What are fans allowed and not allowed to do while in Qatar for the World Cup?

The Athletic has gone through Qatar's laws to clarify what is allowed and not allowed for visiting fans during the World Cup. A poster went viral in October saying visitors to Qatar should show respect by refraining from homosexuality, dating, drinking alcohol and “immodesty”.

This is the first World Cup held in a Muslim country where alcohol is not widely available but is only served in licensed places. Alcohol will be served only in select areas within stadiums and in the 40,000-capacity fan zone in Doha. You need to be at least 21 years old to buy alcohol at any of the licensed venues. Public drunkenness and carrying alcohol, even if unopened, is prohibited. The tournament's chief organiser Nasser Al-Khater said drunk fans could be taken to a place to sober up.

There is zero tolerance for drugs in Qatar. Anyone caught smuggling drugs into the country could face 20 years in prison and a fine of up to £70,000. Vapes are not legal in the Qatar and can't be brought into it.

There are questions about fan behaviour in the World Cup's stadiums. Police have been asked to govern with a soft touch. Large banners are allowed, but pre-approved by the national association or World cup organisers. Musical instruments are not allowed to interfere with the event.  

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. Unmarried couples will be allowed to share hotel rooms. In May, reporters pretending to be a newlywed gay couple were refused entry to 69 hotels on FIFA's official list of hotels. Hotel reservations were asked to avoid public displays of sexuality. Extra-marital sex is also illegal. If a person is Muslim, they could be flogged. The Athletic reported on the dangers of these laws to women. It also reported that women who report sexual violence are disproportionately affected by their implementation. A security official in Qatari said rainbow flags could also be confiscated from LGBT+ fans.

Qatari law could silence peaceful protests. Activists must get a permit from the Interior Ministry to protest. Cybercrimes law punishes the dissemination of "false news" online with a maximum three-year prison sentence. The law states that no publications printed in or imported into Qatar may be sold or distributed without written consent. The Supreme Committee does not recognise the document's authenticity. FIFA fans are allowed to travel to Qatar for the World Cup. They are not allowed on public transport.

There have been several incidents of fighting between fans at recent major tournaments. In Qatar, serious assault can be punished with a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of 10,000 Riyals.

Producing loud noise is not illegal in Qatar. Public hygiene is very strict in the country. Littering is punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 Riyals (about £2,400). Public spitting, urination or defecation could see imprisonment for up, to six months, plus a $2k fine. Swearing is considered an obscene act and can be aggravated if directed towards police officers. There are restrictions on photographing people and religious, military or construction sites.

Qatar is a conservative country. UK government advises people to cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts. In practice, most malls will not enforce these guidelines harshly. Public breastfeeding in Qatar has not typically been an issue.