The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAE’s GDP was AED 159.1 billion (USD 43.3 billion) which is 12.1 percent of GDP.

UAE is a popular hub for cosmetic surgeries and routine operations including the popularity of centers such as dentistry, general check-ups and diagnostics, cosmetics, and elective surgical procedures, oncology, and treatment of diabetes as well as cancer. The reason why medical tourism is increasing rapidly is the rising healthcare costs in western countries and the lack of insurance coverage for certain procedures. Currently, there are 26 private and government institutions fully equipped to cater to the needs of medical tourism. It is forecast to rise by 4.9 percent per annum to AED 264.5 billion (USD 72 billion) which would be 12.4 percent of GDP in 2027

Dubai health experience is the official website by the Dubai Health Authority designed to provide all health, travel, hospitality, and visa services. With the help of medical tourism portals. Medical tourists can easily book procedures and have access to direct communication with health providers, insurance companies, and others for books and other facilities.

The UAE also offers medical tourism packages for overseas patients, which cover treatment costs, visas, accommodation, and recreational activities for families who accompany the patient.

Medical treatment visa is also known as patient entry permit and the patient escort visa is known as Patient Companion Entry Permit There are two types of UAE Patient Entry Permits: Single-entry allowing the applicant to only enter the UAE once and stay for a maximum of 90 days and multiple-entry, which allows the holder multiple entries in the UAE for up to 90 days. The stay can be further extended based on the certificated medical report.

Recently, the federal authority for identity and citizenship allowed foreigners to apply for a five-year tourist visa. The applicant is eligible based on the following four requirements

The five-year medical tourist visa is available for all nationalities and allows multiple entries. tourists are allowed to stay for 90 days in a single year. The stay can be increased up to 120 days based on special requests.

Both the patient and the patient companion are required to go through the health screening procedures as the standard requirement after the arrival in the country. The health check report is also eligible from an authorized health screening center in Dubai.

The UAE has added blood-borne disease hepatitis C to the list of deportable diseases, which includes HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. UAE does provide leniency for the treatment of a few blood-borne diseases before the visa cancellation.

UAE Medical Visa Requirements and Other Details

Similar to other visas, the medical treatment visa is arranged by the sponsor. In the case of a medical treatment visa, the hospital you have chosen to receive the medical treatment form will be in charge of arranging your visa. The hospital also applies for the UAE Patient Companion Entry Permit.

The hospital should be licensed and registered in the UAE to go through with the visa-issuing authorities. To get you a patient entry permit for Dubai, your sponsor applies through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. The process is done through the E-Channel and requires document submission.

A medical treatment visa (UAE Patient Entry Permit) allows the holder to remain in the country for a period of up to 90 days, from the day of entry. Once the visa is issued, you have to enter the UAE within 60 days. The same is applied for the Patient Companion Entry Permit.

The medical treatment visa cost is Dhs 550, whereas the multiple entry visa is priced at Dhs 1400. The patient’s escort visa is also priced at Dhs 1400.

The applicant is required to submit a bank statement with a minimum balance of 4000 dollars or the same equivalent in foreign currencies. Depending on the stay and medical procedure, the financial solvency requirement may increase.

The basic requirements include proof of health insurance, a copy of passport, and a colored photograph along with Proof of financial solvency for both the UAE Patient Entry Permit and Patient Companion Entry Permit.

Additionally, for UAE Patient Entry Permit A letter from your hospital explaining the reason behind your visit.

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Nationalist That Can Visit UAE Without a Visa

Foreign nationalist that can UAE for medical purposes without a preoccupied visa:

Nationals of Mexico may enter the UEA without a visa for up to 180 days.

EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland), Honduras, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro. Norway, Russia, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines, and Switzerland’s nationalists can enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180 days.

Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have freedom of movement and may enter the UAE with simply their passport or ID.