GAMCA Medical Test for UAE Visa: Complete Guide to Booking, Fees & Fitness Requirements
Last Updated: July 2026 Reviewed By: GCC Medical Documentation Specialist
Quick answer: If you’re applying for a work or family residence visa in the United Arab Emirates, you must pass a GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association) medical fitness test at an approved center in your home country before your visa can be processed. The test covers a physical exam, chest X-ray, and blood work, and typically takes a few hours to a full day, with results usually issued within 3–7 working days.
What Is the GAMCA Medical Test for UAE?
The GAMCA medical examination is a mandatory pre-departure health screening required by the UAE and other GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) for foreign nationals applying for employment or residency visas. The goal is to confirm that incoming workers and their families are free from communicable diseases and fit for employment before they travel.
Since April 2018, the entire process — from generating your appointment slip to making payment — has been handled online through the official Wafid portal, and applicants can either book directly or use a booking assistance service like GAMCA Health to avoid delays and errors.
Who Needs This Test?
- Anyone aged 12 years or older applying for a UAE employment visa
- Family members (spouse, children 12+) applying for a UAE residence visa
- Domestic workers and blue-collar/skilled workers sponsored by a UAE employer
Children under 12 are generally exempt from the full medical exam but may still need vaccination records submitted.
What Does the UAE GAMCA Test Include?
The checkup at an approved center covers three core components.
- Physical Examination — general health assessment, including vital signs, vision, and overall fitness for work.
- Chest X-Ray — screens for tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions.
- Blood Tests — checks for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, and other communicable diseases; also verifies that hemoglobin and other values fall within acceptable limits.
Some centers may run additional tests depending on the applicant’s age, health history, or specific UAE employer/embassy requirements.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Your UAE GAMCA Appointment
- Generate your GCC slip — Visit the Wafid booking portal (or use a booking assistance service) and select the United Arab Emirates as your destination country.
- Fill out the applicant form carefully — passport number, visa type, employer/sponsor details, and personal information must match your passport exactly.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport — a clear, valid copy is required to generate the slip.
- Make the online payment — payment is processed by credit card only.
- Receive your GCC Slip — sent via email/SMS once payment is confirmed. This slip includes your assigned medical center and appointment details.
- Visit the medical center — go as early as possible after generating your slip, ideally on the same day or next available slot.
Documents to Bring to Your Appointment
- Appointment slip (GCC Slip)
- 4 passport-size photographs
- Original passport plus a photocopy
- UAE visa documents (offer letter or visa copy, where applicable)
- Vaccination records, if required
GAMCA UAE Fees
Fees can vary slightly by medical center and whether additional tests are required based on findings. As a general guide:
- The standard GAMCA slip generation fee is separate from the fee charged at the medical center for the actual examination.
- Booking assistance services typically charge a small service fee on top of the official GAMCA fee to handle slip generation and payment on your behalf
Because pricing is subject to change and can vary by location, it’s best to confirm the exact current fee at the time of booking rather than relying on a fixed number.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Most UAE-bound applicants receive their medical fitness status within 3–7 working days after the test, though this can vary by center and workload. You can check your status online using your slip number once the report has been processed.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incomplete or mismatched passport/visa information on the slip
- Undisclosed pre-existing conditions discovered during testing
- Abnormal chest X-ray findings
- Communicable disease markers in blood tests
If your result comes back “unfit,” you may be asked to undergo further tests or treatment before reapplying — always follow up with the medical center directly for next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to book your UAE GAMCA medical appointment? Book an appointment or contact our team via WhatsApp for assistance.