New Smart Medical Visa to Streamline Treatment Travel to Dubai

A smart medical visa and a more integrated service model for overseas patients are set to be developed in Dubai under a new agreement linking healthcare, visa and residency services. The initiative is designed to create a seamless experience for medical travellers, connecting services from the pre-arrival stage through treatment, recovery and follow-up care.
Areas of cooperation include simplifying medical visa procedures, supporting health tourism initiatives and strengthening integration with the health insurance ecosystem. The agreement also introduces mechanisms intended to help members of the Dubai Health Experience network process medical visa applications more efficiently for patients travelling from outside the UAE.
Launched in 2016, Dubai Health Experience serves as the emirate's medical tourism platform, connecting patients with a network of internationally accredited hospitals and clinics while promoting Dubai as a destination for healthcare, recovery and wellness.
The new framework aims to improve coordination between healthcare providers and immigration services, creating a more connected pathway for patients seeking treatment in the emirate. Medical tourism visas in Dubai are currently available in 90-day and 180-day formats, with both single-entry and multiple-entry options. The visas can be renewed when extended treatment is required.
Under existing regulations, patients must be sponsored by a licensed healthcare facility in the UAE, which oversees the visa application process and ensures treatment is provided through an accredited medical provider.
Companion visas are also available for family members or caregivers supporting patients during treatment and recovery.