Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

Please find below a list of licenses you may need while in Doha.  You may click on a link for more information, or merely scroll down the page.

International Driver's License
State of Qatar Temporary Driver's License
State of Qatar Permanent Drivers License
State of Qatar ID Card
State of Qatar Health Card
State of Qatar Liquor License
Qatar Foundation Vehicle Permit
Qatar Foundation Family ID Card
Georgetown SFS-Qatar ID
Business or Tourist Visa to the United States

International Driver’s License

You may drive a car in Qatar on an international driver’s license for six months. They are not available in Doha, so you should get one in your home country before coming to Doha.   For information on driving in Qatar, please download our driving guide.

State of Qatar Temporary Driver’s Licenses

If you do not bring an international driver’s license with you to Doha, at the time you apply for your residence permit, you can apply for a temporary Qatari driver’s license, which will be valid while you are waiting for your residence permit. The cost is QR150.  Please contact Omar Al Swadi for assistance in obtaining a temporary license.  

For information on driving in Qatar, please download our driving guide.

State of Qatar Permanent Driver’s Licenses

After your residence permit is issued, you must apply for a permanent Qatari driver’s license. Qatar allows new residents from 33 countries to simply transfer a valid driver’s license to a Qatari driver’s license.  The only requirement is passing a simple eye exam in which you are asked to read numbers and letters off of a wall chart. The cost of the license is 155QR. 

NOTE: For those holding a license from a country that Qatar does not recognize, a road test is required.  For information on driving in Qatar, please download our driving guide.

State of Qatar ID Cards 

When your residence permit is issued, you will receive a State of Qatar ID card, which you should carry with you at all times. Each of your dependents 14 and over will also receive an ID card, which is valid for the length of your residence permit. SFS-Q Human Resources will process your renewal.

State of Qatar Health Cards 

Along with your permanent residence permit, you will be issued a State of Qatar Health Card which gives you access to the Qatar national (Hamad Medical Corporation) health system.

SFS-Qatar will provide you with your private health insurance card, Cigna, and information regarding private health facilities and claims processing. Please contact Matt Tweito in the SFS-Q Human Resources office for assistance with either your private health insurance or State of Qatar health cards.

» Download the Hamad Hospital Health Card Application Form

State of Qatar Liquor License 

Alcohol is available for purchase only at the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), which issues liquor licenses. To get one, you need to submit to QDC an application and a letter from SFS-Qatar Human Resources that verifies your employment with the university.  The amount of alcohol you are allowed to buy per month is based on a percentage of your salary. The licenses are valid for one year or less, depending on whether you get one before or after your residence permit has been issued. A refundable deposit is required. Contact Matt Tweito for more information.

NOTE: Regulations regarding alcohol use, in particular those relating to drinking and driving, are strict and enforced by the police. It is important that you make yourself aware of the alcohol laws and consequences.

Qatar Foundation Education City Vehicle Access Permit

To enter and park a car in Education City, you need a Qatar Foundation Vehicle Access Permit. Fill out a New Vehicle Permit Request and give it along with a copy of your Qatar ID, Qatar driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the HR department. Employees can register more than one car so that a spouse can also have access to Education City. Please contact Omar Al Swadi for assistance in acquiring a vehicle access permit.

» Download the New Vehicle Permit Request Form 

Qatar Foundation also offers a website for registering or renewing your Education City Vehicle Access Permit.   In order to use the online registration, you have to also upload one file that contains 3 cards (Driving license, Vehicle Registration, and Qatari ID) on to one page. Please make sure to include both sides of each card. An example of what is needed can be found at the bottom of the registration page.   If you decide to use the online registration, please make sure to email Omar Al Swadi, so that he will know to follow up with the Qatar Foundation regarding your permit.

Qatar Foundation Family ID Card

The Qatar Foundation Family ID Card enables spouses and dependent children (12 and older) to gain access to Education City and to use facilities at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Center on the Education City campus. You should submit an application form to Omar Al Swadi in SFS-Qatar Human Resources.

Georgetown SFS-Qatar ID 

Please contact Hussein Aldobashi about acquiring a Georgetown SFS-Qatar ID card, which will give you access to Education City buildings and LAS underground parking.

Business/Tourist Visa to the United States  

If you find that you will need to visit the United States for business or personal reasons, and you do not have US citizenship or legal residence, you will likely be required to have a visa to enter the country.   There are several steps to acquiring a visa, which are outlined on the US Embassy's website. 

One item you will need to provide as part of the application process is a letter verifying your employment in Qatar.   Please contact Matt Tweito to have a letter drafted for you.  Be sure to indicate the dates you will be traveling, along with the purpose of your visit.

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