Dubai to launch smart medical visa to simplify healthcare travel for patients - 89.1 Radio 4 FM

Dubai is set to introduce a “smart medical visa” aimed at making it easier for international patients to travel to the emirate for treatment. The initiative comes after a new agreement between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Dubai Health Authority to create a more integrated healthcare journey for medical tourists.

The system will link visa, residency, and healthcare services into one seamless process, covering everything from patient arrival to treatment and follow-up care. Officials said the goal is to reduce paperwork and improve coordination between healthcare providers and immigration services.

The agreement will also support health tourism initiatives and strengthen integration with the insurance ecosystem. It includes developing digital mechanisms under the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) platform, allowing hospitals and clinics to process medical visa applications more efficiently for patients coming from abroad.

Launched in 2016, DXH promotes Dubai as a global destination for healthcare, offering access to internationally accredited hospitals and clinics for treatment, recovery, and wellness services.

Medical tourism visas in Dubai are typically issued for 90 or 180 days, with options for single or multiple entry, and can be extended if required. Patients must be sponsored by licensed healthcare facilities, and companion visas are available for caregivers.

Officials said the new system is designed to make Dubai’s healthcare journey more flexible, connected, and patient-focused.