Destinations / Qatar
Driving in Qatar as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Qatar drives on the right and enforces zero alcohol behind the wheel; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Qatar expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h expressways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in QAR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol law while driving. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Extensive speed-radar enforcement. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory front and rear. |
On the road in Qatar
At the pump
WOQOD stations sell Super (98), Premium (95) and diesel, mostly attended; fuel is cheap and government-set at roughly QR 1-2 per litre, with cards widely accepted.
After a crash
Call 999 for police and ambulance and do not move the cars until an officer attends; a police report is mandatory for any insurance claim and rental return, and you can also log the incident via the Metrash2 app.
Sources: qatarvisaqvc.com · infinityrentacar.qa · dohaguides.com · dohaguides.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Qatar?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Qatar drives on the right and enforces zero alcohol behind the wheel; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence.
Which translation format is used for Qatar?
Qatar uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Qatar ask for a translation?
Doha desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Qatar?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.