Applying for a visit visa in Qatar? If you are, you need to be knowledgeable of the process especially the medical test you need to take before you successfully get your visa. Normally, visit visas in Qatar are valid only for 30 days. But since it can be extended to a longer period, a medical test is required. This is a mandatory requirement and cannot be waived unless you want to go back to your original country.
Also Read: Expat Guide: Tips to Consider Before Moving to Qatar
Expats who travel to Qatar usually extend their visit visas for important reasons like visiting a family, traveling for business meetings, and enjoying their vacation to the fullest. If you want to stay in this country for more than 30 days, don’t take the medical test as something that can add up to your life’s hassle. Take it as something essential so you would know you are not bringing anything contagious in this foreign land. To know more about the procedure, here’s the information we gathered for you.
What is the best time to take the medical test?
The best time would be a few days before your visit visa expires, say 15-20 days after you arrive in Qatar. Keep in mind that the result will be out after 3 working days so it’s very essential to take it before the expiry date of your visa.
Where will the medical test be taken?
The medical test will be taken in the Medical Commission situated near the Woqod Petrol Station near the Industrial Area. The institution is open from 7 AM to 12NN and 2 PM to 7 PM from Sundays to Thursdays and closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Also Read: Do’s and Don’ts in Qatar
Medical Test Process
- Upon entering the institution, you need to get your token number at the entrance. There is someone there who will issue you the number.
- Once you see your number on the screen, proceed to the registration counter.
- Provide your original passport and photocopy of the visa with a contact number to the personnel.
- They will input all your information on the system and once done, they will ask you to pay for QR 100 as a fee. You can use your debit or credit card.
- The personnel will give your documents back and will issue an MC number to you.
- Once you have the MC number, you can go to the area where the blood test will be taken. Just follow the directional signs for your own convenience.
- Your MC number will be checked by the receptionist and give you a bottle for your blood sample.
- The receptionist will guide you for blood drawing in a designated room.
- After the blood test, follow the directional signs where you can go for the chest X-ray.
- Now you’re done and ready to wait for the results.
There are times that the X-ray test comes first before the blood testing. Either way is good and still under the correct medical test process. Expect a long waiting time when the institution is crowded with expats like you. In this case, the test may take up to 5 hours while the shortest is 30 mins. Expect the results within 1-3 working days.