The Government of the United Arab Emirates has made it easier for foreigners who need to seek medical help in the UAE to obtain a medical visa, also known as a patient's entry permit. Along with the medical visa, the UAE authorities also issue a permit for the patient to enter the UAE.

—

The UAE offers a wide range of medical and cosmetic operations in its hospitals and complexes of medical institutions in the private and public sectors.

Foreigners who wish to undergo medical treatment in the UAE, and who are from countries where a visa is required, must obtain a patient’s entry permit in one of the organizations that issue visas to the UAE.

—

How can I get a medical visa to the UAE?

You do not need to visit the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country to obtain a visa. As with all other types of visas for the UAE, your sponsor (i.e. the hospital where you will undergo medical treatment) is responsible for obtaining your visa/patient entry permit. To obtain permission to sponsor your visit, the hospital must be licensed and registered in the UAE.

Your sponsor applies through one of the authorities issuing a visa to the UAE.

—

Registration of a medical visa to Dubai

To obtain a patient's entry permit to Dubai, your sponsor applies through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

—

Applying for a medical visa in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates

If you are being treated at a hospital in Abu Dhabi or another of the UAE's seven emirates, your sponsor will apply for a visa through the eChannel platforms (ICP).

—

What documents are required for obtaining a medical visa to the UAE?

Documents required when applying for a medical visa in the UAE include:

• A copy of your passport;
• Invitation from a clinic or medical institution explaining the reason for your visit;
• Confirmation of financial solvency;
• Travel health insurance policy.

What is the validity of the patient's entry permit to the UAE?

A medical visa (UAE Patient Entry Permit) allows its holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days from the date of entry. After applying for a visa, you must enter the UAE within 60 days.

There are two types of entry permits for UAE patients:

1. One-time entry, which allows the owner to enter the UAE only once and stay no more than 90 days;
2. Multiple entry, allowing the owner to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days.

—

Can you extend the patient's entry permit to the UAE?

Yes, your sponsor may apply to renew your entry permit to the UAE only once and only if they can provide evidence that you need further medical treatment (i.e. a certified medical report).

—

Permission to enter for the patient’s accompanying person in the UAE

If you are accompanying a patient who needs medical attention in the UAE, you must have permission to enter. To do this, the hospital also applies for permission to enter for you.

In addition, you and the patient must enter the country together.

—

What is the validity period of the permit for the entry of the patient’s accompanying person?

The validity period of the permit for the entry of the patient’s accompanying person is the same as for the patient/medical visa: it must be used within 60 days, and after entering the country you can stay there for up to 90 days.

—

The visa can be issued for one-time or multiple entries and extended only once, on the ​condition that the patient really needs further treatment, as well as your presence in the country.

—

Who needs a UAE medical visa/entry permit for the patient’s accompanying person?

Since the UAE medical visa and patient’s accompanying person visa are simply entry permits (not residence visas), citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter without a visa or can obtain a visa on arrival. The UAE government allows citizens of subsequent countries visa-free regime for a short period of time.