Departing from Hamad International Airport

Who this is for

Anyone starting their journey in Doha and flying out of Hamad International Airport. If you are only transferring between two flights without leaving the terminal, different transit rules apply (including a 1-litre liquids limit and a 6 cm blade limit) and this guide does not cover that process.

Before you start

• Your ticket and a passport valid for at least 6 months (3 months for GCC citizens) — airlines can refuse boarding otherwise.
• Check whether you need an exit permit, on the Ministry of Interior's e-services portal or with your sponsor if you're a resident.
• Settle any outstanding fines in Qatar before you travel — the airport says you won't be allowed to leave the country with unpaid fines. You can also settle them at the Ministry of Interior office inside the airport.
• Any destination visas your trip requires.

Steps

1. Check in

   Check-in usually opens 3 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before. If your airline offers it, use a self-service kiosk in the check-in hall; otherwise go to your airline's row. Qatar Airways First Class is Row 1, Business Class Row 2, Privilege Club/Oneworld Row 3, Economy Rows 4–6; all other airlines' Economy is Rows 7–10. Information desks near Row 8 and Rows 3/6 can help, and screens throughout the hall show row numbers.

2. Drop your bag

   After checking in at a kiosk, take your bag to the baggage drop-off counter assigned to your flight. Trolleys are free; porters are available for a fixed fee. Oversized baggage goes to the last counters of Rows 3 and 8, and if you're travelling with an animal, take it to your check-in counter with all documentation arranged with your airline in advance.

3. Go through security

   Put liquids in a clear, resealable bag with each container 100 ml or less (free bags are at the nearest information desk). Move phones, wallets, watches and keys into your hand baggage, and place belts, shoes and other metal items in the tray before the walk-through metal detector. Dedicated lanes are available for First and Business Class, Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers and unaccompanied minors.

4. Clear passport control

   Scan your boarding card at the automated gates just before passport control, and have your passport, exit permit, boarding pass and ticket ready for the immigration officer. First and Business Class have dedicated lanes, as do Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers and unaccompanied minors.

5. Consider Fast Pass

   Fast Pass is an optional facial-recognition service for Qatar Airways passengers aged 18+ whose trip starts in Doha, letting you use your face instead of a boarding pass at self-service bag drop (Row 3), security gates 9–10, and boarding gates in Concourses A–E. Register once in the Qatar Airways app for future trips, or at a Row 3 kiosk for just this trip. If it ever fails, you can still scan your boarding pass as normal — and carry your passport regardless.

6. Find your gate

   Check the information screens throughout the terminal, or look up your flight number in the airport's online flight planner, for your gate and boarding time.

Good to know

• Unpaid fines block departure — settle them beforehand, or at the Ministry of Interior office inside the airport. See our guide on leaving Qatar for the fuller departure checklist.
• Passport must be valid at least 6 months (3 for GCC citizens), or your airline may refuse boarding.
• Transit passengers connecting through Doha without entering the city follow different rules (1-litre liquids limit, 6 cm blade limit) not covered by this guide.
• Expectant mothers over 28 weeks need a medical certificate confirming fitness to fly — contact your airline in advance. The same applies to travellers in a full-leg cast or needing other special assistance.