Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
Family Visit visas to Qatar are normally issued for 30 days only and can be extended after arrival. A medical test is compulsory for the extension of a family visit visa.
This article explains how to do the medical test for both visit visa extensions as well as for a family residence visa in Qatar.
- When to do the Medical Test for Visit Visa Extension in Qatar
- Qatar Medical Commission Location
- Qatar Medical Commission Timing
- Documents Required for Medical Test
- Fees for Medical Test
- Entrances to Medical Commission
- Medical Test Procedure
- Medical Test Result
- Medical Test for Children
- Visit Visa Extension Process
- FAQ on Medical Test for Visit Visa Extension
When to do the Medical Test for Visit Visa Extension in Qatar
Once the visitor enters Qatar, the visit visa sponsor will receive an SMS reminding them to complete the medical test if visa extension is required. However it may take up to three days to update the visitor’s entry in the system. So it is advisable to do the test after 3 days of entry.
The medical test can be done any time before the expiry of the visit visa. Considering that the test results may take up to 3 working days to be updated, it is advised to do it at least within the first three weeks of entry.
Qatar Medical Commission Location
The medical tests for a visit visa extension are done at the government-run Medical Commission Office in Doha, located near Woqod Petrol Station near Industrial Area (Abu Hamour). Here is the location map:
Qatar Medical Commission Timing
Normally, Medical Commission is open from 7 am to 12 Noon and 2 pm to 7 pm from Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are holidays.
Afternoon sessions during mid-week days are comparatively less crowded for families. Keep in mind that on busy days, they may stop issuing tokens 1-2 hours before closing.
Documents Required for Medical Test
The following are the documents required to do the medical test for a visit visa extension in Qatar:
- Original passport of the visitor
- Clear copy of visit visa with a cell phone number to call for emergency
- Debit or credit card for payment of the fees
Fees for Medical Test
- The fee for the medical test is QAR 100 per person.
- A debit or credit card is required for payment. Cash payment is not allowed.
- If you don’t have a debit credit card, there is a bank counter near the women’s entrance that can issue a temporary debit card for a small fee.
Entrances to Medical Commission
The Medical Commission Office has separate entrances for male and female visitors. Upon entering the main gate, turn right for the female entrance. For the male entrance, go straight and take the right after the main building.
Dress Code For Female Visitors: Women are required to wear ankle-length dresses or pants, and dresses below knee level are not permitted.
Men are not allowed to accompany female visitors, even if they are relatives. If the female visitor is someone who might need assistance, one female can enter along with the visitor.
The men’s section usually allows only the visitor to go inside (unless the visitor is old or physically challenged). So if you are giving your Debit/Credit card to the visitor make sure you give the card’s PIN code also.
Note that there are several entrances to Men’s section – one of them is for X-Ray and another is for employment visa medical tests. Check with the security at the entrance and make sure you are waiting at the right place.
Medical Test Procedure
The medical test for a visit visa extension in Qatar consists of screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Permit applications are rejected if HIV tests are positive. The visitor will also receive a chest X-Ray for tuberculosis. Here is the detailed process:
- Upon entering, take a token number from the machine at the entrance (or someone will be there to issue tokens).
- Go to the registration counter when your token number is shown on the screen.
- Give the original passport and visa copy (with the contact number).
- After entering the details in the system, they will ask for payment. Pay QR 100 using a debit/credit card.
- They will give back the passport, visa copy as well as a printout with the MC number.
- Go to the area designated for the Blood Test (there are clear directional signs).
- The receptionist will check the printout and issue the bottle for a blood sample.
- Go to the nearby room for a blood drawing (the receptionist will guide you).
- After the blood test, go for a chest X-Ray which is in another area (follow the directional signs).
- Once the X-Ray is done, you can leave.
Sometimes X-Ray is done before the blood test. The staff will guide you depending on availability. In either case, you have to do both tests on the same day. There is another room for a physician’s check-up, which is not needed for a visit visa extension.
The total time required depends on how crowded the place is. On a lucky day, you may wrap up everything in 30 minutes. On another day it may even take 4-5 hours.
Medical Test Result
Usually, the medical test result is available within 24 hours. In some cases, it may delay up to 3 working days.
