows ministries and government agencies to sponsor official visitors free of charge (valid for one month), and a sponsor will apply for a work visa for their potential employees.

Visitors may also obtain a joint visa valid for visiting Qatar and Oman. Costing QR 55, it is valid for 21 days and can be extended for a further seven, but the visa holder must visit Qatar first.

The e-government initiative means that these visas can be applied for online - visit www.e.gov.qa. but you will need to register through the site's home page before you can access any application. Qatari residents will need their 10 number while people outside Qatar will have to submit their passport number.

Al Maha (465 6386) is a meet and greet service offered by Doha International Airport for arriving, departing, and transit passengers. The service includes the use of a lounge offering refreshments and Wi-Fi internet access. Passengers will enjoy a fast-track passage through passport control and immigration, as well as assistance with baggage reclaim and customs. The arrival and departure service costs QR 70 per passenger and QR 45 for each additional passenger traveling together. There is an AI Maha desk in the arrivals terminal, but bookings must be made 24 hours in advance - visit www.dohaairport.com or email almahaservice@qatarairways.com.qa

Customs duties will not normally be levied on general household items and effects being brought into the country. Cigarettes and tobacco do carry a customs charge, so you are advised to wait until you are in the country where most cigarette brands are freely available at reasonable prices. Visitors are permitted to bring in 'a reasonable amount' of perfume. Items that are prohibited by customs include weapons and ammunition, fireworks, pornographic or obscene material, narcotics, counterfeit money, pork products, and alcohol. While alcohol is sold in the duty free shop in Doha International Airport, it can only be bought by passengers departing the country.

Visitors are free to leave the country, but will be liable to penalties if they have overstayed the validity of their visit visa. Residents holding a work visa must obtain an exit permit from their employer or sponsor in order to leave, but this is not necessary for their dependents. Check-in desks at Doha International Airport generally open two hours before the flight and close one hour before, so don't be too late. Qatar Airways offers an express telephone check-in (465 6676) for passengers with hand luggage only. Telephone as early as six hours before your flight, or as late as 90 minutes before, with your flight details, then just turn up at the desk 45 minutes before the flight and collect your boarding card. The airline also offers a service for unaccompanied children, taking care of the child both during the flight and in the airports at either end of the journey.