Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Ali Fahad al-Hajri
Embassy: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600
Fax: [1] (202) 237-0061

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Joseph LeBaron
Embassy: 22 February Road, Al Luqta District, Doha, Qatar.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 23, Doha.
Telephone: [974] 488-4161
Fax: [974] 4884150

Consulate(s) General are in:
Houston
4265 San Felipe Street, Suite 1100
Houston, TX 77056.
(713) 355-8221,
FAX (713) 355-8184

Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations is at 747 Third Ave., 22nd floor, New York, NY 10017 (tel. 212-486-9335)
The embassy is open Saturday through Wednesday (Qatar's workweek), closed for U.S. and Qatari holidays.

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Qatar
Embassy of Qatar in the United States of America
Embassy of the United States of America in Doha, Qatar


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Qatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states, the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the GCC.

In September 1992, tensions arose with Saudi Arabia when Saudi forces allegedly attacked a Qatari border post, resulting in two deaths. Relations have since improved. In December 2008, Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a land and maritime border agreement while pledging mutual cooperation on a number of industrial and commercial issues.

For years, both Qatar and Bahrain claimed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The case was eventually referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The ICJ issued a ruling in June 2001, which both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources.

U.S.-QATARI RELATIONS
Bilateral relations are strong and expanding. The U.S. embassy was opened in March 1973. The first resident U.S. ambassador arrived in July 1974. Ties between the U.S. and Qatar are excellent. Amir Hamad last visited Washington in 2004, and President George W. Bush visited Qatar in 2003. Qatar and the United States coordinate closely on regional diplomatic initiatives, cooperate to increase security in the Gulf, and enjoy extensive economic links, especially in the hydrocarbons sector. Qatar sees the development of a world-class educational system as key to its continued success. As a result, hundreds of Qataris study in the United States. Cornell University has established a degree-granting branch medical school campus in Doha, and other universities including Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon University, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Design, the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, and Northwestern also have branch campuses in Qatar's "Education City" complex.

DEFENSE
Qatar's defense expenditures are estimated to be in the range of 10% of GDP. Qatar maintains a modest military force of about 12,000 men, including an army, navy, and air force. The country has a public security force of about 8,000 men, including a coast guard, national firefighting force, air wing, marine police, and an internal security force. Qatar also has signed defense pacts with the U.S., U.K., and France. Qatar plays an active role in the collective defense efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC--the regional organization of the Arab states in the Gulf; the other five members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the U.A.E., and Oman). Qatari forces played an important role in the first Gulf War, and Qatar has supported U.S. military operations critical to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Qatar hosts CENTCOM Forward Headquarters.

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Joseph LeBaron
Deputy Chief of Mission--Mirembe Nantongo
Political/Economic Counselor--Neil Hop
Senior Commercial Officer--Dao Le
Consular Officer--Alex Ave-Lallemant
Public Affairs Officer--Carolyn Clark
Senior Defense Official and Defense Attache--Commander Ken Rasmussen

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is located in Doha at 22 February Road, Al Luqta District, Doha, Qatar. Mailing address: P.O. Box 23, Doha. Tel.: 974-488-4161; fax 4884150. The embassy is open Sunday through Thursday (Qatar's workweek), closed for U.S. and Qatari holidays.


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Qatar check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (QAR) Qatari rial
Electrical 240 Volts
Telephones Country Code 974, City Code, Outside Doha 7+6D, Doha Central 430+4D, Rayyan 463+4D



Climate and clothing: May through mid-October is extremely hot in Qatar, and light-weight attire is recommended. From mid-October through April, spring and fall clothing is comfortable. One should dress conservatively in public.

Visas: American citizens require valid visas to enter Qatar. Generally, travelers are required to show evidence that a Qatari citizen or company will sponsor them during their stay in Qatar. Visas are also available through the major hotels for intended guests, but arrangements must be made several weeks in advance.

Communications: Allow 2 weeks for airmail delivery between the U.S. and Qatar. Letters, videos, and packages are subject to inspection and censorship. Cable and telex lines to leading hotels and places of business are good. Telephone connections are excellent, and faxes are widely available. Qatar is eight time zones ahead of eastern.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco............................................reasonable amount for personal us

Liquor................................................prohibited

Perfume.............................................reasonable for personal use

Cameras............................................no restrictions

Film...................................................reasonalbe for personal

Used gifts..........................................reasonable amount

Currency............................................no restrictions on import

Agriculture items................................refer to consulate



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