If you’re heading to any GCC country for work or residency, you’ll need to pass a Wafid medical examination before your visa can be processed. Wafid (formerly known as GAMCA) is the mandatory health screening program run by the Gulf Health Council that covers applicants from 21 countries.
This guide walks you through every step: how to book your appointment, what documents to bring, how much it costs, what medical tests are done, and how to check your result online.
What Is Wafid (Formerly GAMCA)?
Wafid is the GCC’s official medical screening program for expatriates seeking employment or residency in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. It replaced the older GAMCA system, and all bookings and results now go through the official Wafid portal.
The program is operated by the Gulf Health Council (GHC), which was established in 1976. The GCC Health Ministers’ Council launched the medical examination program in 1995 to ensure that incoming workers are medically fit and free from infectious diseases. Since then, it has expanded to cover 29 countries with over 574 accredited medical centres worldwide.
Who Needs a Wafid Medical?
You need a Wafid medical if you’re applying for a GCC work or residency visa and you’re a national of any of the following 21 countries listed on the Wafid portal:
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Egypt | Ethiopia |
| Ghana | India | Indonesia |
| Jordan | Kenya | Lebanon |
| Mali | Morocco | Nepal |
| Niger | Pakistan | Philippines |
| Sri Lanka | Sudan | Tanzania |
| Thailand | Turkey | Uganda |
This list can change. Always confirm your eligibility on the Wafid booking portal before proceeding. If your nationality doesn’t appear in the system, contact Wafid support at [email protected].
How to Book a Wafid Medical Appointment
Wafid medical appointments can only be booked online through the official Wafid appointment portal. Here’s how the process works step by step:
- Go to wafid.com/book-appointment and select the country where you’ll take the medical exam.
- Choose your city and the GCC country you’re travelling to. The system will auto-assign a medical centre based on your selected city.
- Enter your details including passport number, nationality, name, date of birth, visa number, and profession. Double-check everything before submitting.
- Pay the registration fee using a credit card. The fee is $10 USD per applicant. Note that the expiry date format on the payment page is YYMM (year then month).
- Download your appointment slip (also called the e-number or GCC slip). This slip is your entry ticket to the medical centre.
- Visit the medical centre as soon as possible after generating your slip. The slip is valid for 30 days from the booking date.
Required Documents
Bring these to your Wafid medical appointment (originals and photocopies):
- Passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Wafid registration slip (e-number/GCC slip)
- Passport-size photographs (check your centre’s specific requirements)
- Visa copy or job offer letter from your GCC employer
- National ID card (e.g., CNIC for Pakistan, Aadhaar for India). Egyptian nationals must provide their national ID number during booking
- Vaccination records if required by your destination country or employer
Finding an Approved Medical Centre
Wafid has over 574 accredited medical centres across all 21 countries. You cannot choose a specific clinic; the system auto-assigns one based on your selected city. To see which centres are available near you, use the official Wafid medical centre locator.
You can also take the exam in a country different from your nationality. For example, if you’re an Indian national living in Sudan, you can book your appointment in Sudan by selecting Sudan as the examination country and India as your nationality.
Correcting Mistakes on Your Slip
If you entered incorrect details (passport number, name, nationality, dates, etc.), don’t try to rebook. According to the Wafid FAQ, you should contact your assigned medical centre and ask them to submit a change request. Get the request number and submission date from the centre. This correction is free of charge.
Wafid Medical Fees by Country
Every applicant pays two fees: the $10 USD Wafid registration fee (paid online during booking) and the medical centre examination fee (paid at the clinic). The centre fee varies by country.
| Country | Wafid Registration | Medical Centre Fee |
|---|---|---|
| India | ~INR 1,120 – 1,500 | INR 7,500 – 8,500 |
| Pakistan | ~PKR 4,000 – 4,500 | PKR 22,000 – 25,000 |
| Bangladesh | ~BDT 1,500 – 1,800 | BDT 8,500 – 11,000 |
| Nepal | ~NPR 2,000 | NPR 10,000 – 11,000 |
| Philippines | ~PHP 560 | PHP 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Sri Lanka | ~LKR 3,000 | LKR 8,000 – 12,000 |
Registration fees reflect the $10 USD base fee converted to local currency, which fluctuates with exchange rates. Medical centre fees vary by clinic and city. Always confirm current pricing on the Wafid portal before paying.
What Tests Are Included in the Wafid Medical?
The Wafid medical examination follows standardised protocols set by the Gulf Health Council. While exact tests can vary slightly by destination country and centre, here’s what you’ll typically go through:
Physical and Clinical Examination
A physician will check your height, weight, and blood pressure, then perform a general physical examination. This covers your physical appearance, skin conditions, any visible deformities, and signs of communicable diseases.
