KFSH&RC welcomes international patients seeking world-class medical care in Saudi Arabia. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about medical travel, treatment, and logistics.
For international patients traveling to KFSH&RC, ensuring smooth logistics and comfortable accommodation is a priority. Below are frequently asked questions covering transportation, lodging, and facilities to assist medical tourists in planning their stay.
KFSH&RC has facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah. Below are the closest international airports:
All these airports serve major international flights from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America.
Yes, KFSH&RC offers optional transportation services for international patients. You can request a private hospital shuttle to pick you up from the airport.
Alternatively, you can use:
✅ Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem)
✅ Taxis available at all airports
✅ Car rental services (if preferred)
💡 Tip: Contact the International Patient Services team in advance to schedule an airport pickup.
KFSH&RC provides several accommodation options for international patients and their companions:
🏨 The hospital offers limited accommodation for international patients who require extended stays. Availability is based on medical necessity and must be booked in advance.
We have agreements with several hotels near the hospital that offer discounted rates for KFSH&RC patients. Options range from luxury to budget-friendly hotels.
🔹 Some popular hotels near KFSH&RC Riyadh:
🔹 Some popular hotels near KFSH&RC Jeddah:
💡 Tip: Patients can request assistance from the Hospital Concierge team to book partner hotels.
Yes, if you plan to stay for an extended period, you may prefer serviced apartments near the hospital. Many furnished residences offer kitchen facilities, laundry, and additional privacy.
Recommended serviced apartments in Riyadh:
These accommodations can be booked monthly or weekly, based on your needs.
Yes, KFSH&RC allows one companion to stay with the patient, either in the hospital’s accommodation (if available) or at nearby hotels. Additional companions may need special approval.
For patients staying in private accommodation, family members can visit according to hospital visiting hours.
Visiting hours vary by department but generally follow these timings:
🕒 General Wards: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
🕒 Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Limited access; approval required
🕒 Pediatric Units: Flexible hours for parents
💡 Tip: Visitors should check with hospital staff for any COVID-19 or health-related restrictions before visiting.
Yes, patients and visitors can access multiple dining options inside and around KFSH&RC:
Inside the hospital:
Hospital cafeteria (international & Middle Eastern cuisine)
Coffee shops (Starbucks, Tim Hortons)
Special dietary meal services for patients
🍽 Nearby restaurants:
For patients on a strict diet, special meal arrangements can be made with hospital staff.
Transportation Options:
Uber / Careem: Affordable and widely available in Saudi Arabia
Taxis: Available outside hotels and hospitals
Hospital shuttle: Upon request for patients with scheduled appointments
Car rental: Available at airports & city centers for those who prefer to drive
💡 Tip: If you’re visiting for an extended period, renting a car or using a private chauffeur service may be more convenient.
Yes, KFSH&RC provides translation services for international patients. Our staff speaks Arabic and English, and interpreters are available for:
🌍 French
🌍 Urdu/Hindi
🌍 Filipino (Tagalog)
🌍 Turkish
If you need a translator, please request one in advance through International Patient Services.
For international patients seeking treatment at KFSH&RC, understanding the travel and visa requirements is essential. Below is a comprehensive guide covering everything from visa applications to entry requirements and extensions.
Yes, all international patients (excluding GCC nationals) must apply for a Medical Treatment Visa to enter Saudi Arabia for healthcare purposes.
✅ Patients from non-GCC countries (Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, etc.)
❌ GCC nationals (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) can travel without a visa but must have KFSH&RC approval.
You need a Medical Treatment Visa (تأشيرة العلاج), issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This visa is specifically for non-Saudi patients traveling for medical care.
🛑 Note: A tourist visa is not valid for medical treatment at KFSH&RC.
Before applying for a visa, you must submit your medical reports and diagnosis documents for evaluation.
Once KFSH&RC approves your treatment request, they will issue a Medical Treatment Authorization Letter that is required for the visa application.
