Planning a trip to Qatar? Familiarizing yourself with Hamad International Airport's security and customs procedures is essential for a smooth journey. Committed to passenger safety, Hamad International Airport (HIA) provides a secure environment for all travelers.
Whether you are a frequent flier or a first-time visitor, understanding the airport's security measures and customs regulations is crucial for a seamless passage through the terminal.
This page offers an overview of the security and customs processes you will encounter at the airport, regardless of whether you are arriving, departing, or transferring flights.
Table of Contents
Arriving at Hamad International Airport
Security Screening for Arrivals
All hand baggage is subjected to security screening upon arrival before proceeding to the baggage claim area. Prohibited items, including but not limited to weapons, firearms, ammunition, alcoholic beverages, pork products, and narcotic drugs, are subject to confiscation and cannot be retrieved.
Customs Procedures
After collecting checked baggage, passengers must pass through Customs. Two channels are available:
If you need help deciding which channel to use, seek assistance. Customs officers may request disclosure of currency, jewellery, or precious stones. Non-disclosure or providing false information is a criminal offence and may result in item confiscation.
Taxes and Duties
Depending on imported items, passengers may be subject to taxes or duties.
Qatar's Taxes and Duties on
Imported Goods:
- Customs Duties:
- Standard Rate: 5% on most goods based on CIF value.
- Exemptions: Personal belongings and gifts up to QAR 3,000.
- Higher Rates: Applicable to tobacco, alcohol, pork, and other specific items.
- Excise Tax:
- Imposed on specific goods: tobacco, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and special purpose items.
Priority Processing
Al Maha customers, passengers requiring special assistance, and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing upon arrival at Hamad International Airport.
Lost and Found
Items left at the security checkpoint can be retrieved from the Lost and Found office. Please inquire at the nearest information desk for assistance and location details.
Departing from Hamad International Airport
Departure Security Procedures
All hand baggage is subject to screening, and passengers must pass through a metal detector. To expedite the process:
Note:
- Walk-through metal detectors pose minimal risk to passengers with pacemakers.
- Expectant mothers may be exempted from metal detectors upon presentation of a medical certificate and will undergo a physical check by female security staff.
- Dedicated lanes are designated for First and Business Class passengers.
Expedited Processing
Al Maha customers, passengers requiring special assistance, and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted and will be confiscated:
1
Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
2
Alcoholic beverages
3
Pork products
4
Narcotic drugs
Customs and Goods Collection Center
Items confiscated upon arrival (excluding prohibited items) may be recovered from the Customs office upon verification and submission of required documents.
Transferring Through Hamad International Airport
Security Screening for Transfers
All hand baggage undergoes screening for prohibited items prior to entering the passenger concourse. Expedited security lanes are designated for First and Business Class passengers.
Passengers must also pass through a metal detector. To expedite the process:
01
Ensure no restricted items are carried.
02
Place personal liquid containers (100ml or less per container) in
a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1
litre. Complimentary bags are available at the nearest LAG
station.
03
Put small items (phones, wallets, watches, keys, valuables) in
hand baggage.
04
Place metallic items (belts) in the security tray before passing
through the metal detector.
Note on Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs):
01
LAGs purchased at duty-free shops outside Hamad International Airport in containers larger than 100ml must be sealed in a Security Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) with a receipt. Improperly packed LAGs will be confiscated.
02
Walk-through metal detectors are considered safe for passengers with pacemakers and expectant mothers.
03
Passengers with pacemakers or expectant mothers may be exempted from metal detectors upon presentation of a medical certificate and will undergo a physical check by female security staff.
Priority Processing
Al Maha customers, passengers requiring special assistance, and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing.
Restricted Items
The following items are restricted and will be confiscated:
1
Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
2
Toy replicas of weapons and firearms
3
Sharp items with blades longer than 6cm
4
Explosives and incendiary substances and devices
5
Narcotic drugs
Note:
- LAGs over 100ml are not permitted as hand luggage on board.
- TSA regulations prohibit all LAGs and hand sanitizers exceeding 100ml on US-bound flights and will confiscate them before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can carry liquids in your hand baggage when transferring flights, but there are restrictions. Liquids must be contained in 100ml or smaller containers and placed within a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.
If you accidentally bring prohibited items to Hamad International Airport, they will be confiscated. There is no way to retrieve them. It is imperative to familiarize oneself with the list of prohibited items prior to commencing a journey.
While there are no specific regulations for carrying electronic devices to or from Qatar, all electronic devices are subject to security screening. It's recommended to keep them easily accessible in your hand baggage for inspection.
Yes, pregnant women can pass through metal detectors at Hamad International Airport. However, upon presenting a medical certificate, they may be exempted from metal detector checks and undergo a physical check by female security staff.
Check with the Lost and Found office if you lose an item at Hamad International Airport. The nearest information desk can tell you where the office is.
Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in November 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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