Football fans heading to Qatar for the start of the World Cup this weekend have been urged to brush up on the country's laws to avoid hefty fines, jail time or deportation.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off in the country on Sunday, 20 November, with the final taking place on Sunday 18 December. The BBC and ITV will provide TV coverage of every match, but some fans have decided to jet off to the west Asian country to catch the action live in person.
The decision to allow Qatar to host the tournament has been met with concern and criticism from many, not least due to the country's human rights record - LGBT people in the country face fines and up to seven years' imprisonment. If you are planning to travel to Qatar for the World Cup, there are certainly many things you need to be aware of to avoid getting on the wrong side of the country's strict laws around alcohol, clothing and public behaviour - here's what you need to know.
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Alcohol laws
As the first Muslim country to host the World Cup, there has been much discussion around whether football fans will be able to drink alcohol during the tournament. While Qatar was expected to modify its laws around alcohol temporarily for the occasion, it has now been confirmed just 48 hours before kick-off that alcohol will be banned in all of the country's participating stadiums.
Tourists should be aware that it is an offence to be drunk or drink alcohol while out in public in Qatar, particularly when it leads to disorderly or offensive behaviour. If you are found to be drinking in a public place, you could face a prison sentence of up to six months as well as a fine of QAR3,000 - around £700.
Alcohol is only available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars - and fans will no longer be able to buy alcohol within stadiums either, including one of FIFA's biggest sponsors Budweiser, although the non-alcoholic Bud Zero will still be available. A statement from FIFA confirmed today, Friday, that they would be "removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters".
With this ban in place, the only place where alcohol will be sold in stadiums is hospitality boxes - which start at £19k for one match. According to organisers there will be designated fan zones where alcohol will be available to buy, although the reported price of beer in this areas has been criticised - setting revellers back an eye-watering £12 per pint.
The legal drinking age in the country is 21, and venues will ask for photo ID upon entry. Tourists are advised by the gov.uk website not to carry alcohol around with them.
Dress code laws
The UK Government urges tourists to "dress modestly" while out in public in Qatar, including while driving. Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops if they are going to malls, healthcare facilities or government buildings, as they may be asked to leave or denied entry. Women must also cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts at all times, according to the gov.uk website.
Public behaviour laws
Any level of intimacy between men and women, including between teenagers, can lead to arrest - living together whilst unmarried is forbidden in Qatar, as is sex outside of marriage. 'Homosexual behaviour' is also illegal in Qatar - a fact which has led to heavy criticism over the country being chosen to host the World Cup despite its anti-LGBT laws.
Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts in Qatar, and offenders risk being jailed or deported. The gov.uk website advises tourists to "take particular care" when dealing with police and other officials in the country.
Some visitors attempting to film or take photographs in sensitive areas, such as religious, military or construction sites, have been arrested. Tourists should always check whether they have permission before getting their camera out.
There are also strict privacy laws in Qatar regarding photos and videos posted on social media, so tourists should take extra care with this too. Any material that is culturally insensitive or could be considered insulting or slander are punishable by law.
Other laws to be aware of
Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products or religious material in Qatar is illegal. All luggage is scanned at the airport upon arrival and officials will confiscate these items.
Qatar has a zero-tolerance approach to drugs-related offences, and punishments for possessing or using drugs can include hefty fines, long custodial sentences and deportation. If you need to bring in controlled/prescription medication into Qatar, ensure you carry your official doctor’s prescription, hospital note or a letter from your GP, detailing the drug, the quantity prescribed and dosage.
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