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Grace Dandan in Expat Insurance, Health
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Full List of Banned Diseases That Affect UAE Visas (2025 Update)

Travelers planning to enter the UAE must have comprehensive knowledge of visa and health requirements. Certain medical conditions affecting UAE visas can result in immediate application rejection, making pre-screening crucial for successful travel documentation.

This guide covers the required medical tests, the full list of diseases that impact UAE visa applications, how to appeal rejections if necessary, and recent UAE visa rejection trends for 2025. We also cover how health insurance can be beneficial in your visa application.

List of Banned Diseases Affecting UAE Visas

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The banned diseases UAE visa list consists of specific infectious and chronic conditions that could lead to visa rejection due to public health concerns. These are also known as communicable diseases.

The UAE government implements rigorous medical examinations to protect the national health infrastructure. Applicants must prepare detailed medical documentation demonstrating their fitness for entry, ensuring compliance with current immigration policies.

Here are the diseases that automatically lead to visa rejection:

  1. HIV/AIDS: The UAE strictly denies visas to applicants with HIV.
  2. Active Tuberculosis (TB): TB remains one of the most regulated diseases affecting UAE visas.
  3. Hepatitis B & C: Particularly for healthcare workers, food handlers, and domestic workers.
  4. Syphilis: Applicants testing positive may be denied entry.
  5. Leprosy: Rare but still monitored by UAE immigration authorities.

Special conditions for TB: If an applicant has drug-resistant TB, the UAE may offer a conditional visa with a one-year residence permit, requiring mandatory treatment inside the country. Individuals with inactive TB may qualify for visas if they prove treatment compliance.

Understanding the UAE’s Medical Screening Requirements for Visa Applicants

Visa applicants must complete comprehensive health tests to ensure public safety and compliance with immigration regulations. The UAE health certificate serves as a critical document for anyone seeking entry into the country.

Who Needs A Medical Test in the UAE?

Visa applicants who meet the following criteria must undergo a medical test as part of their application:

  • All residence visa applicants aged 18 and above
  • Work visa applicants in the UAE
  • Family sponsorship visa holders bringing dependents
  • Freelancers and entrepreneurs applying for long-term residence
  • Golden Visa & Green Visa applicants

Finding Approved Testing Centers in the UAE

Applicants can complete their UAE medical screening at authorized healthcare facilities. Most major cities have multiple approved centers that specialize in visa health tests. Candidates should verify center credentials and schedule appointments in advance to streamline the process.

Where to Get Tested in the UAE?

Popular medical screening centers include:

Average Medical Test Costs in the UAE

Medical screening costs vary by location, but here’s a general estimate:

  • Basic visa health exam: $50-$100
  • Comprehensive screenings (for specific jobs): $100-$200
  • Tuberculosis & HIV testing: Included in standard screening fees

Applicants should schedule tests in advance to avoid delays.

How International Health Insurance Helps Expats with UAE Visa Applications

Applying for a UAE visa requires careful medical compliance, and having international health insurance can help expats overcome challenges related to health screenings. Here are the key benefits of international health insurance for expats:

  • Covers medical test expenses for visa applications.
  • Provides access to quality healthcare in case of pre-existing conditions.
  • Reduces the risk of visa rejection due to incomplete medical documentation.
  • Ensures financial protection from high medical costs during treatment.

Partnering with an experienced insurance broker makes the process smoother.

How to Appeal a UAE Visa Rejection Due to Medical Issues

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If an applicant fails the UAE medical screening, their visa application may be denied. However, depending on the medical condition, an appeal process is available:

  1. Request a second medical test at an authorized UAE hospital.
  2. Submit supporting medical reports proving treatment or recovery.
  3. Provide documentation from specialists confirming the condition is non-threatening.
  4. Obtain attested medical certificates from the UAE health authorities.
  5. Apply for reconsideration through UAE immigration.

Applicants with borderline conditions have higher chances of approval if they provide strong medical documentation and expert recommendations.

Recent UAE Visa Rejection Trends (2025 Update)

Over the past year, visa rejection rates have risen due to stricter health policies and security measures. Prospective visitors must understand the comprehensive banned diseases UAE visa list, which plays a critical role in determining immigration eligibility. 

Medical screenings have become increasingly sophisticated, with 2025 updates reflecting advanced healthcare standards and public safety considerations, causing visa denials for many.

Here are the latest trends in visa denials for UAE visa applicants:

  • Enhanced medical screenings have led to higher rejection rates for applicants with borderline health conditions.
  • Incomplete medical documentation is now a leading cause of visa denial, with UAE immigration authorities demanding fully attested health reports.
  • Security measures are affecting visa approvals, with applicants from regions experiencing health outbreaks facing additional scrutiny.
  • Stricter enforcement of the banned diseases list means that appeals for serious medical conditions are becoming harder to win.
  • Applicants must now pay close attention to medical requirements to avoid unnecessary visa denials.

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Protect Your Health as an Expat in the UAE

While these strict medical regulations may seem challenging, they ensure a healthier environment for residents and visitors. As an expat, securing comprehensive international health insurance is key to accessing advanced medical care without overwhelming costs.

Partnering with an expert insurance broker like Pacific Prime can simplify the process. With 25 years of experience, Pacific Prime collaborates with top insurers worldwide to offer tailored plans that suit your needs. 

Whether you need impartial advice, a plan comparison, or an obligation-free quote, our expert team is ready to assist. If you enjoyed this article, check out our others on topics like Medical Fitness Centers in UAE and What Happens After You Fail a Medical Test in the UAE. 

Take control of your health and visa success—contact Pacific Prime today!

Grace Dandan
Grace Dandan
Content Creator at Pacific Prime
Grace is a content creator with over 7 years of experience in the digital marketing space. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from De La Salle University, which provided her with foundational skills in news writing, TV and film production, photography, and media. She has worked in different industries, including journalism, editorial, social work, fintech, beauty and eCommerce, providing a variety of digital works not limited to social media content, blogs, articles and presentation decks.

At Pacific Prime, Grace focuses on simplifying complex concepts on international health insurance to make these topics easily accessible and understandable for our target audience. Being a Filipino born in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of most immigrants and expats in finding the right insurance solutions while in another country. Her goal is to redefine most people’s perception of insurance, that it is an investment for one’s protection and future.

In her spare time, Grace is either at home or at Hong Kong Disneyland. She loves reading, watching movies and K-dramas, and attending dance classes.
Grace Dandan
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Grace Dandan

Grace is a content creator with over 7 years of experience in the digital marketing space. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from De La Salle University, which provided her with foundational skills in news writing, TV and film production, photography, and media. She has worked in different industries, including journalism, editorial, social work, fintech, beauty and eCommerce, providing a variety of digital works not limited to social media content, blogs, articles and presentation decks.

At Pacific Prime, Grace focuses on simplifying complex concepts on international health insurance to make these topics easily accessible and understandable for our target audience. Being a Filipino born in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of most immigrants and expats in finding the right insurance solutions while in another country. Her goal is to redefine most people’s perception of insurance, that it is an investment for one’s protection and future.

In her spare time, Grace is either at home or at Hong Kong Disneyland. She loves reading, watching movies and K-dramas, and attending dance classes.

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