What's blocked in Qatar
WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype voice and video calls are restricted; messaging works.
- WhatsApp: Partly blocked
- Voice & video calls: Blocked
- Telegram: Works
- Signal: Works
- Discord: Works
- Facebook: Works
- Instagram: Works
- X (Twitter): Works
- TikTok: Works
- YouTube: Works
- Google: Works
- Works
- Age-gated
- Partly blocked
- Slowed down
- Blocked
App by app
| App | Status | Since | Notes | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice & video calls | Blocked | WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype calls. | How to unblock | |
| Roblox | Blocked | 2025 | How to unblock | |
| FaceTime | Blocked | FaceTime calls are restricted with other free calling apps. | How to unblock | |
| Partly blocked | Messaging works; calls restricted. | How to unblock | ||
| Viber | Partly blocked | Calls restricted. | How to unblock | |
| imo | Partly blocked | Calls restricted. | How to unblock |
Not offered in Qatar
These companies don't sell their service here. That's a business or sanctions decision, not government censorship.
- HBO Max
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
- JioHotstar
- Peacock
- BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India)
Working normally
Social media
Video, TV & music
Games
Privacy & tools
The 3 VPNs that fit Qatar
Our assessment, plus what visitors in Qatar are reporting this week.
Picked for streaming and everyday privacy.
NordVPN
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Surfshark
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ExpressVPN
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Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs CyberGhost, Private Internet Access and Proton VPN
CyberGhost
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Private Internet Access
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Proton VPN
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We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money
What's going on
Qatar restricts VoIP calling without a formal ban, so calls on WhatsApp and FaceTime often fail while texting works. Only operator-licensed calling apps are officially permitted.
Before you connect: A VPN is the usual fallback for calling home from Qatar.
Is a VPN legal in Qatar?
Legal
VPN use is not prohibited for personal use.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions people ask
Which apps are blocked in Qatar?
Yes. Voice & video calls, Roblox and FaceTime are blocked in Qatar.
Can I make WhatsApp calls in Qatar?
Voice and video calls are blocked in Qatar. WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype calls.
Which streaming and online services are not available in Qatar?
HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, JioHotstar, Peacock and BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) are not offered in Qatar. That is the companies' decision, often because of licensing or sanctions.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Qatar?
Legal. VPN use is not prohibited for personal use.
Which VPN works in Qatar?
Our picks for Qatar are NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Check the live votes on this page for this week's results.
Report a block
Seeing something different in Qatar? An editor reviews every report before the page changes.