Dubai streamlines visas for medical tourists

Dubai is simplifying medical visa processes through a new agreement between the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai).

The Memorandum of Understanding links visa processing, entry procedures and healthcare services, aiming to make treatment and recovery journeys simpler for international patients. The agreement was signed by Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director General of DHA. 

In an online statement, GDRFA said: “The agreement supports Dubai’s direction towards more proactive and efficient services by developing smart medical visas and strengthening digital integration between entities.” 

RELATED:

Middle East tourist arrivals fall 14% in Q1

Sheikh Hamdan outlines Dubai tourism priorities

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa ranked world’s most Instagrammable landmark

Dubai medical visas currently allow stays of 90 or 180 days, with single or multiple-entry options available. Fees start from AED200 (US$55) for a 90-day visa and AED500 (US$136) for a 180-day visa, excluding additional security deposit or tax charges.

Dubai welcomed nearly 700,000 international medical tourists in 2023, according to DHA data. The emirate is also home to more than 5,300 licensed healthcare facilities and 65,000 healthcare professionals.

In 2025, the UAE was also ranked the largest wellness market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to a report by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), with wellness tourism amounting to AED25.7 billion (US$7). 

For more information, visit gdrfad.gov.ae and dha.gov.ae