If you have received a job offer or family visa for a Gulf country, one of the first steps is the pre-departure medical examination. Most people still call it the GAMCA medical, but today the appointment is booked online through the Wafid system. This guide explains the process in simple language.
What is GAMCA / Wafid?
GAMCA originally stood for the GCC Approved Medical Centres Association. Medical centres approved under the GCC health standards examine visa applicants before they travel to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE (where applicable). The Wafid platform is the official online system used to book these appointments and share results.
Important: the official booking website is wafid.com. Anyone can book there directly. Private services like ours only provide assistance for a separate fee.
Step 1: Confirm that you need the medical
Not every visa needs a pre-departure medical in India. For example, many Qatar work visas are processed through the Qatar Visa Centre, which does its own medical. Ask your employer, sponsor or recruitment agency which medical is required before booking.
Step 2: Keep your details ready
You will need:
- Passport number, issue date, issue place and expiry date
- Full name exactly as in passport (given name and surname)
- Date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality
- Destination country and visa type (Work, Family or Study)
- Position / profession as written on your visa or offer letter
- Visa or MOFA number (optional)
- An active email and WhatsApp number
See our Required Documents checklist for the full list.
Step 3: Choose Standard or Premium
- Standard appointment – the system allots a medical centre in your chosen city.
- Premium appointment – you can request a preferred date and preferred medical centre, subject to availability. Premium usually involves an extra official charge.
Step 4: Fill the form carefully
This is where most problems happen. Common mistakes:
- Spelling different from passport – even one letter matters.
- Swapped given name and surname.
- Wrong date format – check day and month carefully.
- Wrong position – choose the profession written on your visa.
- Passport with less than 6 months validity – many visas require more.
Step 5: Pay and receive your slip
After booking, you receive an appointment slip with the medical centre name, date and reference. Print it and keep a copy on your phone.
Step 6: Attend the medical
Reach the centre on time with your original passport, a photocopy, photographs, the slip and the medical-centre fee. Tests usually include a physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood and urine tests.
Need help?
If you prefer someone to handle the booking for you, fill our booking form. We check your details, confirm any official charges on WhatsApp, and send the slip to your email and WhatsApp. Our assistance fee is shown separately on the Fees page.
Our fee: a flat ₹1,500 assistance fee per booking (Standard or Premium). Official Wafid charges and the medical-centre fee are separate and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay. See fee details.