The Qatari Government is committed to making Qatar a disease-free nation, and all visitors must undergo a medical exam upon arrival in Qatar to keep up with this vision. This is to protect the population's health and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, if any, caused by visitors.
What is a Qatar visa medical test?
Qatar visa medical test is a program conducted by the Gulf Health Council to evaluate expatriates' health and fitness. Expatriates should be checked to ensure they are healthy enough to work and have no contagious diseases.
When should a medical test be performed in Qatar to extend a visit visa?
You can take a medical test anytime before your visa expires. It is recommended that you complete the medical test within 15-20 days of your arrival in Qatar. This is because the results may take 3 working days to update.
What are the locations where medical tests can be performed?
The Medical Commission Office in Doha is the most popular place to do medical tests for extending a visit visa in Qatar. Moreover, tests can also be conducted at authorized primary healthcare centers such as Al Ruwais Healthcare Center, Al Khor Healthcare Center, Al Wakra Healthcare Center. Private hospitals can also perform mandatory medical procedures, but they charge a fee for doing the tests. The hospitals include Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, and Al Emadi Hospital.
What documents are required for medical tests?
For a Qatar visit visa extension, the following documents are required:
1) The visitor's original passport.
2) A copy of the visit visa, along with a mobile number for emergencies.
3) A debit/credit card is required for fee payment.
About the Medical Commission's Office Entrance
1) There is a separate entrance for male and female visitors to the Medical Commission Office. For the female entrance, turn right once you enter the main gate. You can find the male entrance on your right after the main building.
2) Male visitors cannot accompany female visitors, even if they are relatives. Female visitors who need assistance can be accompanied by one female.
3) The men's section has several entrances. One is for X-rays and another is for medical test for employment visas. You should check with security at the entrance to make sure you are waiting at the right place. In most cases, only visitors can enter the men's section, unless they are old or physically challenged. Be sure to share the PIN code with the visitor if you're giving them your debit or credit card.
What tests are included in a medical examination?
Qatar visa medical tests typically include the following:
1) Blood test
2) HIV
3) Hepatitis B
4) Hepatitis C
5) Tuberculosis
6) Chest X-ray
Procedure for a Medical Test
Getting an examination at the Medical Commission begins with booking an appointment online or in person.
Register Online
To book an appointment online, follow the steps below:
1) Visit the Medical Commission's online appointment booking system.
2) Choose the account type (Individual/Establishment).
3) Click on "Login" once you have entered the QID or Establishment ID number and the password.
4) Fill out the requested information and attach all the necessary documents.
5) Make the appropriate payment online, then print the receipt.
6) For those who do not have an account, click on "new user", select an account type, enter the required information, and click "Submit", and follow the instructions.
Apply in-person
You can follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your medical test.
1) When you enter, you will either be given a token number by the machine at the entrance or a token will be issued by someone.
2) When your token number appears on the screen, proceed to the registration counter.
3) Please provide the original passport and visa copy along with the contact information at the registration counter.
4) As soon as the details are entered into the system, they will ask for payment. Make a payment of QR100 with your debit or credit card.
5) You will get back the passport and the copy of the visa, along with a printout of the MC number.
6) You will need to proceed to the area designated for the blood test. To get there, follow the directional sign.
7) After checking the printout, the receptionist will issue the blood sample bottle.
8) The receptionist will direct you to a nearby room where your blood sample will be collected.
9) Once the blood sample is collected, follow the directional signs to another area to take a chest X-ray.
10) Upon completion of the X-ray, you will be able to leave.
There will be some situations where an X-ray is taken before the blood test depending on availability, if so the staff will assist you. Both tests must be completed on the same day, regardless of the case. An additional room is available for physician's check-ups, which are not required for a visit visa extension.
Time Required
Depending on how crowded the place is, the total time required for the test may vary. The entire process may take 30 minutes on an average day. There may be a delay of 4-5 hours on a crowded day.
Result of Medical Test
The results of medical tests are usually available within 24 hours. There is a possibility that it will take up to 3 working days in some cases. If Metrash2 is activated on the sponsor's phone, he or she will receive the results as an SMS. In case Metrash2 is not activated, you can check the medical test results on the Ministry of Public Health's website. You can access the medical test results by clicking the link below.
Check the Medical Commission Test Results
Medical Tests for Children
A medical test is not required for children on a visit visa. In the past, medical reports for children without medical testing cost QR 100. Recent visitors have reported that the Medical Commission is no longer charging this fee.
Extension of Visit Visa
Sponsors can immediately extend a visa online or through Metrash2 once the medical test is passed. It is also possible to extend a visa at a MOI service center. The fee for extending a visa is QAR200 per 30 days. After the initial 30 days, the visa can be extended for up to 150 days for first and second degree relatives. The medical test is not required if you are renewing the same visa for the second time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Who must take a medical examination?
The Qatari government requires all expatriates from specific countries to take a medical test before applying for a work permit or a residence permit. In addition, the same rules apply to workers' families. Each adult member of the family (over 18 years of age) must undergo a medical examination before arriving in Qatar.
2) What are the Medical Commission's timings?
The Medical Commission is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
3) Which countries require expatriates to take the medical test?
Expats from countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mali, Niger, Nepal, Philippines, Pakistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Thailand, Tanzania, Uganda must undergo health screening upon arrival in Qatar.