How to book the Wafid medical, what tests are done, what it costs, how long results take and how long they are valid.
If you're recruited from abroad for a driver job in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain, you'll almost certainly need a Wafid medical. Wafid is the new name for GAMCA, the Gulf health screening for expatriate workers.
Who needs it?
Workers from about 21 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Egypt, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Kenya, take the medical in their home country before their work visa is finalised.
How to book
- Go to the official site, wafid.com. Be careful of look-alike sites.
- Choose the country you're going to and your city. The system assigns you a medical centre.
- Enter your passport details and pay the registration fee online.
- Download your appointment slip and take it, with your passport, to the centre.
What's tested?
- Physical exam: height, weight, blood pressure, eyesight, general health
- Blood tests: HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, blood sugar and others
- Chest X-ray, for tuberculosis and lung conditions
- Urine and stool tests
Drivers should take the eyesight part seriously. Bring your glasses if you use them.
Typical costs (2026)
You pay a registration fee plus the centre's exam fee. Reported centre fees are roughly:
- India: around ₹7,500–8,500
- Pakistan: around PKR 22,000–25,000
- Bangladesh: around BDT 8,500–11,000
- Nepal: around NPR 10,000–11,000
- Sri Lanka: around LKR 8,000–12,000
Fees change, so confirm with your assigned centre. Pay only at the official centre, not to middlemen.
Results and validity
- Results usually appear within a few days. You can check them on wafid.com with your passport number.
- A "fit" report is generally valid for 2 months. If your visa takes longer, you may need to repeat it.
- If you're declared "unfit", ask the centre about the re-examination process. Some results can be reviewed.
After arrival
Most Gulf countries also do a medical after you arrive, before your residence card is issued. Your employer arranges it.
Related
Documents checklist for a Gulf driver job · Checking your recruitment agency
Common questions
Can I choose my medical centre?
No. Wafid assigns a centre in your city when you book.
Should I fast before the test?
Many centres recommend fasting for some hours before blood tests. Check your appointment slip or ask the centre.
What if my name is spelled wrongly on the slip?
Ask your assigned centre to request a correction before the exam. Details must match your passport.
Does a 'fit' result guarantee the visa?
No. It's one step. The visa also depends on your employer, documents and the destination country's checks.
