Expats planning to stay in the UAE on a residence visa should keep in mind that they need to provide proof of their health by submitting medical reports from UAE medical examination centers. A medical fitness test is required to complete the visa application process in this case. There is no doubt that you are aware of the medical fitness test, but how do you apply for one in the UAE, and what procedure must you follow? In this section, you'll find everything you need to know. You can find a guide to medical fitness testing here, as well as instructions on when, where, and how to apply.
Medical Fitness Test
In accordance with the official UAE government website, it is required that foreign nationals are free of infectious diseases such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and TB (tuberculosis). Moreover, workers from the following categories should be screened for syphilis and Hepatitis B:
1. Those who work in nurseries
2. Personnel working in the domestic sector, including nannies, housemaids, and drivers.
3. Food handlers and cafeteria workers.
4. Salon and beauty center workers.
5. Health club workers.
6. It is mandatory for female domestic workers to test negative for pregnancy.
In Abu Dhabi, foreign nationals are screened for pulmonary tuberculosis by chest x-ray; however, the UAE government website states Dubai does not.
In 2016, a new Cabinet Resolution was passed. In accordance with this resolution, all resident expats renewing their residence visas must undergo a TB test. If scars or active TB are detected, or drug-resistant TB is detected, a conditional fitness certificate will be issued along with a one-year residence permit. After that, they will have to undergo treatment in the United Arab Emirates.
When is the medical fitness test needed?
At the time of renewal of a visa or when applying for a new residence or employment visa, medical fitness tests are required. Under the age of 18, residents do not have to take the medical fitness test.
UAE Medical Fitness Test Centers
Depending on the Emirate where your visa was issued, you may need to visit different health authorities:
- For visa issued in Abu Dhabi: Disease Prevention and Screening Centre, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).
- For visa issued in Dubai: Medical Fitness Centres, Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- For visa issued in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain: Medical Examination Centres, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
Following your visa application at an immigration customer happiness center (Amer in Dubai or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship - ICP - in other Emirates), you will need to take a medical fitness test.
Documents Required for Medical Fitness test in UAE
Take the following documents with you when you go for your medical fitness test:
1. A copy of the entry permit for a new visa application or a copy of the residence visa for a visa renewal.
2. Your original passport.
3. Original Emirates ID for visa renewal.
4. Clear photograph.
5. Your mobile number and email address.
Medical fitness test in Abu Dhabi
Applicants can book an appointment at any of the 12 Disease Prevention and Screening Centres located throughout Abu Dhabi with the SEHA Visa Screening app. Using the app, you can book an appointment as follows:
1. Install the 'Seha Visa Screening' app on your Apple or Android.
2. Go to the app and create an account using your email address, Emirates ID, and mobile number. You will need to select a username and password.
3. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) by email and SMS.
4. You will need to enter both passwords.
5. The next step is to upload a copy of your passport and visa page.
6. After registering, use the username and password to log in.
7. Click on 'Request appointment'.
8. Choose your emirate - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra.
9. Choose the registration center of your choice.
10. Then enter your UID number.
11. Pick a date and time for an appointment from the available options.
12. As soon as you book an appointment with the app, a confirmation message will be sent to you via SMS and via the app.
Green Pass is required
Upon booking an appointment, it is important to make sure you have your Green Pass activated on the Al Hosn app at the time of the appointment since it will be required to enter the facility.
It means you need to get a PCR test within 15 days of your appointment if you have been fully vaccinated (including receiving a booster dose if needed) and within two days if you have not been fully vaccinated.
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Cost of a medical fitness test in Abu Dhabi
A regular application costs AED 250
You will receive results within 48 hours or earlier if you receive an SMS.
Medical fitness test in Dubai
Step 1: Fill out the medical fitness test application form
Fill out an application form at a medical fitness typing center approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai. The DHA-approved medical fitness typing center nearest to you is listed below. Click on the link to see the list:
1. Click on the link to find DHA Approved Medical Fitness Typing Centres near you.
2. Visit the typing center with the required documents to fill out the application form.
Step 2: Make a payment
The test fee must also be paid when filling out the application form. You can pay for premium service if you want to receive your test results faster.
Medical fitness test cost in Dubai
- Regular: AED 250
- A regular test for household workers and domestic servants (24 Working Hours): AED 300
Step 3: Have a medical fitness test conducted
You must find a medical fitness test center near you once you have filled out the application form. We have provided a link to 'medical fitness centers' below. Find one nearby and schedule your medical fitness test.
DHA Approved Medical Fitness Centers
Afterward, you would need to present the following documents at the center:
- Application form
- An original passport or a clear copy of your passport, or an identification card (mandatory).
- A copy of your residence permit.
- Email address and mobile number.
- A clear photograph is required.
- For visa changes, a change of status paper must be presented.
It will take 24 hours for you to receive the results after you have completed the test.
Medical fitness certificates are supposed to arrive in five working days, but if you don't receive them, visit the medical fitness center again.
Additionally to the Medical Fitness test, Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccinations are required for the following categories and cost AED 40:
1. Nannies
2. Employees in the category of housemaids
3. Kindergarten and nursery supervisors
4. Hairdressers, beauty salon workers, and fitness center employees
5. Food handling, processing, and food control workers
6. Employees of cafeterias and restaurants
Medical Fitness Test For Other Emirates
If you hold a visa issued in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain, you must take the Medical Fitness Test conducted by MOHAP medical examination center.
To find a medical exam center near you, Click Here
The following documents must be brought with you:
1. Copy of a valid passport.
2. A copy of the valid residency permit or visa.
3. Two passport-sized photos on white backgrounds.
4. Valid Emirates ID copy (only for renewals of residence visas)
Complete the application at the center and pay for the medical fitness test.
After completing the test, you will receive the results within 48 hours.
Medical fitness test costs in other Emirates
- All categories (except vaccinations and female household domestic services): AED 260
- All Categories (including vaccination): AED 310
- Female Household Domestic Service: AED 360
As soon as you receive your medical fitness test report, you can start the visa application process.
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