The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has advised residents to be extra cautious when they travel out of Qatar to ensure their own personal safety and security. The ministry has issued a set of guidelines as thousands are set to travel out of the country during the Eid holidays.
MoI has advised everyone to be conscious at places including hotels, airports or markets and avoid carrying jewellery or any valuables unnecessarily during the travel.
The ministry has also warned people to avoid mingling with unknown persons while travelling. It says “Don’t carry with you bags or luggage of persons unknown to you. Avoid riding illegal taxis for moving from one place to another and avoid the suspicious localities.”
The guidelines caution people that before they leave their homes, they must lock the doors of their house with good quality locks and should not leave any money, jewellery or other valuables inside the house. It also advises people to deposit all the valuables at any bank.
People also must ensure that the electric switchboard, gas pipelines and the main water valve are switched off. “It is preferred to ask some of your relatives or family members or neighbours to pass by your house continuously during your travel period to ensure its safety,” suggest the guidelines.
They also point out that those travelling by road must ensure that the capacity of the vehicle by conducting a comprehensive technical test before starting the trip.
The passengers also must check the validity and safety standard of the vehicle’s tires, keep a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and follow defensive driving practices during the entire travel.
The MoI also has asked the travellers to make sure that they carry all the necessary documents before embarking on a journey.
“Make sure that, your passport is valid for 6 months at least and obtain a visa to the country where you intend to travel before sufficient time of your trip. Confirm the validity of official documents that you may carry with you such as ID card, driver’s licence, car ownership card and bank card.”
It also highlights the need for getting the International Customs Transit Book (Triptyque), because this book will serve the passengers as a guarantor in front of the customs authorities of the countries through which they pass or stop their journey. Some Arab states require the “Triptyque” for passing through their territory.
The travellers are also advised to collect the address and the telephone numbers of the embassies and consulates of their country in the countries where they intend to travel. In case of any problem, they must immediately inform the nearest diplomatic mission of their country and notify the officials about the problem in detail.
