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Saudi Arabia medical visa

Saudi Arabia's Medical Visa is issued through the Ministry of Health's referral system, often coordinated between hospitals in source countries and destination hospitals in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Processing is slower than neighbouring Gulf states — budget 7-14 working days. For faster access, the new Saudi e-Visa (where eligible) accommodates short elective procedures.

56 hospitals Last updated May 5, 2026.

Saudi Arabia

Medical Visa (via MoH referral) or Visitor Visa

Takes about 10 days
Processing
About 10 days
Stay allowed
60 days
Extendable
Yes
Family can come
Yes
Documents you need
  • Passport valid 6+ months
  • MoH-stamped invitation letter from Saudi hospital · we help you get it
  • Medical records translated to Arabic
  • Cost estimate
  • Proof of funds
  • Return ticket
  • Accompanying attendants need mahram documentation in some cases
  • Bank statements for the past 3 months.

Visa-free entry and e-visa eligibility depend on your nationality. Check the official website or ask your coordinator before you apply.

Official visa website
Insider tip

Vision 2030 has accelerated private hospital investment — King Faisal Specialist Hospital (Riyadh) and King Fahd Medical City handle the complex referrals; newer private networks (Dallah, Sulaiman Al-Habib) lead elective and mid-complexity cases. Arabic paperwork is still common for non-clinical admin — budget for translator support.

From first enquiry to boarding pass

  1. Share your case

    Upload imaging + current treatment plan. We share with 2-3 hospitals, get back itemized quotes in 48 hr.

    Day 1-2

  2. Pick a hospital

    Confirm the chosen hospital in Saudi Arabia. They issue the invitation letter + treatment plan letter on letterhead.

    Day 3-5

  3. Apply for visa

    Submit Medical Visa (via MoH referral) or Visitor Visa application with hospital documentation. Processed in ~10 working days.

    Day 6-16

  4. Finalise travel

    Book flights + accommodation. Your coordinator arranges airport pickup, SIM card, interpreter if needed.

    1-2 weeks pre-travel

  5. Arrive + treat

    Land → check in → case manager meets you at the hospital. Everything pre-scheduled.

    Day of arrival

Common visa questions

Do I need a medical visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes — Saudi Arabia requires a Medical Visa (via MoH referral) or Visitor Visa for treatment travel. Processing typically takes 10 working days.

How long does the visa last?

60 days, extendable. Family attendants can be included on related visa categories.

Can family members travel with me?

Yes — most destinations including Saudi Arabia issue attendant visas for immediate family travelling with the patient. Relationship documentation is typically required.

What should I prepare before applying?

Get your hospital's invitation letter in writing (not just email), translate civil documents if required, photograph your passport + photos in advance, and have 3-6 months of bank statements ready. Your case manager prepares most of this bundle for you.

Is Medcasts help with the visa included?

Yes — visa invitation letter, documentation checklist, and embassy-appointment coordination are all part of the standard case-manager service. You handle the in-person appointment if one is required; we handle the paperwork bundle.

More for your trip to Saudi Arabia