Your Health Journey in Dubai: Understanding the Medical Visa
April 16, 2025
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Dubai has firmly established itself as a premier destination for medical tourism, boasting cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and internationally recognized medical facilities 
[8]
[19]. This reputation is built on experienced professionals and government efforts to streamline access for international patients 
[2][8][19]. If you're considering treatment in this dynamic city, there's a specific pathway designed just for you: the Medical Treatment Visa, often called a Patient Entry Permit [2]
[3]
[5]. This guide breaks down the essentials for the Dubai medical visa in 2025, drawing directly from official requirements to give you a clear picture [8][19][2][3][5].
What is the Dubai Medical Treatment Visa?
Think of the Dubai Medical Treatment Visa as a special entry permit created specifically for foreign nationals who need to come to the UAE for medical care 
[1][3]
[4]. It's the legal key allowing patients to access Dubai's healthcare services and stay for their required treatment duration [3][4][8]. What makes this visa distinct is the crucial role of sponsorship; you must be sponsored by the licensed UAE healthcare facility (like a hospital or specialized clinic) where you'll receive treatment [1][3][4][5]. This sponsorship actually simplifies things for patients, as the hospital typically handles the visa arrangements upon request [3][5][8]. Depending on your treatment plan, this visa, also known as a "Patient Entry Permit," can be issued for a single entry or multiple entries [1][3][4]
[17].
Are You Eligible for a Medical Treatment Visa? (Patient Eligibility)
So, who qualifies for this patient visa? The main requirement is being a foreign national needing medical treatment at a licensed facility within Dubai [1][3]
[16]. You absolutely need sponsorship from that specific hospital or clinic [3][4][5][8]. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry or application date [1][16]. You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your stay and medical costs – proof of financial capacity is essential [2][3][16]. Lastly, having valid health insurance that covers you during your time in the UAE is mandatory [2][3][16]
[7]. Meeting these criteria is the first step towards accessing treatment in Dubai [1][3][4][5][8][16][7].
Bringing Support: The Patient Companion Visa
Going through medical treatment is often easier with support, and Dubai recognizes this [1][3]. Provisions exist for companions, such as family members or caregivers, to accompany the patient [1][3][16][7]. This is facilitated through a "Patient Companion Entry Permit," often sponsored by the same hospital handling the patient's visa [3][5][16]
[6][17]. For a companion to be eligible, they need a valid passport (with 6+ months validity), proof of their own health insurance, and evidence of financial solvency or a security deposit [3][5][6][7][16]. A key point is that the companion usually must enter the UAE with the patient [5][6][7]. Typically, the companion's visa type (single or multiple entry) will match the patient's visa [7][17].
Essential Documents: What You Need to Apply
For the Patient:
You'll generally need to provide a clear copy of your valid passport [1][3][8]. A recent passport-sized photograph, often needing a specific background like white, is also required [1][16]
[18]. Crucially, you need a medical report from your doctor back home detailing your condition and explaining why treatment in Dubai is necessary [1][16]. Complementing this is an official letter from the sponsoring Dubai hospital; this confirms your appointment, outlines the treatment plan, and verifies their sponsorship [2][3][16]
[10]. You must also show proof of financial means, like bank statements, and be prepared for a potential security deposit (GDRFA Dubai mentions figures like AED 1000 or AED 2000) [1][2][3][8][10][16]. Finally, proof of valid health insurance covering your stay in the UAE is mandatory [1][2][3][7][8][16].
For the Companion:
The companion also needs a clear copy of their valid passport [3][5][6][7]. Like the patient, a recent passport-sized photograph is required [7]. They must provide proof of their own valid health insurance coverage for the UAE [3][5][6][7]. Evidence of financial solvency or the required security deposit is also necessary for the companion's application [3][5][6][7]. Ensuring all these documents are clear and meet the specific standards set by authorities like GDRFA-Dubai is essential for a smooth application process [1][3][16].
Visa Validity: How Long Can You Stay?
The initial duration of your Dubai Medical Treatment Visa typically aligns with your expected treatment length [1][2][16][6]. Common options include a 90-day stay validity, available for both single and multiple entries, calculated from your entry date [1][2][6][8][10]. GDRFA-Dubai also offers a 180-day visa option, again for single or multiple entries [1][7]. Here's a critical detail: once your visa (entry permit) is issued, you generally have 60 days to enter the UAE [2][6][8][10]. Missing this window could invalidate the visa. The choice between 90 or 180 days, and single or multiple entries, usually depends on your specific treatment plan discussed with your sponsoring hospital [4][16][19][5].
Extending Your Stay: What if Treatment Takes Longer?
Sometimes, medical treatments require more time than initially planned. Thankfully, extensions for the Medical Treatment Visa are possible if medically necessary [2][3][8][10]. The key condition is obtaining a certified medical report from your treating hospital in Dubai explicitly stating that continued treatment is needed, thus requiring a longer stay [3][8][10]. While some sources mention the visa can be extended "only once," GDRFA-Dubai indicates extensions might be possible "one or more times" up to a total of 180 days beyond the initial period, depending on the specific case and authority decision [2][3]
[11]. The companion's visa extension is linked to the patient's; if the patient's visa is extended, the companion's can be too, provided there's proof of continued need (often via the medical report) [3][7]. The extension process involves applying through your sponsor (the hospital) or official channels like the GDRFA website or Amer Service Centers, and there are associated fees [2][3][11]. Remember to apply before your current visa expires to avoid daily overstay fines 
[13]
[14].
How to Apply: Points of Contact and Process
Navigating the application process is usually straightforward because your sponsoring healthcare provider manages most of it [2][3][5][8]. Your main point of contact is the sponsoring hospital or clinic in Dubai; they initiate and handle the visa application for both the patient and any companion [1][2][3][4][5][8][16][19]. Many hospitals have dedicated international patient departments to assist with this [2][19]. The official authority processing these visas for treatment in Dubai is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) [2][3][8]
[9][10]. While the hospital liaises with them, GDRFA's website, smart app, and Amer Service Centers are the official channels, though typically accessed by the sponsor [1][11]
[12]
[15][16]. It's worth noting briefly that if your treatment is in another emirate (like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah), the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles the visa [2][3][8][10][15]. You can usually track your application status online via the respective authority's portal (GDRFA or ICP) [15][12]. For general inquiries, GDRFA/Amer can be reached at 800 5111 (toll-free in UAE) and ICP at 600522222, but your hospital coordinator is often the best resource for application-specific questions [2][15][19].
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