How To Do PCR Test in Qatar for Travel

Updated on 1 March 2023

If you are planning international travel by air, there is a chance you may require a COVID-19 PCR test for entry to your destination.  Passengers to certain countries may be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result as a part of the entry requirements.

This article explains the procedure for getting an RT PCR test in Qatar. Also, you can see a list of private clinics and hospitals offering this service, the cost of PCR tests in Qatar, and the documents required for testing.

Table Of Contents
  1. COVID-19 Testing at Government Clinics
  2. Where to Get the Fastest RT-PCR Test Result in Qatar?
  3. COVID-19 Testing at Private Clinics
  4. List of Approved Covid Test Centers in Qatar for Travel
  5. At the Airport
  6. Dedicated COVID-19 Hotline
  7. FAQ on Pre-Travel PCR Test in Qatar

A COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is performed to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test is used to directly detect the presence of an antigen and will show if a person has COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing at Government Clinics

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has stopped the provision of COVID-19 PCR swabs for people travelling abroad. Private sector hospitals will provide all COVID-19 PCR swabs for people travelling abroad.

Where to Get the Fastest RT-PCR Test Result in Qatar?

If you are looking for urgent testing for travel purposes, Sidra Medicine, a member of the Qatar Foundation, is one of the fastest private COVID-19 PCR testing centres in Qatar. They are offering the following packages:

QR 160 – Limited SlotsResults in 18 hours
QR 225Results in 8 hours
QR 660Results in 3 hours

Sidra does not accept walk-ins or provide in-person registrations. So you must make an online appointment for your COVID-19 tests at Sidra. Here is the link to make an online appointment at Sidra.

  • Location: Tower A, Mall level, Next to QNB
  • Timings: 7.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

After your PCR result is ready, it may take more than 24 hours for your result to be reflected in Ehteraz. You will receive an SMS from Sidra Medicine on your registered mobile number with your test results.

COVID-19 Testing at Private Clinics

How To Do PCR Test in Qatar for Travel

Step 1: Call the hospital or clinic to fix an appointment

Most private clinics in Qatar require you to call and make an appointment for an RT-PCR test. The clinic staff would give you an appointment depending on your travel date. Walk-in tokens are also available in some clinics but are not guaranteed.

Step 2: Visit the Clinic with the required documents

The documents required for the RT PCR test in Qatar for travel are your Passport, Qatar ID, and a copy of the Flight Ticket.

Step 3: Go to the reception, take a token number and pay the fees

The Ministry has fixed the maximum fee for PCR testing at private clinics as QR 160, effective from 4th October 2021.

Step 4: The medical staff will collect the swab and send it for testing

The staff will ask a few verification questions before swab collection. Then they would collect the swab from your nose and/or throat.

Swab collection involves inserting a long stick that looks like cotton buds into your nose and/or mouth. The swabs are then taken away securely for laboratory testing.

Usually private centres collect the swab and send it to Hamad Medical Corporation laboratories for testing.

PCR Test in Qatar -Swab Collection

Step 5: You will receive an SMS with the test result

You will receive an SMS after the swab is received and testing is done. Usually, the test result is available within 24-48 hours. Note that while you are awaiting the test results, your Ehteraz app may be showing grey colour.

If you are tested positive, you will be moved to an isolation facility or a designated treatment centre or instructed to do home quarantine depending on your symptoms.

If you are tested positive, the colour on your Ehteraz app would turn red. If the test result is negative the colour would change from grey to green.

Step 6: Collect the test certificate as advised by the clinic

In most cases, you can visit the clinic the next day to collect the test result certificate. Please ensure that the details on the test report (like your name, date of birth, date of the test, etc. are correct to avoid any issues during travel).

As per the protocol from HMC, a softcopy of the test result will not be considered a valid document. So you need to collect the hard copy from the concerned clinic.

Cost of PCR Test in Qatar Private Clinics

4 OCTOBER 2021 UPDATE: The Ministry of Public Health has announced that the price for RT-PCR Tests at Government and Private Clinics will be fixed at a flat rate of QR160 starting from 4th October 2021.

