Checklist for Residents/ Visitors Departing at Doha, Qatar International Airport

Here are some things I'd like to share to travellers/ residents/ visitors departing at Doha, Qatar International Airport.

1. If you are holding a Qatar work visa or if you came in business visa and you stayed in Qatar for at least one month, make sure you have valid exit permit. Your employer/ sponsor will secure the exit permit for you. An exit permit is valid for 7 seven days upon issue. Residents holding a family visa and those who came on visit/tourist visa do not need an exit permit.
2. Check from the MOI website if you have any traffic violation. According to the papers, residents with unsettled fines are not allowed to leave the country. If you have a traffic violation, you can pay the traffic fines in the Traffic Department or online through a credit card [check here].
3. Qatar airways (economy) passengers are allowed to check-in multiple luggage as long as the total weight do not exceed 50 kgs; however, each check-in luggage must be less than 32 kgs. Those travelling to US are allowed to check-in 2 bags per person up to 23 kgs each. The weight limit for carry-on is 7 kg but from experience, Qatar Airways allows up to 10 kgs. Qatar Airways Privilege Card holders are given additional weight-allowance depending on the membership status. For other airlines, check the baggage weight limit from your travel agents or directly from the airlines. Note that flying back to Qatar, only 20 kgs of check-in luggage is allowed. If you are coming from the US, you can check-in 2 bags per person up to 23 kgs each.
4. Check the current restrictions for carrying liquids and creams.
5. It is common that passengers are asked to remove shoes, shoes, belt, watch etc. during security screening. Consider wearing shoes that can be taken off easily and less accossories. Electronic gadgets like laptop and mobile phones are usually taken out of the bag so prepare them for security check.
6. If you are transiting in London, check the current restrictions in London Airport. Last time we had layover in London (June 2007), passengers are allowed to carry only one bag during the security check. If you have a carry-on and a laptop, you have to combine them in one bag.
7. Check the restrictions in your layover/destination country.
8. Check Qatarairways response to some FAQs.