The 2022 FIFA world cup finals being held in Qatar just kicked off. It is expected that millions of soccer fans from all over the world will be visiting the Islamic nation over the next 28 days to watch at least one of the 64 live matches being played. If you are one of the millions of fans planning to go to the world then there are a few things that you need to remember. For beginners, Qatar is an Islamic nation and Islamic values are highly protected. For this reason, vaping is prohibited in Qatar. But it is not just vaping that is prohibited in the country. All recreational drugs such as alcohol and marijuana among others are also banned.
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most popular sports tournaments in the world. Every four years, a total of 32 National teams representing the best of the best on their continent meet together to square it out and determine the best soccer team in the world. This year’s tournament kicked off on Sunday, 20th November 2022 and will run for 28 days with the final being played on 18th December 2022.
This year’s tournament is played in Qatar, a small oil-rich country in the Middle East. Qatar is an Arabic country and just like most Arabic countries in the region it strictly follows the Islamic way of life. This in itself has caused a lot of controversies from the moment the country was elected to host this year’s tournament. Many soccer fans from across the world have protested the Islamic laws that restrict sex, alcohol, tobacco and most of the other things that are considered vices by the conservative Islamic teachings.
Vaping is Prohibited in Qatar
If you love vaping then don’t visit Qatar for the world cup or at least don’t bring your vapes. This is because vapes cannot be manufactured, imported, distributed, sold or used in the country. If found possessing them you are likely to face criminal charges. However, given that most fans will be visiting for a day or two, then you should just plan to leave your vapes at home. This way you will come, enjoy your match and head back home without running into any problems with the local law enforcement officers.
Trying to sneak in your vapes won’t work. In a strict Islamic country, luggage at ports of entry is thoroughly checked. In addition, there is strict punishment for the possession of banned vapes. For example, if found in possession you are likely to face a fine of up to $2,700 or serve a 3-month prison sentence. Heated tobacco products were banned in Qatar in 2014 and carry the same punishment.
Good News: Smoking Is Allowed.
If for one reason or another you can’t do without your tobacco products then we have some good news for you; smoking is allowed in the country. Although you can’t bring your favourite vapes, you can easily buy smokeless tobacco products such as nicotine pouches and snus in Qatar. You can also get Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products at selected chemists across the country if you have a doctor’s prescription.
Cigarettes are also legal in Qatar if you prefer them. More than 25% of local men smoke cigarettes. But remember you can’t just smoke from anywhere. There are places where smoking is restricted and smoking in such places will carry a heavy penalty that may include not just fines and prison sentences but also flogging.
