Why Many Visas Require a Medical Certificate
When planning to live, work, or study abroad, one of the common requirements you’ll find on consulate checklists is a medical certificate or certificate of good health.
This document confirms that you’re in good physical and mental health and free from infectious diseases of public concern.
It helps countries protect public health and ensure that travellers can safely reside within their borders.
For many destinations, this certificate can be issued by a General Practitioner (GP) in the UK — without needing hospital visits, blood tests, or x-rays.
However, some countries require more detailed medical checks through authorised visa medical clinics.
Table: Countries That Commonly Require a Medical Certificate from a UK GP
| Country | Typical Visa Types Requiring Medical Certificate | Type of Medical Certificate | Accepted from UK GP? | Typical Validity Period | Extra Notes for Travellers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Non-lucrative, digital nomad, long-stay residence | Certificate confirming you do not suffer from diseases listed in WHO IHR 2005 | ✅ Yes – standard GP certificate accepted | 3 months | Translation and apostille may be needed depending on consulate |
| Greece | Long-stay / D visa, residence permit | Certificate stating applicant is fit and free of infectious diseases | ✅ Yes | 3 months | Embassy provides sample wording; GP must sign and stamp |
| Belgium | Long-stay visa (work, study, family) | Certificate confirming no diseases endangering public health | ✅ Yes | 6 months | Follow official embassy format |
| Romania | Work, residence, family reunification | Certificate declaring you do not suffer from diseases of public concern | ✅ Yes | 6 months | Use GP letter on official headed paper |
| Czech Republic | Long-stay or permanent residence | Medical report confirming you don’t have a serious illness | ✅ Yes | 6 months | Usually requested only for longer stays |
| Thailand | Non-immigrant O-A / retirement visa | Certificate confirming absence of “prohibited diseases” (e.g., TB, leprosy) | ✅ Yes | 3 months | Embassy provides printable form; GP completes and signs |
| Italy | Elective residence visa | Certificate of good health from GP | ✅ Yes | 3 months | Some consulates ask for Italian translation |
| Morocco | Residence or work permit | Certificate confirming no contagious diseases | ✅ Yes | 3 months | Usually obtained pre-departure or on arrival |
| Serbia | Residence / study / long-stay | Certificate confirming no infectious diseases | ✅ Yes | 6 months | Standard GP statement with date and stamp |
| Turkey | Long-term residence or special permits | Certificate confirming applicant is fit and free from communicable diseases | ✅ Yes | 3–6 months | Usually accepted in English or Turkish translation |
| Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA | Work, study, migration visas | Full visa medical completed by approved panel physician | ❌ No – panel doctors only | 6–12 months | Must book with official panel clinic |
| UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait | Work / residence visas | Visa medical through authorised medical centre | ❌ No – approved clinics only | 3–6 months | Typically arranged via GAMCA / Wafid programme |
Note: The above table is based on data as published in official websites of each country. The table is for information only and the data might change. Always check with the official embassies and countries of destination.
Why Choose a Private GP for Your Visa Medical Certificate?
At our clinic, the most frequent medical certificates are for Spain and Greece. Both countries require the certificate wording to follow the World Health Organization (IHR 2005) declaration confirming that the applicant is free from diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
A correctly worded document, issued and signed by a GMC-registered UK GP, is accepted by Spanish and Greek consulates and is typically valid for 90 days.
Because these applications rely on precise wording, correct medical verification, and timely submission, it’s essential to have a certificate that meets the exact standards of the destination country.
Fast turnaround – same-day appointments and certificates
No unnecessary tests or referrals
GMC-registered doctors experienced in travel and immigration requirements
Flexible formats – printed or digital versions for online visa submissions
Support for translations and apostille services
How to Get a Medical Certificate from a UK GP
Getting all the details right early on helps prevent delays, avoids last-minute issues, and ensures your visa file is complete and compliant. We’re here to take over the process and simplify everything for you.
From your online GP consultation to issuing a fully compliant certificate — and even arranging translation or apostille services if needed — our team ensures your medical documentation is accurate, reliable, and ready for embassy submission without stress.
- Book an appointment – This can usually be done online or by phone with a private GP.
- Discuss your destination country – Your GP will tailor the certificate to meet the specific consulate’s wording requirements.
- Receive your signed certificate – Once approved, your GP can provide a printed, signed, and stamped certificate (or digital PDF).
- Check translation/legalisation requirements – Some embassies (like Spain and Italy) require the document to be translated and apostilled.
The process is typically same-day and doesn’t require any diagnostic tests unless the embassy specifically asks for them.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead With a GP-Verified Certificate You Can Trust
If you’re moving abroad or applying for a long-stay visa, it’s important to arrange your Medical Certificate of Good Health well in advance — ideally 4–6 weeks before submitting your application.
Book your GP consultation today.
We make the medical certificate process simple, secure, and consulate-ready.