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Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Doha, Qatar
U.S. Citizen Services
Overview
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Financial Assistance
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal Programs
Local Resources
Child & Family Issues
Renouncing Citizenship

Contact Us

American Citizens can contact us through our ACS Navigator.

ACS Navigator

Overview

One can become a U.S. Citizen through a variety of means—birth in the United States, birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, or through the naturalization process. For all of these, a specific series of legal requirements must be met. At the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Qatar, we can provide certification of U.S. citizenship for eligible individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. We also process Certificates of Loss of Nationality for those U.S. citizens who would like to give up their U.S. citizenship or believe that they have expatriated themselves.

BRINGING MEDICATION TO QATAR

If you are arriving in, departing from, or transiting through Qatar and need to travel with prescription medications, the medications must be in their original packaging and accompanied by the doctor’s prescription.  Also note that some medications which are over-the-counter in other countries may be considered controlled items in Qatar.

The Qatar Ministry of Public Health provides the following guide which contains more detailed information a list of medications cannot be brought into Qatar.  Please contact the Qatar Ministry of Public Health for further guidance.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also provides the following general guide which is a helpful resource when traveling abroad with medicine.

 

Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

Under Article 36(1)(b) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the government of Qatar must, at the request of any detained American, notify the U.S. Embassy immediately after an arrest takes place. Qatar’s authority to try foreigners as well as its own citizens is based upon the principle of sovereignty, which is the right of a nation to make and enforce its laws within its own boundaries. All Americans in Qatar are under the absolute jurisdiction of Qatari courts. Anyone who breaks the law in Qatar is subject to prosecution under the Qatari legal system. If a person is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment by a Qatari court, this sentence will be served in a Qatari prison.

Additional Details About Arrest of U.S. Citizens

Death of a U.S. Citizen

In the event of the death of a U.S. citizen, our American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit works closely with the family of the deceased, the deceased’s sponsoring employer, or their representative in Qatar to document the death and finalize procedures for repatriation or local burial.

Assistance After Death of a U.S. Citizen

International Parental Child Abduction

Qatar is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Qatar and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Help for Child Abduction Cases

Victims of Crime

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.

Help for U.S. Citizens Victims of Crime

Passport

Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?

Visit Our Passport Page for Details

Contacting Home

U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.

Help for Contacting Families

Wiring Money Directly

Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport. Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram. , to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.

Be wary of International Financial Scams.

Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State

When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.

How the Department of State Can Help

Repatriation Loans

Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.

Learn About Repatriation Loans

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need reasonable accommodation for your appointment, we encourage you to request your accommodation immediately once you schedule your appointment.  We make every effort to provide accommodations to persons with disabilities and medical conditions.  Reasonable accommodations vary, depending on the situation and the person’s needs.

Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to:

  • If you require a private appointment due to a medical condition or disability, we may schedule an alternative time for you to come in for your interview.
  • If you or your child has a disability and requires a private appointment in a quiet space without distractions, we may schedule an alternative time for you or your family to come in for your interview.
  • If you are unable to speak, you may be allowed to respond to questions in an agreed-upon nonverbal manner such as using pen and paper.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may bring a sign language interpreter to translate during the interview if needed.
  • If you have low vision, we may provide you with communications in large print.
  • If you are unable to provide fingerprints because of a medical condition, including birth defects, physical deformities, skin conditions, you may qualify for a fingerprint waiver for certain fingers.
  • Interview waivers are only granted in extreme situations, such as having a medical condition that requires flying in an air ambulance.

The waiting room of the Consular Section and its restroom is wheelchair-accessible.

Please contact us via the ACS Navigator for more information or to request reasonable accommodation.

Get Travel Alerts

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Sign up to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates while abroad.

Sign up for STEP

Benefits of STEP

Learn more about the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Learn more about STEP
travel alerts. emergency updates. local warnings.

Stay In Touch

Join our WhatsApp Channel for U.S. Citizens in Qatar

U.S. citizens can receive alerts and relevant updates from the American Citizens Services section of the U.S. Embassy in Doha via WhatsApp. This is in addition to STEP, which sends alerts by email.

Join WhatsApp Group

Internal Revenue Service

If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Visit the IRS Website for Details

Selective Service

If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.

Register for the Selective Service

Social Security

If you live in Qatar and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Italy .

Learn About Social Security Services Abroad

Veterans Affairs

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.

Learn About the Department of Veterans Affairs

Voting

Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.

Federal Voting Assistance Program Information

Legal Assistance

Qatar has an established and independent judiciary. It is divided into three court systems: the secular system which handles civil, commercial, and criminal laws; the Sharia’a system which handles Islamic marriage, divorce, child support, succession and some criminal law issues; and the Qatar Financial Center legal system which handles commercial cases arising out of Qatar’s special economic zone.

Learn About Available Legal Assistance

Medical Assistance

Good modern medical care and medicines are available in Doha, although only basic or no medical care may be available in Qatar’s smaller cities or outlying areas. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. Information about the Qatari national healthcare system is available here.

Learn About Available Medical Assistance

Document Authentications

Document authentication services are available for Qatari documents only. Documents issued in one country which need to be used in another country must be “authenticated” or “legalized” before they can be recognized as valid in the foreign country. Authentication does not verify the contents of a document, it simply verifies that the document was issued by the agency/organization that is claimed by the seals.

Learn About Document Authentication Services

Police Clearances

The Government of Qatar requires foreign citizens to provide a police clearance from their home country before issuing a residence permit. You can obtain a U.S. police clearance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or through your city or county law enforcement agency. In both cases, the clearance will be run against the National Crime Information Center, which contains all federal, state and local criminal information.

Learn More About Police Clearances

DNA Testing

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing is a useful tool for verifying an alleged biological relationship in conjunction with a U.S. citizenship case such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), a minor passport or an immigrant visa application.

Learn More About DNA Testing

Additional Resources

The State Department maintains several resources that are useful for the U.S. expatriate or traveler. We provide general information about international travel and living abroad, travel alerts, travel warnings, and country specific information. The State Department maintains an electronic travel registration system that we use to disseminate important warden messages and to assist U.S. citizens in trouble abroad.

Access Additional Resources Provided by the Department of State

Intercountry Adoption

The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.

Learn About Intercountry Adoption

Births

If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.

Learn About Acquiring U.S. Citizenship at Birth

Marriage

We have information on Muslim and Non-Muslim marriages.

Access Resources About Marriage in Qatar

Renouncing Citizenship

Relinquishment of U.S. citizenship by performing certain statutory expatriating acts, including taking the oath of renunciation, voluntarily and with the intent of relinquishing U.S. citizenship, is a personal right that cannot be exercised on a person’s behalf.

Learn About Renouncing Citizenship

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