Qatar Airways flights passengers needed a negative Covid 19 test certificate to fly during the pandemic. Without permission no one could board the plane. The airline maintained a stringent monitoring phase to screen out passengers who did not undertake a COVID-19 test or were positive.
Airlines used several testing procedures. Some used PCR others the Rapid Antigen Test. PCR was the most accurate and commonly accepted test.
Qatar Airways Covid 19 test type is explained here.
PCR Test
A PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction test finds the virus genetic material in a nose or throat swab.
PCR is one of the most accurate COVID-19 tests. PCR test results were recognized by Qatar Airways and other international airlines for pre travel COVID 19 testing.
Timing
Consider the PCR test timing for your flight departure date. Passengers must take the PCR test on time to ensure their findings are valid throughout their flight whether direct or connecting. Destination and airline restrictions vary but 48 72 hours before departure is typical.
PCR tests older than that could not be submitted.
Negative Test Result
Passengers needed a negative COVID 19 PCR test to board the plane. Positive tests disqualify a passenger from flying with the airline. Qatar Airways required customers to provide a medical certificate or test paperwork from a recognized testing facility confirming their negative PCR test result.
Documentation
Your Covid 19 PCR test result needed proper documentation. It should show the
- Time and date of testing.
- The name of the testing facility.
- Type of test conducted PCR
- Passenger information matching their travel documents.
- A printed copy of the test result.
Testing Facilities
Airlines choose different PCR testing facilities for safety and passenger comfort. Thus DIY tests were rarely acceptable for travel.
Additional Requirements
Some destinations required passengers to complete health and safety standards beyond the PCR test. For instance
- Completing health declarations.
- Providing contact details for tracing.
- Adhering to quarantine or isolation procedures upon arrival.
Rapid Antigen Test
Rapid Antigen testing detects viral surface proteins. This type of exam is only accepted by particular airlines depending on its scheduling conditions and findings.
Qatar Airways just needed the COVID 19 PCR test not the fast antigen. Qatar Airways manage booking has the latest information.