How to get a medical visa from United States to UAE step by step guide
The UAE has rapidly become a regional medical hub, home to JCI accredited centres in Dubai Healthcare City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Burjeel Medical City. The UAE Government issues a dedicated 'Patient Entry Permit' (medical visa), valid 60 days from issue and allowing a 90 day stay from entry, sponsored by the treating UAE hospital. A separate Patient Companion Entry Permit lets first degree relatives travel together. Many nationalities can also enter visa free or on visa on arrival for short procedures.
What makes UAE a leading medical destination
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi · Dubai Healthcare City
- Patient Entry Permit: 90 day stay, extendable to 180 days
- Visa free or visa on arrival for 80+ nationalities
How can I get a medical visa to UAE from United States?
Patients travelling from United States to UAE typically apply on the Visa on arrival / e-Visa, upgradable to Patient Entry Permit track. The flow below is the most common path; embassy or hospital sponsorship may add a single extra step.
- 1Prepare your documentsGather everything the UAE authorities require before opening the application incomplete files are the #1 cause of delay.
- 2Submit your applicationLodge the application using the Visa on arrival / e-Visa, upgradable to Patient Entry Permit channel. Plan for a decision in Issued at airport / 24–72 hours online.
- 3After approvalCarry a printed visa, hospital invitation, insurance and a USD/local currency mix from day one in UAE.
Citizens of the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan and S. Korea receive 30–90 days visa on arrival, suitable for short procedures. For longer treatment the sponsoring hospital files a Patient Entry Permit on your behalf after arrival.
- Processing time
- Issued at airport / 24–72 hours online
- Visa fee
- Free USD 100
- Validity
- 30–90 days, extendable
- Extension
- Convert to Patient Entry Permit for longer treatment
Who is eligible for a UAE medical visa?
- The patient must be sponsored by a UAE licensed hospital holding a MoHAP, DHA or DoH permit.
- Confirmed treatment letter with estimated treatment plan and duration on hospital letterhead.
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay.
- Up to two companions (first degree relatives) can be sponsored under matching Patient Companion Entry Permits.
- Sufficient financial means or a hospital issued financial guarantee covering the treatment cost.
- Valid travel and medical insurance covering the UAE.
- A refundable security deposit (AED 1,000 single entry / AED 2,000 multi entry) paid through the sponsoring hospital.
What documents do I need for a UAE medical visa?
- Valid passport colour scan of all pages with stamps
- Recent passport size photograph (white background, 35×45 mm)
- Treatment letter and cost estimate from the UAE hospital
- Medical reports from your home country physician
- Hospital sponsorship form (issued by the treating UAE hospital)
- Proof of payment / advance deposit to the hospital
- Travel medical insurance covering the UAE
- Confirmed flight booking
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE
How do I apply for a UAE medical visa step by step?
- 1Coordinate with the UAE hospital by federal law the hospital is the sponsor and files the Patient Entry Permit on your behalf via ICP or GDRFA.
- 2Federal applications go through icp.gov.ae; Dubai applications go through gdrfad.gov.ae.
- 3Provide the hospital with passport scans, photo, medical reports and the refundable security deposit funds.
- 4The hospital pays the government fee (AED 200 single entry 90 day permit / AED 500 multi entry 180 day permit) plus knowledge / innovation dirhams and 5% VAT.
- 5Receive the Patient Entry Permit by email within 3–5 business days print and carry a copy.
- 6If your passport is visa free or eligible for visa on arrival, you can enter on that and have the hospital convert your status to a Patient Entry Permit after arrival.
How much does a UAE medical visa cost from United States?
Citizens of the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan and S. Korea receive 30–90 days visa on arrival, suitable for short procedures. For longer treatment the sponsoring hospital files a Patient Entry Permit on your behalf after arrival.
What should I do when I arrive in UAE for treatment?
- Present your passport, e-Visa or entry stamp and hospital letter at immigration.
- Complete Emirates ID biometric registration if your stay exceeds 90 days (the hospital coordinates this).
- Activate your travel health insurance and download a digital copy.
- Buy a local SIM at the airport (Etisalat, du, Virgin Mobile UAE) passport required.
- Confirm your hospital appointment and pre admission requirements with your medical coordinator.
- Declare all prescription medications at customs opioids and certain medications are restricted and require a Ministry of Health approval letter.
How do I extend my UAE medical visa?
- Original passport with the current Patient Entry Permit
- Updated treatment letter from the UAE hospital with extension justification
- Updated medical reports
- Renewed health insurance covering the extension period
- Proof of accommodation
- Application filed by the hospital sponsor on the ICP / GDRFA portal
- Extension fee and refundable deposit top up (varies)
How long is a UAE medical visa valid?
The UAE Patient Entry Permit (medical visa) must be used within 60 days of issue. Once you enter the UAE, the single entry permit allows a 90 day stay; the multi entry version allows multiple visits totalling up to 180 days for treatment. The sponsoring UAE hospital can apply for an extension on the basis of a certified medical report. For very long treatment, the patient may convert to a Long Term Medical Residence Visa (renewable annually). Visa free or visa on arrival entry is generally 30–90 days and is intended for short procedures only.
Frequently asked questions UAE medical visa
Sources & official references
Verified guidance from official government portals and accredited bodies: