As of the New Year, visitors to the British Embassy's consular section can now make use of a cash machine located at the Embassy.

The ATM was installed in partnership with Commercial Bank (CBQ) after consultation by the Embassy with its customers over recent months.

Vice-Consul Ann Munro explains: "Every person who visits the Embassy for passport or notary services is asked to give us feedback on our services. Our customers told us they wanted the ability to take money out in the Embassy in order to pay for our services, and we have responded.

"Also in response to further feedback, we are planning to activate a credit-card payment service at the Embassy in the coming weeks."

The British Embassy, based in West Bay near to the Rainbow roundabout, provides a range of services to British nationals resident in and visiting Qatar. This includes providing timely and high quality documentary and passport services. The Embassy also assists British nationals in distress, including those arrested or hospitalised.

Since the start of April 2008 the Embassy has issued 957 new passports to British nationals, of which 97.9% were issued within the service delivery target of 10-working days. The Embassy has also processed over 3000 notarial services in the same period.