Many passengers who arrive in the UK with the intention of receiving medical treatment do not require a specific medical visa. A UK ETA, EVW or travel visa can often be enough to gain entry into the country for the specified reasons.

This page looks at who can enter the UK on a visa or visa waiver for medical treatment. It also describes the criteria you will need to meet and the documentation you may be asked to do during the application process.

Who can travel with a UK medical visa?

Different types of tourist visas or visa waivers can be used for medical and short-term travel purposes. However, for other cases, a full medical visa will be required to enter the UK. However, these are only available to travelers seeking private consultations or therapies.

Those travelling to the UK for private medical treatment and who meet the necessary requirements, will be able to apply for a UK eTA visa waiver at launch. This should be available in the near future for citizens of the European Economic Community (EEC) and other visa-free citizens.

Alternatively, citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates can visit the UK for short-term private medical treatment of no more than 180 days with an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). EVW online travel authorization is only available for these 4 nationalities.

For citizens of ineligible countries, a travel visa can also be used.

What criteria must travelers meet for medical purposes?

The British government has many essential prerequisites that must be met by foreign nationals entering the country for medical reasons. With a UK eTA or UK EVW, there is no automatic need to provide additional evidence and holders can travel to the country for short-term treatment.

However, to enter the UK on any other type of visa, applicants may be asked to provide proof that:

  • They will receive private treatment
  • The consultation or treatment has been paid for
  • Have sufficient funds to support yourself during the trip
  • You will leave the UK at the end of your treatment
  • Not pose a danger to public health

How to extend a UK medical visa?

It is possible to extend some UK visas for medical purposes. Travellers for medical treatment in the UK can stay for up to 11 months in total for an additional fee. However, they will need to prove that they have paid for treatment while in the country and that they will continue to cover the costs of their treatment.