Blood Tests
Blood samples are collected and tested for:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B (surface antigen)
- Hepatitis C (antibody)
- Syphilis (VDRL/RPR)
- Malaria and microfilaria
- Blood sugar levels and complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood group typing
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray screens for tuberculosis and other pulmonary conditions. Any abnormal findings, including active TB, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural effusion, or lymphadenopathy, will affect your result.
Urine and Stool Tests
A urine sample checks kidney function, while a stool sample screens for parasites and intestinal infections.
Mental and Psychological Assessment
A brief mental status evaluation is included as part of the standard examination protocol.
How to Prepare for Your Examination
While Wafid doesn’t publish a universal fasting rule, fasting for 8 to 10 hours before your appointment is recommended since blood sugar testing requires it. Drink water during the fasting period, but skip breakfast on exam day. Follow any specific instructions from your assigned medical centre.
Conditions That Lead to an “Unfit” Result
According to the Wafid FAQ, the following conditions are evaluated as medically unfit:
Infectious Diseases
- HIV positive (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B (surface antigen positive)
- Hepatitis C (antibody positive)
- Microfilaria and malaria
- Leprosy
- Abnormal chest X-ray findings including active or past TB, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural effusion, or lymphadenopathy
Non-Infectious Conditions
- Renal failure
- Liver failure or hepatic insufficiency
- Heart failure
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Different types of cancer
- Psychiatric and neurological disorders
- Physical disability or amputation that impedes work performance
- Haemoglobin below 7 g/dL
If you’re marked unfit, Wafid has a complaints and re-examination mechanism. Policies are case-dependent, and there is no single universal waiting period. Contact your medical centre or Wafid support for guidance on re-examination.
How to Check Your Wafid Medical Result
Online
Go to the Wafid medical status page, enter your passport number and nationality, solve the captcha, and click “Check.” Results typically appear within 2 to 6 days, though the official maximum window is 26 days.
Offline
Visit your medical centre with your name, passport number, and test date to get a printed copy of your result.
Understanding Your Result
- Fit: You’re medically cleared to proceed with visa processing. Accredited centres must issue your fitness certificate within 3 days of the exam.
- Unfit: You did not meet the Gulf Health Council medical criteria. You can appeal through Wafid’s official re-examination process.
- Pending / Not Yet Available: Results haven’t been processed yet. Check again in a few days.
- Expired: Your medical certificate is valid for 2 months from the issue date. After that, it cannot be used for visa issuance. If you need a new exam, you can rebook 2 months after your existing report’s date.
Validity and Rebooking
Your medical certificate is valid for 2 months from the issue date. Your appointment slip has its own separate validity (30 days). You can only change cities after the current slip expires. If you already have a valid report in the system, you can rebook after 2 months from the report date.
Wafid Contact Information
If you run into issues with booking, payments, slip generation, or results, here’s how to reach Wafid:
- Phone: +966 920023560
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact page: wafid.com/contact-us
For duplicate payment refunds, include your nationality, passport number, full name, payment date, credit card number, cardholder name, email, a copy of the card, and a bank statement showing the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GAMCA the Same as Wafid?
Yes. The GCC’s official expatriate medical program was rebranded from GAMCA to Wafid. The old GAMCA website is discontinued. All bookings, results, and medical centre searches now happen through wafid.com.
Can I Choose a Specific Medical Centre?
No. The system auto-assigns an accredited medical centre based on the city and country you select during booking. You cannot pick a specific clinic.
Can I Take the Wafid Medical in a Country Different From My Nationality?
Yes. You can book the appointment in any country that has Wafid-accredited centres. Simply select the country where you want to take the exam and enter your actual nationality during registration.
Can I Reschedule My Appointment or Get a Refund?
The examination date cannot be changed. For cancellations, duplicate payments, or refund requests, contact [email protected] with your passport number and payment details.
Do I Need to Fast Before the Medical Test?
Wafid doesn’t publish a universal fasting rule, but fasting for 8 to 10 hours is recommended because the blood sugar test requires it. You can drink water during the fast. Follow any specific instructions from your assigned centre.
What If My Medical Certificate Expires Before My Visa Is Stamped?
The certificate is valid for 2 months from the issue date. If it expires before visa stamping, you’ll need to generate a new appointment slip and retake the exam. You can rebook 2 months after the date of the existing report. Check with your embassy about whether a fresh exam is required.
Is There an Age Limit for Wafid Registration?
No. According to the Wafid FAQ, applicants can book an appointment from any age.
Sources
- Wafid Official Portal
- Wafid Frequently Asked Questions
- Wafid Guidelines and Regulations
- Gulf Health Council – Wafid Program
- Wafid Appointment Booking Portal
- Wafid Medical Centres List
- Wafid Medical Status Search
- Regulations of Medical Examination of Expatriates Coming to GCC States
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
