FIFA Club World Cup - advice for travelling LFC supporters

The club appreciates the dedication and loyalty of our travelling supporters.

After winning the UEFA Champions League in June, the Reds will represent the continent of Europe in this year’s tournament, which will take place in Qatar from December 11 to 21.

Liverpool will enter the competition at the semi-final stage on December 18.

Information regarding ticket sales is available here.

Laws and customs

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice

Visitors to Qatar should be aware of the below travel information, as outlined on the FCO travel webpage (current as at October 30, 2019). It is recommended you review this information and any updates that are posted on their website before departure. We advise that you sign up for email alerts on the link above for updated information.

Qatar is a conservative country based on Sharia (Islamic) law. Visitors should familiarise themselves with local laws and customs prior to travel and be mindful that behaviours that are acceptable in the UK might be considered offensive in Doha.

Dress code

• While locals wear thobes and abayas, tourists are free to embrace their clothing of comfort as long as it is modest and respectful to the culture.
• Women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered in public.
• In certain places such as Government buildings, National Museums and Doha’s renowned Souq Waqif, you will be expected to wear conservative attire. If you are wearing shorts or beach attire, it is likely you will be asked to cover up at these places.
• Any fan who removes a shirt in a public location such as a market place, shop, park or museum (i.e. away form a beach/pool/private residence) will be asked to cover up and respect the local cultural norms in Qatar.

Public display of affection

• Public displays of affection are not part of Qatari culture and therefore locals expect visitors from all backgrounds to respect the local culture and customs.
• Please note that any intimacy in public may lead to arrest.
• Sexual relations outside of marriage are not permitted in Qatar and as such, opposite-sex couples may be asked to provide a marriage certificate when checking into their hotel room.

LGBT

There are laws in Qatar in relation to the LGBT community. Please visit 'local laws and customs' before you travel.

Alcohol/drugs

• In Qatar it is considered an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public, although alcohol is available at licensed restaurants and bars.
• Please note that it is also illegal to bring alcohol into the country.
• There is zero tolerance towards drugs in Qatar – bringing in drugs to the country or being found in possession of drugs will result in lengthy prison sentences.

Health

• Ensure you have adequate travel insurance before you go as excellent health care is available to visitors but can be expensive in Qatar.
• If you are bringing prescription medication into the country keep it in the original packaging along with the doctor prescription and an official letter signed and stamped by your doctor stating the type of medication and why it’s required.
• Take care if you have any respiratory issues as the air quality in Qatar is considered low by UK standards. Always consult your GP before travel.

Other important information

• Arabic is the official language of Qatar. However, English is widely spoken and understood.
• Your passport should be kept with you at all times.
• We have been advised that there are many hotels in the popular West Bay district of Doha. There are many other options, including hotels near Katara Cultural Village and The Pearl-Qatar.
• UK nationals (with ordinary passports) get a tourist visa-waiver upon arrival in Qatar which is valid for up to 30 days. Check the expiry date on your passport as it must be valid for six months from your date of entry. For other passports, visit the State of Qatar Ministry of Interior website for further information.
• There are many options when getting around Qatar - including buses, taxis and car hire. Visit the Qatar National Tourism Council’s ‘Getting Around’ page for further information.
• Note: if you plan on hiring a car you will need to get a 1968 International Driving Permit from the Post Office. Also review the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ‘Road Travel’ webpage as road safety is a concern for visitors to Qatar, which has a very high fatality rate for road accidents.
• Ensure you settle all hotel, restaurant, car hire or other bills before departing the country. Non-payment of debt is a criminal offence in Qatar, punishable by imprisonment.
• Be mindful when taking pictures. Sensitive sites like Government buildings, embassies, mosques and construction sites are off-limits. Some Qatari females may object to being photographed. If in doubt, seek permission.
• Be responsible and respectful. Certain behaviour considered normal in the UK may cause offence in Qatar (e.g. foul language, offensive gestures) and may result in arrest.

Fan meeting points

All details in relation to an official fan zone will be shared once the club has received confirmation and further details.

Matchday specifics

We are working closely with FIFA to establish all the required information you will need ahead of the game and once in the stadium, i.e. travel to and from the stadium, flags/banners, refreshments and alcohol, fan zone, and accessible facilities.

Once these details are confirmed we will share with all travelling supporters.

Consulate information

The emergency service telephone numbers are as follows.

Emergency number: 999

West Bay, Dafna Area, Onaiza Zone, 66 Al Shabab St. (PO Box 3)
Phone: +974 44962000
Email: Embassy.Doha@fco.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-doha

Information from Merseyside Police

A team of Merseyside Police officers will be operationally deployed overseas. The officers are there at the invitation of the Qatari police and have no powers while deployed. The primary function of the team is to advise the local police service and gather and disseminate information.

If you have any issues that you feel need bringing to the attention of the delegation, please telephone +44 151 709 6010 (Merseyside Police Switch Board) and ask the call taker to email Constable 8070 Lee Lomax (Football Officer). Constable Lomax has access to his emails and will return your call.

Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO)

To assist those supporters who are attending away matches both domestically and overseas, a dedicated fan support telephone number and email address has been introduced which is available for travelling fans attending away fixtures (this line of communication is for urgent matters relating to the game only).

This line/email will be made available two hours before kick-off and will be open until one hour after the final whistle. Outside of these times, there will be a recorded message facility available for travelling fans to record any issues with regard to the game. The telephone number is 0151 230 5770 (from abroad +44 151 230 5770) and the email address is slo@liverpoolfc.com. For data protection purposes please include your full name, membership number and D.O.B.

On behalf of the club, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Qatar.