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Reviewed March 2024
The UAE’s economy is growing quickly, and as a result, its hospitals and health care are up-to-date. Government-led attempts to make the visa application process simpler have caused an increase in the number of medical tourists the UAE has welcomed in recent years.
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Individuals who require medical care in the United Arab Emirates can now easily get a medical treatment visa, often known as a Patient Entry Permit. The UAE government also issues a Patient Companion Entry Permit for the UAE along with a medical treatment visa.
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What are the required documents for a medical visa in Abu Dhabi?
In order to get your visa medical, you must obtain the following documents:
- a copy of your passport
- a letter from your hospital explaining the reason behind your visit
- proof of financial solvency
- proof of your medical insurance that covers your entire stay in the UAE
How to apply for a medical visa in Abu Dhabi?
Unlike the other types of visas, you don’t have to visit the UAE consulate or embassy in your country to get this medical treatment visa. Your sponsor, the hospital where you will receive your medical treatment, will arrange your medical visa or patient entry permit to the eChanel platforms of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Please note that the hospital has to be licensed and registered in the UAE to sponsor your visit.
How much is a medical visa in Abu Dhabi?
The medical visa in Abu Dhabi will cost each patient around AED 100.
How long does it take to get a medical visa in Abu Dhabi?
The processing time for a medical visa is relatively quick. The hospital that arranges your medical visa will send your visa (entry permit) via e-mail within 48 hours.
What is the validity of a medical visa in Abu Dhabi?
A medical treatment visa (UAE Patient Entry Permit) authorizes the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days starting on the day of entry. You have 60 days from the time the visa is issued to enter the UAE. You can extend the permit for up to 90 days for AED 510.
UAE patient entry permits come in two different forms:
- single-entry visas permit the holder to go to the United Arab Emirates just once and to stay there for up to 90 days
- multiple-entry visas permit the holder to enter the UAE on different occasions for up to 90 days
Can I apply for an extension of my medical visa in Abu Dhabi?
Your sponsor could apply for the extension of your medical visa only if they can prove that you require additional medical care. Your sponsor could also submit an application to renew your UAE patient entry permit (e.g., a certified medical report).
UAE Patient Companion Entry permit
If you are accompanying a patient who requires medical attention in the UAE, you must obtain a UAE patient companion entry permit. The hospital also submits the application for your admission permit. Both the patient and their companion must enter the country at the same time.
The companion must present the following documents to apply for a Patient Companion Entry Permit:
- photocopies of your passport
- proof of health insurance
- proof of financial solvency
The validity of the Patient Companion Entry permit is the same as that of the medical visa, which is either 60 or 90 days, depending on the patient who requires medical care.
