No health certificates are required for entering Qatar, except for visitors arriving from cholera or yellow fever infected areas. Some overseas government and medical websites recommend that visitors to Qatar are immunized against typhoid and hepatitis A, and vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis S, polio, TS and rabies are sometimes recommended although these diseases are virtually unheard of in Qatar. There is no real risk of malaria in the country.

The quality of healthcare in Qatar is generally very high. The state provides heavily subsidised medical care, although the rapid growth of Qatar's population has put a strain on resources and the government is encouraging the private sector to provide increased facilities. There are now many private health clinics and dentists operating alongside the government practices, including the American Hospital, Al Ahli Hospital and the Doha Clinic Hospital. While the standard of care is very good in the state hospitals and clinics, many visitors and expat residents arrange private health insurance.

The Hamad Medical Corporation currently manages three state hospitals; the Hamad General Hospital, The Rumailah Hospital, and the Women's Hospital. When completed in 2007, Hamad Medical City in Doha will feature three new hospitals, adding over 600 beds. Plans are also in place for a number of additional hospitals in Doha and throughout the country, including a nursing home, a cardiology hospital, and a new teaching hospital as part of Education City. The emergency services telephone number is 999.

Despite the good quality healthcare provided by the state at very reasonable prices, visitors are recommended to arrange private medical insurance before traveling to Qatar. You should make sure that the policy covers repatriation to your home country, should that be necessary.

Women visitors will face few problems or restrictions while in Qatar and are allowed to drive and travel freely (accompanied or alone) within the country. Harassment is uncommon, but as with anywhere, local customs should be respected and women should avoid tight or revealing clothing, especially when in traditional areas. No matter what, most females will find that they occasionally receive some unwanted stares, but it's best to ignore it if possible.

Doha offers plenty to keep children amused, and most hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and visitor attractions are child-friendly. Aladdin's Kingdom next to the Intercontinental Hotel has rides and amusements for kids , and Winter Wonderland in City Center has an ice rink, a water park and a bowling alley The annual Qatar Summer Wonders is a month-long festival, running between July and August that has entertainment and leisure attractions especially geared towards families and children.

The telephone number for the police (and all emergency services) is 999. The police are usually fairly quick to respond to a call. If you are involved in a traffic accident you should remain at the scene and not move your vehicle until the police arrive. Obviously though, if someone is injured they must get to a hospital as soon as possible. Police officers are generally courteous and professional, and always willing to offer assistance to visitors.

If your belongings are lost or stolen you should contact the local police. In the event of theft you should obtain a police statement which may be required when making an insurance claim. If bank and credit cards go missing you should contact the bank to have the cards cancelled, and if you lose your passport your embassy or consulate should be able to help.

Qatar's overseas offices dedicated to promoting tourism are currently confined to a few European countries, but more are planned. For an up to date list check the Tourism Authority website www.experienceqatar.com. Qatari embassies and consulates around the world may also be able to provide basic information.