Visa rules for United Arab Emirates patients
United Arab Emirates is e-Visa eligible — you can apply online for an e-Medical visa.
⚠️ BLS and SGIVS no longer handle Indian visas in the UAE
Since 22 July 2026 Indian consular, passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE are handled by Al Hind Tours & Travels at 16 Indian Consular Application Centres. Appointments are booked at consularsevainuae.com and released at 9 am and 9 pm daily. Services are no longer available at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai. Several mission PDFs still name BLS and are out of date.
Treatment Cost: India vs UAE
Indicative all-inclusive prices in USD (and AED for reference). Actual quotes based on diagnosis.
| Treatment | India (USD) | India (AED) | UAE Price (USD)Indicative estimate | You SaveApprox. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Bypass (CABG) | $5,500 – $9,000 | AED 20,185 – 33,030 | ~$15,400 | ~53% |
| Knee Replacement (Single) | $4,500 – $6,500 | AED 16,515 – 23,855 | ~$12,100 | ~55% |
| Hip Replacement | $5,000 – $7,500 | AED 18,350 – 27,525 | ~$13,200 | ~53% |
| Spine Surgery (MIS) | $6,000 – $11,000 | AED 22,020 – 40,370 | ~$17,600 | ~52% |
| Liver Transplant | $35,000 – $55,000 | AED 128,450 – 201,850 | ~$99,000 | ~55% |
| Hair Transplant (3000 grafts) | $1,200 – $2,500 | AED 4,404 – 9,175 | ~$3,960 | ~53% |
| IVF Cycle | $2,500 – $4,500 | AED 9,175 – 16,515 | ~$7,700 | ~55% |
| Dental Implants (per tooth) | $600 – $1,200 | AED 2,202 – 4,404 | ~$1,980 | ~55% |
India prices are typical ranges quoted by accredited hospitals for international patients. The UAE Price column is an indicative estimate of what comparable private treatment tends to cost — it is a guide for comparison, not a quoted local price, and actual prices in United Arab Emirates vary widely by hospital and by case. Some procedures listed may not be routinely available locally at all. Your Indian hospital quotation is confirmed in writing before you travel.
Why UAE Patients Choose India
Same advanced equipment as Dubai's premium hospitals at a fraction of the cost
Arabic-speaking patient coordinators at major Indian hospitals
JCI-accredited hospitals with international patient lounges
Direct flights from Dubai/Abu Dhabi to Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai
Halal food, prayer rooms, and Ramadan-aware care
Proven track record — UAE patients have been coming for 15+ years
Top Hospitals Trusted by UAE Patients
All JCI/NABH accredited with international patient desks.
“I had bypass surgery at Medanta. The cardiologist was world-class and the experience was better than what I expected in Dubai — at one-third the price. The Arabic interpreter made my mother very comfortable.”
Mohammed A.
Cardiac Bypass · UAE
Visa Type
e-Medical Visa
Processing: 5-7 days
Flight Time
3-4 hours
From Dubai / Abu Dhabi
Languages
Arabic + English
Free interpreter included
FAQ for UAE Patients
Is medical treatment in India safe for UAE patients?
Yes. India has 38+ JCI-accredited hospitals — more than any country in Asia. UAE patients have been traveling to India for treatment for decades, with success rates matching or exceeding USA/UK standards.
How do I get a medical visa from UAE?
United Arab Emirates is on India's e-Visa eligible list, so you can apply online for an e-Medical visa. e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant are US$80 each plus a 3% bank charge. The paper MED-1 fee is published only in dirhams, and two live official documents disagree — AED 290 / 435 on the current fee sheet, AED 295 / 445 on an older annexure still linked from the Dubai page. Use AED 290 / 435 and confirm before paying. The outsourcing partner charges AED 19 including VAT. See our full UAE visa guide for the document list and the exceptions that apply to you.
Can I get treatment in Arabic?
Yes. Our partner hospitals have multilingual coordinators. We also provide free interpreter services in Arabic during consultations and hospital stay.
How much can I save vs treatment in UAE?
Patients from UAE typically save 60–80% vs local prices. Even after flights and hotel, total cost is significantly lower for major procedures.
What about flight time and visa for accompanying family?
Flight time from Dubai / Abu Dhabi to Delhi/Mumbai is approximately 3-4 hours. Up to 2 attendants get a Medical Attendant visa — we help with both applications.