The Peninsula, 2 November 2025: Qatar’s General Authority of Customs has outlined comprehensive duty exemption policies covering personal luggage, postal parcels, and household relocations, establishing clear guidelines for different categories of arrivals into the country.

Under the new regulations, travellers can bring personal items and gifts duty-free, provided individual gifts do not exceed QR3,000 in value. The policy permits specific allowances for tobacco products, including up to 400 cigarettes or 20 cigars, with a total value cap of QR3,000.

For postal items, the authority has set a duty-free threshold of QR1,000 for personal parcels and mailings. The exemption applies only to unrestricted items imported under an individual’s name.

The framework includes special provisions for household relocations. Qatari citizens returning from abroad may import used personal effects and household goods duty-free for personal use. Non-Qatari residents must import their household items within six months of arrival and provide employer documentation and residence permits.

New residents must also sign an agreement not to sell imported items for at least one year after entry, with penalties and duties applying for breaches. The authority notes that new household appliances or furniture may not qualify for exemption.

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