How to Use Skype, WhatsApp & FaceTime in Qatar in 2024 (2024)

Not being able to contact your friends and family anymore through Skype, WhatsApp, and Facetime in Qatar is tough.

The Qatari government monitors the internet in Qatar. This has led to restrictions that the 2 leading internet service providers — Vodafone and Ooredoo — have put in place. Unfortunately, this situation affects Qatar's access to social media websites and VoIP services.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution to get around this — a virtual private network. A VPN is a simple app that encrypts your traffic so your ISP can't see your activity. This allows you to bypass the restrictions and access VoIP services from Qatar. If the ISP doesn’t see you’re accessing VoIP services, it can’t block you.

I’ve tested multiple VPNs to find out the best ones to access Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime in Qatar. I recommend ExpressVPN for its first-class security and fast speeds. You can test it out risk-freesince it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Start Using VoIP Today

Why You Need a VPN to Access VoIP Services in Qatar

The internet service providers in Qatar block VoIP services, so you can’t access them. One theory is that the country's ISPs don't allow these services to work because of the long-distance call profits. They'd lose these profits by enabling people to make Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime calls. Another theory is that because apps like WhatsApp use an encrypted messaging system, the government can't monitor the communication.

Whatever the case may be, if you often travel to Qatar, the best way to overcome these restrictions is by using a virtual private network. A VPN is a simple tool that allows you to hide your internet traffic from your ISP.

A VPN encrypts your internet activity, meaning whatever you visit or do remains private. Your ISP can’t block you if it does not have insight into the websites or apps you're using.

Best VPNs to Access Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime in Qatar in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — The Best VPN to Avoid Censorship and Make VoIP Calls

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN’s security and privacy features are first-class, meaning you can safely bypass censorship to use VoIP services. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the level of encryption the government websites use.

Also, its Network Lock made me feel particularly safe while making VoIP calls. This is ExpressVPN’s kill switch feature, which temporarily stops your internet connection if your VPN is interrupted. This way, your activity is private at all times.

It also has a TrustedServer feature, which ensures that all information on its servers is deleted after each reboot. Since it’s impossible to recover anything, there is no way the ISP can see your past activities.

Plus, its strict no-log policy means it doesn’t collect personally identifiable information about your activity or browsing history. Since its headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, data privacy laws don’t require VPNs to share user information with the government. Therefore, your identity is hidden while using ExpressVPN.

One of ExpressVPN’s top features is its fast and reliable speed. When using a VPN to make VoIP calls, it is important to have a good connection to avoid lagging. During my testing, I was able to make VoIP calls with no glitches.

You can make high-quality VoIP calls in Qatar while connected to ExpressVPN’s server in Israel

While ExpressVPN is a little more expensive, starting at $6.67/month, it’s worth it for its outstanding features. Plus, you can save a lot by signing up for its long-term plan. It also offers great discounts, with its biggest discount giving you 48% off.

You can try ExpressVPN out for yourself. If it turns out it isn’t for you, you can request a refund since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested it out by getting in touch with its online chat. After answering a few simple questions, I received a full refund within 2 days.

2. CyberGhost — A Simple VPN, So You Get Straight to Making VoIP Calls

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost is one of the most easy-to-use VPNs, making it a great option if you’re new to VPNs. I liked its clean interface with a simple, quick-connect button when you open the app. Plus, you can create a favorites list for an even quicker connection to your best servers for accessing VoIP services.

It also has a vast server network, with 11,690 servers in 100 countries. It’s important that a VPN has a lot of servers because an overcrowded network can slow your speeds down. I tested its servers in Qatar to make FaceTime calls, and the connection was very strong throughout each call.

While ExpressVPN has more server locations worldwide, CyberGhost has more than 10 servers in Qatar. With servers so close, you can always find a solid connection with good speeds to make high-quality VoIP calls. You always want to try to connect to a server that’s close to you, as you’ll benefit from a stronger connection.

CyberGhost has excellent 24/7 live customer support, so you can always get the help you need. This is perfect if you need assistance outside of regular office hours. For example, while you’re making calls from Qatar to coincide with your family’s or friends’ time zones. I used its 24/7 chat feature a few times and always received a response within a couple of minutes.

No matter the time of day, I didn't wait more than a few minutes for CyberGhost’s live chat support to respond

The downside to CyberGhost is that its short-term plans are quite expensive. However, if you sign up for the long-term plan, you pay just $2.03/month. Luckily, it also offers discounts — at the moment, you can get 83% off.

Also, if you get the longer plan, you can try CyberGhost out risk-free with its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. With its short-term plan, the money-back guarantee is somewhat shorter. I was impressed with how easy it was to claim my money back. I used its 24/7 live chat to request a refund, and the agent processed it with no questions asked. I had the money back in my account in 3 days.

3. Private Internet Access — Strict No-Log Policy For Private VoIP Calls

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

Private Internet Access has a zero-log policy, meaning it does not store your information or activities, so everything you do remains private. Even though VoIP services are not officially banned, the Qatari government monitors the internet. Therefore, it’s good to know you can access VoIP services privately, and a no-log VPN is the best way to do this safely.

It also has over 29,650 servers in more than 91 locations, so it’s easy to find a good connection to access VoIP services in Qatar. During my tests, all servers I connected to worked well for me.

PIA offers a wealth of adjustable features. Although its app isn't as user-friendly as the CyberGhost app, it's ideal for advanced VPN users who prefer to tailor their apps. Fortunately, it arrives pre-configured, and there was no need for me to make any modifications prior to using it for VoIP calls.