List of Approved Covid Test Centers in Qatar for Travel

PCR Test Centers in Qatar: Below is the list of private health facilities in Qatar (in alphabetical order) accredited to conduct PCR tests (Updated 22 August 2021):

At the Airport

If you are travelling to a country or using an airline that needs a pre-travel COVID-19 test, your airline will verify this information at check-in and retain a copy of the test result. Please have additional copies of the test result available with you for submission at departure and arrival airports.

In addition to a negative RT-PCR test result, many countries worldwide have specific regulations in place for arriving and departing passengers to limit the spread of COVID-19. Please ensure you understand how all these travel requirements affect you when planning your trip.

Dedicated COVID-19 Hotline

Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has a dedicated COVID-19 hotline 16000 to answer public queries regarding the disease. The Ministry urges individuals who display symptoms of COVID-19 to quickly contact the helpline.

The toll-free hotline is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is available in Arabic and English.

READ NEXT: Ehteraz App Installation And Trouble Shooting

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article is prohibited.

FAQ on Pre-Travel PCR Test in Qatar

Where can I do the RT-PCR Test in Qatar?

From 4th April 2021, RT-PCR tests for travel can be done only at private clinics/hospitals approved by the Ministry of Public Health.

How much is the cost of the RT-PCR Test in Qatar?

At private clinics, the price is fixed at QR 160 with effect from 4th October 2021.

How much time is required to get the RT-PCR test result?

The entire process, from sample collection to results, can take between 24 to 48 hours in normal cases.

Would I lose my ticket price if my RT-PCR test result is positive?

If the test result is positive, you would not be allowed to travel. Most airlines will refund a portion of your ticket price or allow you to rebook for a different date by paying the cancellation charge.

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49 thoughts on “How To Do PCR Test in Qatar for Travel”

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  1. Khanzada

    Hi
    I am British citizen & travelling from England to Doha on 10 March. I ll be in Doha at 7.30pm on 10 March. My next flight is for Pakistan on 12 March around 9pm.
    Could you please advice me about the required tests for journey please.

    Thanks

    Reply
  2. rey babatugon

    sir,I’m Rey ragas BABATUGOn I already exit to my company,teyseer security services,actually my flight Jan,11,2022 but the problem I failed the swab test result,now 3 days under quarantine in um salal isolation,when I releasing here,my problem I have no enought money to paying a swab test,because I already sending my money,into the phils,please give me and advice,thanks!!

    Reply
  3. Syed Sulthan

    Good morning,
    11 th January i am giving sample for RTPCR test in lusail thru.12 th morning i get it SMS for negative report.I don’t have qatar ID.I have business visa how to print out the report.

    Reply
    1. Mohammed

      Hi Syed,

      You can directly go to health centre and show the sms that you received they will take print out and give to you.

      Reply
    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Rauf, For most countries, PCR is valid for 72 hours only. For some countries, it is 72 hours of departure while for some it is 72 hours of arrival. Nowadays you can get PCR results in 24-36 hours as there is not much rush.

      Reply
  6. Farid Kazi

    Hi.
    Thnx for the great article needed much at this tym.
    I hv also cancelled two tickets as pcr reports took long time.
    As u hv mentioned Lusail drive thru… Documents req…. medical card, ID card n ticket.
    I am on visit visa… Dont have medical card.. I have only my passport, Ehteraz on mobile and my ticket.. Will i be allowed for the test??
    Waiting in distress for you reply.

    Reply
  7. vishal patel

    I’ve canceled my ticket even after 72 hours ,not getting RTPCR report . I’ve checked in Sidra, there are full booked slots upto 16th. So please help me when can i go for RTPCR and where I’ve go as I’ve emergency case for travelling.

    Reply
    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Vishal, You can try the new Lusail Drive Through Center. They are giving results in 24-48 hours. Details are in the above article.

      Reply
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