With the authorization letter, you must apply for the visa via the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or your nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
📌 Required Documents for Visa Application:
✔ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
✔ Medical Treatment Authorization Letter from KFSH&RC
✔ Recent medical reports
✔ Proof of financial ability to cover medical expenses
✔ Completed visa application form (provided by the Saudi Embassy)
✔ Passport-sized photographs
✔ Flight itinerary (if required)
Visa processing time is typically 5–15 business days, depending on your country of application.
Yes, medical visas allow one companion to travel with the patient. Additional companions may require special approval.
✔ A first-degree relative (spouse, parent, sibling, child)
✔ A medical escort or caregiver (for patients requiring assistance)
📌 Companion Visa Requirements:
💡 Tip: If you need extra family members to accompany you, a visitor visa may be required.
The validity of a Medical Treatment Visa depends on the treatment plan:
📌 If your treatment requires a longer stay, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Yes, if your medical treatment requires an extended stay, you can request a visa extension through KFSH&RC and the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI).
1️⃣ Obtain a letter from KFSH&RC confirming the need for continued treatment
2️⃣ Submit a visa extension request through MOFA or Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports)
3️⃣ Pay any required visa renewal fees (if applicable)
4️⃣ Receive approval from Saudi immigration authorities
📌 Processing times for visa extensions vary, so apply at least 2 weeks before your current visa expires.
As of the latest regulations, the Saudi Arabian government has removed most COVID-19 restrictions. However, travelers must:
✔ Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
✔ Have a valid medical travel insurance policy (if required)
✔ Check for any updated health entry requirements before traveling
📌 For updated health policies, check with the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) or your local Saudi Embassy.
Depending on the hospital branch, the nearest international airports are:
🏥 KFSH&RC Riyadh:
✈ King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – 40 minutes from hospital
🏥 KFSH&RC Jeddah:
✈ King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – 30 minutes from hospital
🏥 KFSH&RC Madinah:
✈ Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – 25 minutes from hospital
💡 Tip: Contact International Patient Services if you need airport transfer assistance.
Upon arrival, patients must complete immigration & customs procedures:
1️⃣ Present passport, visa, and medical authorization letter
2️⃣ Undergo health screening (if applicable)
3️⃣ Clear customs and collect luggage
4️⃣ Arrange transportation to KFSH&RC (Uber, Careem, taxi, or hospital shuttle)
Visa denials can happen due to incomplete documentation or eligibility issues. If your visa is rejected:
1️⃣ Contact KFSH&RC’s International Patient Services for guidance
2️⃣ Verify all required documents are correct and complete
3️⃣ Reapply with additional supporting documents
4️⃣ Consult with the Saudi Embassy for alternative options
💡 Tip: Applying early and ensuring accurate documentation reduces the risk of visa rejection.
International patients must follow these steps:
Medical records can be submitted through the hospital’s official website, email, or by contacting the International Patient Services Department.
Yes, KFSH&RC primarily accepts patients through referrals from doctors or hospitals. Self-referrals are rarely accepted unless the case is urgent or meets specific hospital criteria.
Yes. KFSH&RC offers telemedicine services for international patients who require an initial assessment or second opinion before traveling. Patients must submit medical documents in advance for review before the virtual consultation.
The waiting time depends on the treatment type, urgency, and specialist availability:
Patients requiring faster scheduling should inform International Patient Services, who may assist in prioritizing cases based on medical urgency.
Patients must bring:
Medical documents should be in English or Arabic. If they are in another language, certified translations may be required.
Upon arrival, patients must:
Additional tests or specialist consultations may be scheduled if necessary.
KFSH&RC provides specialized care in:
If a treatment is not listed, contact International Patient Services for confirmation.
The duration varies based on the condition:
The treating physician will provide an estimated timeline after assessment.
If further tests or second opinions are needed:
Yes, appointments can be rescheduled or canceled through:
Patients should notify KFSH&RC at least 72 hours in advance for any changes.
Yes. Every international patient is assigned a Patient Liaison Officer, responsible for:
This ensures a smoother experience for international patients.
Post-treatment steps include:
For patients requiring extended stays, KFSH&RC can assist with visa extensions.
KFSH&RC offers post-treatment follow-up options:
Patients should discuss follow-up plans with their physician before departure.