PIA’s speeds while connecting to servers in Israel were fast enough to make high-quality FaceTime calls

PIA has several pricing plans, from short-term ones to yearly ones. The first time I signed up, I subscribed to its long-term plan starting at $2.03/month. Plus, I got 83% off.

You can try Private Internet Access out thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this by contacting its live support to request a refund. Its support team asked 1 simple question, and the refund was processed. I received the money back in my account in just 2 days.

4. IPVanish — Strong Encryption to Make Secure VoIP Calls

IPVanish uses military-grade 256-bit encryption to secure your connection and help you overcome censorship.Encryption hides your internet activity so your ISP and other parties can't see that you're trying to access VoIP clients. If your ISP can't see this, then they can't block your connection. Because of this, you can access all the major VoIP clients.

Another one of IPVanish’s great features is its consistently high speeds that allowed me to make video calls in HD without glitching or lagging. I tested IPVanish’s speeds, and the results were truly impressive. Its servers in UAE and Israel worked extremely well when I tested making Skype calls. Even though it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, I could make high-quality calls without any interruptions.

IPVanish’s speeds while making Skype calls in Qatar using IPVanish were impressive

IPVanish has 2,400 servers in 90 countries, so you have a range of server options to connect to when trying to access VoIP services. I also tested its servers in New York to make a video call on WhatsApp. I experienced no lagging at all, even though the server was far away from my location.

The drawback with IPVanish is that it doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies, which are a more secure form of payment in censured countries. However, it accepts all other major payment methods.

It’s not an overly expensive VPN, and you can sign up for as little as $2.19/month. When I signed up, I got 83% off my subscription.

IPVanish also has a 30-day money-back guaranteefor its long-term plans. If you’re not happy, getting your money back is simple. I requested a refund through its website via my account without speaking to an agent. It’s genuinely no-questions-asked, and I had the money back in my account in 3 days.

5. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN to Be Untreacable While Using VoIP

PrivateVPN has a Stealth VPN mode designed to bypass censorship. It also hides the fact that you’re using a VPN from your ISP, which is important in a high-censorship country like Qatar. On top of that, PrivateVPN ensures complete privacy while using Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime due to its no-log policy.

PrivateVPN’s Stealth mode allows you to bypass censorship in Qatar

It is also one of the most user-friendly VPNs, making it a great option if you’re new to VPNs. I was surprised by how easy it was to use it. It even offers a ‘simple’ version, which doesn’t show you too many advanced features.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have the largest server network, with only 200 in 63 countries. However, the servers it has worked exceptionally well for me.

PrivateVPN has different pricing packages that offer the same features and differ only in length. If you want something more permanent, you should consider its extended plan, starting at $2/month. With my subscription, I even got a 85% off, which was a great deal.

You can try PrivateVPN out and claim your money back if you’re not happy, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. I contacted its support team via the live chat feature to request a refund, and its team processed it with no questions asked. The money was back in my account in 5 days.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on Accessing Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime With a VPN

Is it legal to use VoIP services in Qatar?

Yes. Using Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp in Qatar is legal. However, even though the government has never recognized the ban, you can't use VoIP apps in Qatar. The country's 2 biggest internet service providers block users who try to access Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. But there is a solution — you can use a VPN to hide your internet activity and use VoIP services in Qatar with no limits.

A VPN is an app that you can make your traffic unreadable to the ISP, so it can't block you. Also, as long as you’re not breaking any laws, using a VPN is also legal. It’s only illegal for ISPs to offer VoIP services without a license issued by the ictQATAR, as stated in Qatar’s VoIP policy.

All the VPNs I have mentioned here are proven to access VoIP services in Qatar. However, I recommend using ExpressVPN because of its fast speeds, as well as top-class privacy and security features.

Are VoIP services such as Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime banned in Qatar?

No, not officially. The Qatari government has never recognized a ban before. Still, the state monitors and regulates the internet, and together with the country's 2 main ISP, it blocks access to VoIP services. For example, even iOS devices come with FaceTime already disabled. These measures also affect Facebook Messenger and Instagram calling.

Even thoughno strict ban is imposed, you still can't access Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime in Qatar. As soon as your ISP sees you want to access one of these services from Qatar, it blocks you. The solution to this is to use a VPN, which virtually changes your location to make it seem like you are accessing VoIP services from somewhere else.

To avoid the block, I recommend you use one of the VPNs from my list, which reliably unblock VoIP services in Qatar.

Can I use VoIP services with a free VPN in Qatar?

Free VPNs exist, but none of them worked when I tested them for unblocking VoIP services in Qatar. They often have a limited number of servers and poor unblocking capabilities.

Aside from not being reliable, I don’t recommend using free services because they don’t offer the same level of protection and privacy. That means that your identity and data (such as messages and call history) could be exposed.

There is also a difference in the user experience. Free VPN services often bombard you with ads and pop-ups to get you to upgrade to a paid service. Instead, I recommend using one of the VPNs from my list that are safe and proven to work in Qatar. These VPNs worked every time, kept my data safe, and gave me great speeds for quality VoIP calls.

Start Using VoIP Services in Qatar Now

Since making long-distance calls is extremely expensive, using VoIP services while you're in Qatar is essential. A VPN is the perfect solution to access Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime and make calls over the internet to your loved ones.

My top choice is ExpressVPN because it unblocks VoIP services with ease and has the best speeds for quality calls. However, using any of the 5 VPNs I've mentioned in this article gives you access to VoIP services safely, and your activity and data remain private.

To summarize, the best VPNs to access Skype, WhatsApp, and Facetime in Qatar are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.