GAMCA Medical is also known as WAFID Medical. It is an obligatory medical examination that is required to be taken by individuals traveling to GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. The fact that the medical requirements of all types of visas are not the same confuses many applicants.
In this guide, you will know the clear distinction between Work Visa Medical, Family Visa Medical and Student Visa Medical with the passport validity regulations and documents required and the test requirements.
What is GAMCA Medical (WAFID Medical)?
GAMCA/WAFID Medical is a healsth screening procedure that is performed in GCC approved medical centers. The reason is to make sure that the applicant is in good health, and that he or she does not have an infectious or serious health problem.
The result of the medical report usually is:
- Fit
- Unfit
- Under Process
GAMCA Medical Visa Types (Main Categories).
GAMCA Medical may be normally needed in:
- Work Visa (Employment Visa)
- Family Visa (Dependent Visa)
- Student Visa
There are various regulations on each form of visa depending on the GCC country.
GAMCA Medical on Work Visa (Employment Visa ).
Who Needs It?
Work visa medical is mandatory to individuals visiting the GCC countries to:
- Job
- Employment contract
- Labor visa
It is the strictest medical type.
Examples of Medical Tests in Work Visa.
To the extent that work visa medical typically covers full medical check-up including:
Blood Test (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis in certain cases)
- Urine Test
- Chest X-ray (TB)
- Physical examination
- Vision test (sometimes)
- Blood pressure and sugar test.
- Fitness and general body condition check
Medical Requirements of Work Visa.
- Passport original mandatory
- Valid WAFID appointment slip.
- Photos required
- Copy of employer visa (where possible)
Typical Rejection Reasons of Work Visa.
There are increased chances of rejection of work visa when the applicant has:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B or C
- Serious lung infection
- Liver or kidney failure.
Some communicable skin diseases.
Work visa medical is tough, since the applicant will be staying and working long in GCC.
Family Visa (Dependent Visa) at GAMCA Medical.
Who Needs It?
Family visa medical is essential to:
- Wife / Husband
- Parents
- Adult dependents
In most situations, children who are under the age might not be in need of full medical attention.
Medical Tests that are part of Family Visa.
Medical test of family visa is mostly identical but slightly less in weight as compared to work visa:
Blood test (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)
- Chest X-ray (TB)
- Urine test
- General physical check-up
Medical Requirements of Family Visa.
- Passport original
- Appointment slip
- Photos
- Sponsor details (sometimes)
Is the Family Visa Medical Simple when compared with the Work Visa?
Yes, family visa medical is a little bit easier, however, strict in case of infectious diseases such as TB and hepatitis.
Student Visa to GAMCA Medical.
Who Needs It?
Student visa medical: Applicants who intend to travel to GCC with the aim of:
- School admission
- College/University education
- Training programs
The medical regulations that control student visa are country-dependent.
Medical Tests in Student Visa.
Typically student visa medical covers:
- Chest X-ray
Blood test (HIV, Hepatitis)
- Physical examination
- Vaccination check (in some cases)
Medical Requirements Student Visa Medical Requirements.
- Passport original
- Appointment slip
- Admission letter (if asked)
- Photos
Important Note
Student visa medical might demand additional vaccination certificates based on the nation and the institute.
Difference Between Work Visa, Family Visa & Student Visa Medical (Simple Table)
| Point | Work Visa | Family Visa | Student Visa |
| Purpose | Job/Employment | Dependents joining sponsor | Education/Study |
| Medical Strictness | Very High | Medium to High | Medium |
| Tests Included | Full tests + strict screening | Standard tests | Standard tests + possible vaccine check |
| Chances of Rejection | High if any issue | Moderate | Moderate |
| Age Requirement | Mostly 18+ | Mostly adults, children sometimes exempt | Usually 16+ or 18+ |
| Additional Requirement | Employment visa details | Sponsor details | Admission letter (sometimes) |
Passport Requirement on GAMCA Medical-Validity.
Passport validity is extremely critical to GAMCA/WAFID appointment booking.
Minimal Passport Effectiveness Regulation.
The majority of GCC countries need:
- Passport should not have an expiry date that is less than 6 months.
The GCC countries may need:
- 8 months validity
- 1 year validity (infrequent case)
Most appropriate recommendation: Continue passport validity of at least 6 to 12 months.
Is it possible to book GAMCA Medical with passport that has expired?
No. You cannot make a WAFID appointment using an expired passport.
GAMCA Medical Appointment Booking Requirements
The documents that are essential in all types of visas include:
- Original Passport
- Passport photocopy
- Appointment Slip (WAFID / GAMCA)
- Passport size photographs (2-4)
- Copy of visa (where possible)
- Receipt of payment (upon request)
Other forms of documents can be different according to the type of visa.
GAMCA Medical Appointment Booking Requirements
In order to book GAMCA medical appointment, you need to provide:
- Passport number
- Date of issuing the passport and the date of expiry.
- Nationality
- Destination GCC country
- Visa type (Work/Family/Student)
- Applicant details
After booking, you will be issued with an appointment slip.
GAMCA Medical valisdity of Work Visa, Family Visa and Student Visa.
The validity of the medical report is typically:
- 60 days (2 months)
Once out of time, the report will be invalid and you will need to make a new appointment.
GAMCA Medical Fees Difference (Work, Family, Student)
The cost of medicine is based on:
- Country selected
- Medical center location
- Exchange rate
- Service charges
Average GAMCA Medical Fees in India
- Work Visa: ₹5,000 to ₹8,000
- Family Visa: ₹4,500 to ₹7,000
- Student Visa: ₹4,000 to ₹6,500
Fees may change anytime.
What is the procedure of checking the status of GAMCA Medical Report Online?
To check status on WAFID portal you can use: After giving medical test.
- Passport number
- Reference number
Status may show:
- Fit
- Unfit
- Under Process
Typical result is received within 2-5 working days.
Most Frequent checkups in GAMCA (Visa-Wise)
Work Visa (Strict Screening)
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- TB X-ray
- Urine test
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Physical examination
Family Visa (Normal Screening)
- TB X-ray
- HIV
- Hepatitis tests
- Physical check
Student Visa (Normal + Vaccination Check)
- X-ray
- Blood test
- Vaccination record (if required)
Some of the key regulations to be followed by the female applicants
Family and Work Visa ) are as follows:
For female applicants:
Pregnancy should be made aware of X-ray.
- Pregnancy test may be requested by some of the GCC countries.
- Special instructions or rescheduling can be given to pregnant women.
Pregnancy information should not be suppressed as this can cause problems in reporting.
Typical causes of GAMCA Medical Rejection (All Visa Types)
The rejection of applicants may be based on:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Serious lung infection
- Kidney failure
- Severe liver disease
- Infectious skin diseases
The highest probability of visa rejection is on work visa than on family and student visa.
Important Tips Before GAMCA Medical Test
To avoid problems:
- Carry original passport
- Consume light food prior to test.
- Take sufficient water to do urine test.
- No alcohol and smoking 24 hrs before test.
- Put on loose garments to have X-ray.
- Arrive at medical center in time.
Conclusion
GCC travel requires GAMCA Medical (WAFID Medical), but the prerequisites vary, depending on the type of visa you have. The strictest is work visa medical, moderate but still important is family visa medical, and finally but not the least is student visa medical which is usually not as complex as the first two. Passport validity should not be less than 6 months and the medical report is generally valid not more than 2 months. Never use agents and book appointment via WAFID portal.