Things You Cannot Bring to Qatar - Qatar Customs 2023

Things You Cannot Bring to Qatar - Qatar Customs 2023

The State of Qatar has a list of items that you cannot bring into the country. So if you are planning to visit or move to Qatar, you should be aware of these items to avoid being fined, seized or prosecuted. 

Prohibited Goods 

These are the goods that are prohibited (banned) from being imported or exported under Qatar Customs Law and the provisions of the Common Customs Law of the GCC States.

The following items are not allowed to be imported in person or as baggage:

• Weapons, firearms, ammunition and explosives of all kinds are banned. 
• Narcotic drugs including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, opiates, and their derivatives are banned.
• Alcoholic beverages cannot be imported under any conditions. Qatar has a licensing system through which authorised entities can sell them.
• Pork meat and related products can only be bought in the country through licensed distributors. 

 

Other Prohibited Items

A broad list of banned items based on the provisions of the Common Customs Law fo the GCC States and other laws includes (but not limited to):

• Immoral items in all their forms - print, video, audio, hard disk, etc.
• Devices and materials that are considered to be radioactive sources.
• Radar jammers/other unauthorised communication devices.
• Forged and duplicate currency.
• Publications and artwork that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values.

 

Restricted Goods

These are the goods that are restricted from being imported or exported under Qatar Customs Law and the provisions of the Common Customs Law of the GCC States. Importing these goods requires special permission from the appropriate authorities.

The following items may be imported subject to restrictions:

• Personal items and gifts up to a maximum value of QR 3,000 are allowed. 
• Electronic items like used video cameras, photo cameras, mobile phones and laptops for personal use are allowed. 
• Cigarettes: a maximum of 400 cigarettes can be imported by an adult passenger. 
• Essential medicines for personal use in limited quantities can be carried. But it should be ensured that they do not contain any banned ingredients. 
• Currency and precious metals equivalent or higher than QR 50,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies require a declaration form that should be filled and submitted to Customs. 
• Importing pets requires an import license. Certain breeds of pets are not allowed. 

As for prohibited items on flights, make sure you check with the airlines that you will be travelling with to ensure you do not carry any of the items.