When planning to visit any GCC country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain) with your wife, children or parents, you might need to take the WAFID medical test (also known as GAMCA medical).
This medical examination is required by many of the family visa applicants and is conducted only in medical centres that are approved by the governments of the GCC countries.
Here you will find the complete procedure of WAFID medical for family visa, documents required for family visa, eligibility, test details, fee and problems faced.
What is WAFID (GAMCA) Medical Family Visa?
WAFID Medical is an official medical examination system recognised by the GCC countries. Previously, it was known as GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centres Association).
This is a test that is undertaken for a family visa to make sure that the applicant is medically fit and that they do not have any serious infectious diseases.
The final medical report will be uploaded online by the medical centre and will be correlated with the passport number.
Who needs a WAFID Medical Family Visa?
Typically, WAFID medical will be needed for:
- Wife (Spouse Visa)
- Children (Dependent Visa)
- Parents (Family Visa)
- Newborn baby (occasionally)
A person who is a dependent family member under the sponsor.A dependent family member of the sponsor.
This requirement might vary according to the country rules and visa category but for most countries in the gulf it is mandatory to undergo a family visa medical.
The following list includes the countries of the GCC, which use WAFID Medical:
Family visa applicants traveling to: must have a WAFID medical.
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Oman
- Bahrain
The test process is similar, but slightly different in each country.
Age Limit for Family Visa WAFID Medical
For a family visa, the age limit is set at 40 years. The age limit for a family visa is 40 years for WAFID Medical.
The age requirements vary by country and type of visa, but in general:
- A medical test is required for adults (18+).
- Children may require medical assistance if older than a certain age
- A full medical examination may not be necessary for infants.
A family visa medical is required for family visas for children, even above 5 years of age, in some GCC countries.
Always check the age requirement before making an appointment.
To apply for a WAFID (GAMCA) Family Visa Medical Review, you will need the following documents:
Make sure that you have the following documents with you before you go to the medical center:
- Original Passport
- Passport – copy of front and last page.
- Each appointment slips will be printed with the WAFID registration slip.
- Passport size photographs (2-4 copies)
- A photocopy of the visa (if one is available)
- A copy of the National ID (optional)
- Please present a receipt of payment (if paid via internet).
Check the passport is valid for a minimum of six months before the appointment in order to avoid rejection.
How to Apply for WAFID (GAMCA) Medical for Family Visa?
Application is simple and online:
Step 1: Visit the WAFID Website
Go to the official WAFID portal and select your country.
Step 2: Select Visa Type
Choose Family Visa / Dependent Visa (if available).
Step 3: Enter Passport Details
Fill in details such as:
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Destination GCC country
- Date of birth
- Gender
Step 4: Choose City
Select a GCC-approved medical city.
Step 5: Select Appointment Date
Choose your appointment date and time.
Step 6: Pay Fees
Pay online or select payment at the centre (depending on availability).
Step 7: Download Appointment Slip
After successful booking, download and print your appointment slip.
Medical tests covered by WAFID Medical Family Visa.
The WAFID family visa medical test contains standard health screening tests which include:
- Blood Test
Blood test is done to check infections like:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Treating syphilis (occasionally)
- Chest X-Ray
The primary reason for chest X-ray is to look for:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Lung infection issues
- Urine Test
Urine test checks:
- Diabetes symptoms
- Kidney-related issues
- Infection indicators
- Physical Examination
During a check, the doctor will examine basic body conditions, such as:
- Blood pressure
- Height and weight
- Eye check (sometimes)
- Skin condition
- General fitness
The 5th test is Pregnancy Test (For Female Applicants)
Pregnancy test may be a requirement for female applicants when applying for work visa or family visa in some countries, depending on the country.
How long does it take WAFID Family Visa Medical?
Normally the process is completed within:
- 1-2 hours at the medical centre
- Any upload reports are sent to the controller within 2-5 working days.
- Sometimes it can take up to 7 days if the following tests are needed.
How to check the status of WAFID medical report?
Once you run the test, you can verify the test report status online with the following:
- Passport number
- Nationality
- GCC destination country
- Status may show:
- Fit
- Unfit
- Under Process
- Referred
- Awaiting Result
In the case of a status of under process, wait 2-3 working days.
In the context of family visa medical, what are the meanings of “Fit” and “Unfit”?
- Fit Status
- Fit” indicates that the applicant is fit for GCC family visa based on the medical examination.
- Unfit Statuses
- Unfit signifies that the applicant’s medical condition is against the medical rules of GCC.
Causes of unfit are:
- Active TB
- HIV positive
- Hepatitis B or C
- Serious lung infection
- Severe kidney failure
There may be some medical conditions that need re-testing or repeat tests.
Common Problems During Family Visa WAFID Medical
These are common problems that many applicants experience when making an appointment, or when they come to visit the medical centre:
- Appointment Not Available
- A few centers may not be available for dates because they are very busy.
- Several passport details do not match. Multiple passport details are missing.
- The medical centre may cancel your appointment if your passport’s name or number is not correct.
Medical Centre does not appear in the city.
In some smaller cities, approved centers may only be available in limited quantities.
- Report Delay
- The delay in the medical report can be caused by:
- To wait for the results of laboratory testing.
- X-ray review delay
- technical upload issue
Essential advice before taking your WAFID medical test.
To avoid problems and get a smooth medical process, follow these tips:
- Please refrain from drinking alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours prior to test.
- Get a good night’s sleep prior to the appointment day
- Take a sufficient amount of water (urine test requirement)
- Always have original passport with you.
- Don’t eat anything that is oily before a blood test.
- Come to the medical centre early
If you are taking any medicines, inform the doctor during the examination.
Do you need to make an appointment for a Family Visa Medical?
No. WAFID (GAMCA) medical is 100% appointment booking online.
Most centers will not let you enter and/or complete tests without an appointment slip.
Should children be vaccinated for WAFID Medical?
The rules are different for children in each country of the GCC.
Generally:
- X-rays might not be needed for infants.
- Children above a certain age may require a blood test
- In some countries, full medical even for children, is required.
- Please always refer visa instructions prior to booking.
WAFID Family Visa Medical Fees:
The fees for medicine services at WAFID will be based on the following:
- Destination GCC country
- Medical center
- Applicant age
- Additional tests required
The average fee in India is between INR 7,500 to INR 8,500, which can vary.
The family visa process is considered valid if the WAFID Medical Report is valid.WAFID Medical Report for Family Visa is a valid document.
WAFID medical report validity is usually
3 months (often)
Can be up to 6 months in GCC countries, depending on the rules in each country.
If your visa process does not succeed before the report’s validity, you might have to retake the test.
Final Words
The WAFID (GAMCA) medical for family visa is crucial for those intending to bring their family to the GCC States. If you make your appointment properly, bring the necessary documents and follow the medical center instructions, the process is simple.
Always opt for a medical center that is approved by the GCC government and use the services early to avoid delays.
When your report status is delayed, please refer to the internet after 2-5 working days.
Gamca Medical for Family Visa – FAQs
Q. WAFID and GAMCA are identical?
Yes. The old name is called GAMCA. It has recently been dubbed “WAFID”.
Q. Is it possible to move hospitals after registration?
Most of the time, you need to cancel and reschedule for a new appointment.
Q. How many days does it take to get WAFID report?
Typically takes 2 to 5 working days.
Q. Does family visa need an x-ray?
Yes, chest X-ray routine in most of the GCC countries.
Q. What happens if I get a report that is not fit for me to re-test?
Re-test is possible only in some cases when the medical center has indicated the case as “referred” or “re-check”.