Travellers reminded to complete all checks before taking summer trips

“Travellers planning summer holidays have been reminded to carefully check their travel documents, passport validity, fines, and hand luggage before heading to the Hamad International Airport (HIA), as part of a Safe Travel awareness webinar organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). The webinar brought together officials from the Airport Passports Department and the Airport Security Department, who highlighted common mistakes that can delay passengers at the airport or prevent them from travelling. Captain Ali Ahmed Ali al-Kuwari from the MoI’s Airport Passports Department said that travellers should make sure all requirements are completed before arriving at the airport, especially during the busy summer travel season. “Please make sure that you have a valid travel permit,” he said, referring in particular to employees who fall within the category requiring prior approval before leaving the country. Capt al-Kuwari said that some passengers may not be aware they need such approval until they reach immigration, which may result in travel disruption. Travellers are also advised to check their status via Metrash before preparing to depart. He urged passengers to ensure they do not have “a travel ban, traffic violation or overstay fine” linked to their QID. Capt al-Kuwari noted that traffic violations and overstay fines can be paid electronically through Metrash, while travel bans must be followed up with the concerned authorities before travel. Passport validity was another point highlighted. While the Airport Passports Department may not prevent travel because of shorter passport validity, Capt al-Kuwari said that some airlines and destination countries may not accept passengers whose passports are valid for less than 3-6 months. The webinar also focused on baggage safety and airport security procedures. Captain Abdullah Shaheen Mohamed al-Rumaihi from the Airport Security Department reminded passengers to prepare their own bags and avoid carrying items for others without knowing the contents. He warned that some travellers may accept packages from friends or relatives out of kindness, but could face serious consequences if the contents include prohibited items. Capt al-Rumaihi advised the public “not to carry others’ belongings and bags without knowledge of contents”, adding that passengers should be ready to refuse any item if they are unsure. Hand luggage rules were also explained in detail. Capt al-Rumaihi said that passengers should not carry sharp objects, such as scissors, knives, razor blades, and other sharp tools, in their cabin baggage. Sports equipment such as billiard sticks and rackets, toy weapons (whether metal or plastic), flammable perfumes and sprays, and fresh food, including meat and fish, are also prohibited in hand luggage. Capt al-Rumaihi added that if prohibited items are found in hand luggage, they will be “confiscated without being returned to their owners”. The Airport Security Department also cautioned travellers against joking about carrying explosives or prohibited items when asked by airline staff. Capt al-Rumaihi warned that such statements are treated seriously and may lead to the cancellation of the passenger’s flight and referral to the competent security authorities. The officials stressed that airport procedures are not intended to inconvenience travellers, but to ensure safety and smooth movement through the HIA.

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