Fans traveling to watch the global soccer championship have been warned not to bring a number of items that are reportedly banned in Qatar.
Those caught with any one of the banned items could face prison time, according to an official memo.
“Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material into Qatar is illegal.
The Government’s official website has made clear to travellers how strict the country’s rules are with less than a week to go before the tournament.
The advice urges its nationals to respect all local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times in the Islamic country.
However, fans will have to take note of the items that they will not be allowed to take into Qatar for the tournament, which includes duty free alcohol.
The importation of alcohol is illegal in Qatar, with booze also prohibited completely except in up-market hotels and designated open-air fan zones.
A “sin tax” applies to alcohol sales during the tournament, with a pint of beer expected to cost £13.
Contraband which falls on the banned list will be seized by officials when luggage is scanned at the Hamad International Airport arrivals hall.
Fans will also be unable to take painkillers into the country without a prescription, with the rule applying to all drugs. E-cigarettes, vapes and skimpy clothes are also prohibited.
A number of additional acts can also lead fans to being arrested during their time in Qatar, including drinking outside the designated areas, betting, swearing, vaping and public displays of affection – both gay and heterosexual.
According to the Daily Mail, specialist UK officers will be present to intervene and “calm down” supporters at risk of breaching Qatar’s strict laws. 15 officers from the UK have been sent to the tournament in an unprecedented move during a World Cup.
As for Qatar, the host nation are understood to have hired hardened police officers from abroad, including officials from both Pakistan and Turkey.
Deportation
Should you be found guilty of committing an offence, the State of Qatar reserves the right to issue an Administrative Deportation order. This is regardless of whether the judgement included deportation. If you are employed in Qatar this will obviously impact your employment and may affect your ability to return to Qatar in the future.
