Local Laws and Customs , Visitors to Qatar , Should Know.<br />On November 20, the 2022 Qatar <br />World Cup kicked off following years <br />of anticipation and controversy.<br />A last minute ban on alcoholic beverages <br />was the most recent surprise for fans <br />who widely protested the decision.<br />CNN explained the conservative <br />Muslim country's other local laws and <br />customs that visitors should be aware of.<br />Alcohol , Public drunkenness is a crime <br />and anyone violating this law <br />could face legal ramifications.<br />According to the British government, drinking in public in Qatar could , “result in a prison sentence of up to six months <br />and/or a fine up to 3,000 Qatar Rial ($824).”.<br />Sex, Orientation and PDA, Extramarital sex, intimacy in public and <br />sex between men is also illegal in Qatar.<br />Last month, a report from Human Rights Watch warned <br />of security forces arbitrarily arresting LGBT individuals <br />and subjecting them to "ill-treatment in detention.".<br />Last month, a report from Human Rights Watch warned <br />of security forces arbitrarily arresting LGBT individuals <br />and subjecting them to "ill-treatment in detention.".<br />However, FIFA and the Qatar government have assured <br />that “everyone is welcome in Qatar" and measures had <br />been enacted to ensure the protection of everyone.<br />Dress code, Despite the heat, Qatar's tourism authority asked <br />all visitors to show “respect for local culture by <br />avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public.”.<br />Dress code, Despite the heat, Qatar's tourism authority asked <br />all visitors to show “respect for local culture by <br />avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public.”.<br />It is recommended that men and <br />women cover both their knees <br />and their shoulders while in Qatar.<br />Drugs, Illegal drugs, which include some prescription drugs, can result in heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences.<br />Visitors should check <br />the list of banned substances <br />before traveling to Qatar.
