UAE Medical Treatment Visa (2026): Requirements, Fees and Process

The medical treatment visa is available in four configurations. Duration is counted from the date of entry into the UAE. The permit validity window (time to enter after issue) is not stated on the GDRFA page : confirm the entry window with the sponsoring hospital at the time of application.
 

The security deposit is refundable but requires a collection and reimbursement process on departure. The deposit service fee of AED 20 and the collection/reimbursement fee of AED 40 are non-refundable. Keep the deposit receipt : it is required when claiming the refund on exit.

All fees are as listed on the official GDRFA service page as of September 2026. GDRFA notes that "the total amount of the visa may vary more or less depending on the circumstances surrounding the sponsored person or any other reasons." Verify the current fee schedule at gdrfad.gov.ae before applying.

Per the official GDRFA service listing, the required documents are:

• One personal photograph : recent, plain white background
• Passport copy : valid for a minimum of 6 months from the application date
• Medical report : from a licensed healthcare provider, stating the diagnosis and treatment required
• Letter from the sponsoring UAE hospital : stating the justifications for the visit and confirming the hospital will sponsor the patient
• Proof of medical insurance : the GDRFA terms state the beneficiary must hold medical insurance
• Financial security deposit : AED 1,000 single entry or AED 2,000 multiple entry, payable through the GDRFA system

The sponsoring hospital prepares and submits the application. As the patient, your role is to provide the hospital with your passport copy, medical report and photograph. The hospital handles the GDRFA submission and fee payment on your behalf.
 

1. Contact a licensed UAE hospital or clinic that will sponsor your treatment. The hospital must hold a valid licence from DHA (Dubai), DOH (Abu Dhabi) or MOH (other emirates).
2. Provide the hospital with your documents: passport copy (6-month validity), medical report, photograph, and medical insurance details.
3. The hospital logs in to the GDRFA smart services system at smart.gdrfad.gov.ae (Dubai) or the ICP eChannels platform (Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates), completes the application and pays the visa fee and security deposit.
4. Processing time: 48 hours. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospital receives the approved entry permit and forwards it to you by email.
5. Travel to the UAE with the approved medical entry permit. Present it alongside your passport at immigration on arrival. The permit is valid for land, air and sea entry.
6. Extension if needed: if your treatment requires more time, the sponsoring hospital applies for an extension through the same GDRFA system. A new medical report confirming the ongoing treatment requirement is needed.
    

A companion visa is available for a family member or carer accompanying the patient. Key conditions from the official GDRFA terms:

• The escort must enter the UAE together with the patient : separate arrivals are not permitted
• The escort must hold the same visa type as the patient: if the patient has a single-entry visa, the escort must also hold a single-entry visa
• The escort visa will not be extended unless the patient's visa is extended at the same time
• Medical insurance is required for the escort as well as the patient
• A separate security deposit applies to the escort visa

The companion visa is processed by the same sponsoring hospital via the GDRFA related service: "Issuing a medical escort visa for a single or multiple entries."
 

Dubai

GDRFA Dubai

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The hospital applies through smart.gdrfad.gov.ae. Service hotline: 800 5111 (UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (international).

Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates

ICA : Federal Authority

Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The hospital applies through the ICA eChannels platform at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Covers Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

If you entered the UAE on a standard UAE tourist visa and require medical treatment during your stay, you have two options:

• If your tourist visa has not yet expired and your treatment will complete within the visa duration: remain on your existing tourist visa. No change of status is needed for short-term treatment.
• If your treatment will extend beyond your tourist visa expiry: the treating UAE hospital can apply to change your visa status to a medical entry permit, or apply for an extension through GDRFA before your tourist visa expires. The fee for applying from inside the UAE is higher (AED 300 or AED 900) than applying from outside.

Do not let your tourist visa expire during treatment. Overstay fines of AED 50 per day begin from the first day after expiry regardless of medical circumstances. If your visa is running out, act through the hospital or apply for a UAE visa extension before the expiry date. If fines have already accumulated due to a documented hospitalisation, a formal GDRFA fine waiver is available : see the UAE overstay fine waiver guide for the medical emergency waiver process.

Travelling to the UAE for treatment and need a tourist visa first?

If your hospital sponsorship is not yet arranged, a UAE tourist visa covers initial entry.