If the sponsor has activated Metrash2 on his phone, the result will be sent as an SMS. If Metrash2 is not activated, you can check on the Ministry of Public Health website. Here is the link to the website for the medical test result.
Medical Test for Children
For children on visit visa, a medical test is not required. Earlier you had to pay QR 100 as medical report fee for children (even without a medical test). As per the recent visitors, Medical Commission is not charging this fee anymore.
Visit Visa Extension Process
Once the medical test is passed, the sponsor can immediately extend the visa online or through Metrash2. Visa extensions can also be done by visiting the MoI service centre. The visa extension fee is QAR 200 per 30 days.
For first and second-degree relatives, the visa can be extended for up to 150 days after the initial 30 days (a total of 180 days).
When renewing through Metrash2, make sure you select the correct number of days. By default, the number of days shown is 150 which means you would end up paying for a five-month extension.
If you are renewing the same visa for a second time, a medical test is not required again.
READ NEXT: How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
FAQ on Medical Test for Visit Visa Extension
What all medical tests are done for a visit visa extension?
The medical test for a visit visa extension in Qatar consists of blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C. The visitor will also receive a chest X-Ray for tuberculosis.
How much is the fee for the medical test?
The fee for a medical test to extend a visit visa is QAR 100 (USD 27.50)
Do children need a medical test for a visit visa extension?
For children, there will be no medical test.
What are the timings of the Medical Commission?
Medical Commission is open from 7 AM to 12 Noon and 2 PM to 7 PM on Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are holidays.
How can I check the result of the medical test online?
If the sponsor has activated Metrash2 on his phone, the result will be sent as an SMS. If Metrash2 is not activated, you can also check on the Ministry website.
You May Also Like:
- Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements and Procedure
- Qatar Visa On Arrival for GCC Residents: Professions List
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements and How To Apply
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Is it required to schedule an appointment for medical for visit visa extension or we can go walk in?
My Father is on family visit visa. Unfortunately, he was not feeling well and now admitted in hamadhospital. I want to extend his visa as it will be expirying in 12 days, so that he can recover and fit to travel back. In this case, how to extend the visa? He cannot go for medical as he is admitted in hospital. Please guide.
Hi, i just want to ask about my sister medical test, she did the another test in CDC Rumaila, but the next appointment date after 4 weeks,, how about her visa is for 1 month only..How i can extend or notify that she had a medical issues that causes the delay.
Hi Cherry, You can check with the helpdesk at Medical Commission or CDC. They may be able to give you a temporary approval which you can use for extension. Once you get that paper, you may need to visit MOI directly.
Hi Cherry – we have the same case for my relative (next appointment in CDC Rumailah is after the 30-day visit period. In the metrash it is saying “Please continue medical examination process”) and just wondering what happened with your case and what are the steps you did? Appreciate your feedback.
i came on visit visa but there is issue with my medical
they have send me to CDC and the result will come after 1month . How to extend visit visa till then ??
Dear DG,
Can i extend the visa of children for 1 month only after arrival in Qatar. i.e. my kids will arrive on June 4 and i planned to extend for another 1 month ONLY due to their upcoming school on July 29, 2024.
Please advise.
hello, what if the duration of stay approved for the relative is 6months? does my relative needs to do the medical?
good mashaa Allah
Hello, if the visitor visa expires, does the sponsor pay for the extra days or is the visitor required to pay before leaving the country? and where is the payment. is happening?
I went to do medical of my mother who is here on family visit visa. Medical comission was closed due to eid holidays.
I received a message previously sayinh that medical needs to be done within a weeks times.
How can i do it if medical commission is closed? Now i will take my mother again on 17th April once it will reopen. Will i have any trouble getting her medical done or will they allow her to do medical tests as it has been more then a week and will be almost 13 days since she is here.
I would like to know whether children aged 13 have to undergo the medical test. My daughter arrived yesterday, and I received a text message saying that the medical text has to be done in a week. please guide on the same.
thank you.
Hi DG,
I would like to know, is Affidavit of support a mandatory document for a family member visiting here in doha? If so, do they need the original copy or soft copy is okay?
Hi Anthony, It is not needed after reaching Qatar (not being checked at Qatar airport). However it may be a requirement for some countries like Philippines. So please check with the Qatar Embassy in your country.