The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is aiming towards symbolizing its countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar) as strong pillars in the field of maintaining health standards all across the globe.
By taking appropriate health measures GCC states make sure to keep themselves free from contagious diseases which can be transmitted to others and threaten the security and safety of the Gulf Countries like Saudi Arabia.
It is mandatory to clear GCC Approved Medical Centers Association (GAMCA) medical test for getting a visa to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. People from Asian Countries like India, Canada, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia and others need to pass a GAMCA test in order to visit Gulf nations.
Facts About GAMCA Medical Test Requirements for Saudi Visa
- Minimum age for GAMCA test is 22 years.
- Validity of expatriate medical examination report is 3 months.
- Once you are unfit, you will be banned for a lifetime and can’t go ever to GCC countries.
- Malaysian workers are exempted from GAMCA
- Manual extension of passport not allowed for Saudi Arabia
Health Concerns With Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a center of attraction for years due to the presence of sacred Makkah and Madina. Millions of people from different parts of the world go to visit these places every year. Labor and workers from developing countries also go there due to job desires. So, the need for positive medical reports is also more here. Visa application might be rejected if the reports are not satisfactory.
The GAMCA medical tests are done in Laboratories, which are approved by the Saudi Embassy. The result of the report will automatically be updated with your passport in the systems of the Saudi Embassy. There are possibilities of negative results. In that case, visa won’t be approved. If there is any major illness, then you can even be banned for some years or permanently to visit Saudi. Therefore, it is advisable to go through the required checkups separately and then if there is any deficiency, you can improve before directly going for medical exams in the laboratories (clinics) approved by the Saudi Embassy.
You will get a slip from the agent processing your visa in order to go through these medical tests. Exceptions are there only in case of permanent family visa through Etimad Centers in Pakistan, where you don’t need the slips.
On booking GAMCA appointment a token is provided. The whole process will take one day to complete. To get the reports 2 to 3 days are taken.
Required Documents For GAMCA Medical Test
- Original Passport/Copy of passport
- Original CNIC
- 4 Passport size photos
- GAMCA slip only for GAMCA workers (issued by GAMCA office)
Steps for GAMCA Test
1. Approaching GAMCA Centers with passport and visa number
2. GAMCA center will allocate specified clinic for the test
3. Medical charges are paid in the medical center
4. Reports are provided in a couple of days
The medical for a Saudi Arabia visa requires a series of blood tests. Doctors will take through physical examination consisting of height, weight, vision and then the examination of the respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal, neurological and musculoskeletal system.
The Following Blood Tests Will Be Performed:
- Bilharzia antibodies
- Malaria antibodies
- Liver function test
- Syphilis screen
- HIV test
- TB screen via chest x ray
- Hepatitis A B and C screen
- Uric acid
- Pregnancy test
Chest x ray and blood test reports tell a lot about the medical status of a person.
Infectious Category Of Diseases
1. HIV/AIDS reactive
2. Hepatitis B, HCV reactive
3. Malaria positive
4. Microfilaria positive
5. Tuberculosis
6. Pulmonary scar
7. VDRL/TPHA reactive
Non Infectious Category
1. Hypertension
2. Diabetes
3. Cancer
4. Heart failure
5. Renal failure
6. Psychiatric disease
7. Physical disability
Conditions Which Make Candidate Unfit In GAMCA Test
- Past illness or Medical condition – Any previous nervous or neurological disease at any period during lifetime such as epilepsy, melancholy or others.
- Allergic diseases also make him/her unfit
- Medical exams which include hearing and vision defects
- Clinical exams with various organs related, glands, skin, blood pressure and any venereal disease etc.
- Laboratory test determines the liver and kidney status by stool, urine and blood samples.
GAMCA Medical Test for Pregnant Woman
NOC for pregnant woman– NOC (No objection certificate) from Saudi Embassy is required to exempt the pregnant lady from being exposed to radioactive rays during the travel. NOC form will be available through the agent or the Etimad Centre (Pakistan).
You need to attach MOFA VISA Copy and ultrasound report with the filled form. They will send it to NOC. It takes 5 to 7 days for the process to complete and then the lady can go for the medical test with NOC and will be exempted from exposure to radiology.
Medical Tests for Saudi Visa will Include:
- Eye checkup
- Urine Test
- Blood Test
There are alternate ways also where some people directly visit the Embassy and produce the last scan report so they receive a certificate of approval.
Medical Test Requirements for Saudi Visa – Kids
For kids under 12 years of age, there is no need of the lab test. They just have to go to the designated medical Centre approved by GAMCA and submit original passport, 2 photos, and visa. They will ask about vaccines given to the child and measure weight as well as height and issue a medical certificate. Even the fee is lesser for kids.
Saudi Arabia Travel Guidelines
- Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
- Due to the strict requirements of Saudi Arabia, women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or a male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Additionally, the entry may be refused to any visitor judged as behaving indecently, according to Saudi Arabia law and tradition.
- Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures
- Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are very common. Bring basic medicines with you and consume adequate liquids and salts.
- If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 997 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Visit these GAMCA Centres in India Nearby Your City For GAMCA Medical Examination
Medically Reviewed By
Maanasi specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition. A mother of an untiring seven year old, she enjoys nurturing her love affair with English. She is often found nestled with a book, plopped against a dozen pillows, smiling away at the brink of finishing yet another book of the many dozens, that adorn the shelves of her Mini Library!
