Where to Get a Spanish Medical Certificate in the UK
Are you a non-EU resident who is legally residing in the UK and planning to visit Spain? Then you should know that very important documents are needed, which are a part of your visa process. It is known as the Spanish Medical Certificate. This is one document that is overlooked most of the time, but the importance is so deep that this could ensure a smooth visa approval process. It is mainly needed while applying for long stayl visa, student visas and residency permits.
Hence, in this blog, we will try to explain what a Spanish Medical Certificate is, who requires it, how to get it in the UK, and why it is so significant when applying for a Spanish visa. Also, if you need an appointment date to book to Apply for a Spanish visa, you can easily get it from SPAIN VISA UK. Further details will be provided before the end of this blog.
What Is a Spanish Medical Certificate
The Spanish Medical Certificate is a sort of official health document that is issued by a licensed doctor. That document declares that you don’t have any diseases at the moment that could pose a risk of spreading to the public health of Spain. This certificate will be checked by the Spanish authorities to ensure that foreign travelers are not carrying any kind of infectious or contagious illnesses, which is already outlined in International Health Regulations.
The certificate is mandatorily required for:
- Student Visas
- Work and employment visas
- Family reunification visas
- Long term or residency visas
Though it might not be required for short-term tourist visas, it’s always a good habit to check with the Spanish Visa Specialists if you are in doubt.
Why Is It Required for Non-EU UK Residents?
Being a non-EU resident in the UK, you might fall into a different immigration category than official British citizens or EU nationals. In simple words, the individuals who are required to apply for a Spanish visa application require a more detailed background check, which includes verification of their health status. This is why the Spanish Medical Certificate acts as a health clearance. This is very crucial when you plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days.
Remember that Spain follows very strict immigration guidelines. Therefore, the health certificate can help you align with the International Public Health Safety Standards.
What Should the Spanish Medical Certificate Include?
The Spanish Medical Certificate should only be issued by a registered general practitioner(GP) or a licensed private doctor in the UK. Additionally, it should be printed on clinic or practice letterhead and should also include the following details:
- Full name and date of birth of the applicant.
- A concise formal statement stating that you “free from any diseases that may pose a threat to public health according to the 2005 International Health regulations”
- The doctor’s name, signature, and General Medical Council(GMC) registration number.
- Date of issues should be within the 3 months of submission of visa application.
Remember to tell the doctor to use precise wording. If the sentences are vague or incomplete, it may lead to visa rejection or unnecessary delay in visa processing.
Is Translation and Legalisation Required?
Yes, most probably, the certificate will be issued in English in the UK. So, it has to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. After the translation, the documents need to be legally verified with an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office(FCDO).
Simply just follow these points:
- First obtain the medical certificate from a licensed UK GP or private doctor.
- Then get it translated into Spanish by a legal translator.
- Apply for an apostille so that document can be checked and approved for authenticity.
- Lastly attach the document to your visa application supporting documents.
Overall, the entire process ensures that the Spanish Medical Certificate meets all the rules of the legal standards of Spanish consulates.
Where Can You Get The Certificate in the UK?
There are many private clinics and medical centers all across the UK that can offer same-day appointments to issue a Spanish Medical Certificate. While the NHS GP is a good option, private clinics are generally faster than NHS GPs. The private clinics are also more familiar with the correct wording and format that is required for visa applications.
Just look out that the clinics:
- Are licensed and registered.
- Have the authority to issue certificates in the approved format.
- Can prive a rapid result in case of urgent cases.
How Much Does It Cost?
Well, the cost of getting a Spanish Medical Certificate is different in many places in the UK. The doctor’s NHS may ask for a small fee. As far as private clinics are concerned, they charge between £50 and £120. The price depends on the speed of the quick service. Sometimes, translation or apostille services are also included.
There are certain clinics that offer combo packages like the medical certificate, translation, and legalization. This can save you time greatly and avoid multiple appointments.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
Normally, a Spanish Medical Certificate is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. This means you will have to time your visa application submission in such a way that the certificate is valid at the time of attending the visa interview and document submission. If the medical certificate expires, it can result in visa delays or rejections.
When Should You Start the Process?
We recommend that you start the Spanish Medical Certificate for at least 4 to 6 weeks before your visa appointment. This gives you ample time to:
- Fix a medical appointment.
- Get the translation done.
- Arrange dates for filling apostille legalisation.
- Make any corrections later, in case.
If you do this at the last moment, it could be risky. For uncertain reasons, if there is a delay in certificate processing or legalization, you won’t be able to produce the main supporting documents.
Trusted Help For Your Spain Visa Appointment From UK
No more worries for non-EU nationals residing in the UK legally who are planning to go to Spain. At SPAIN VISA UK, a team of talented and experienced individuals is at your service to provide you with a Spain Visa Appointment from the UK that is completely stress-free. Therefore you don’t need to wait in the queues anymore.
Just click on the “Apply Now” button. Submit the online form after filling in your details. An expert will contact you within 24 working hours. He will book the visa appointment date at your convenience. You will have to arrange the necessary documents and be present at the Visa Centre on time. It’s that simple.
Final Words
Hence, to conclude, a Spanish Medical Certificate might look like a small part of the visa process, but for verification purposes, it carries immense weight. It is a way to demonstrate to Spanish authorities that you are following the International health standard protocol and pose no threat to public health.
Just remember, being a non-EU national and living legally as a resident in the IK, your visa requirements will obviously be stringent. So, ensure that you submit complete and correctly formatted documents. Double-check them and keep sufficient time for the translations and legalizations.
Therefore if you invest a certain amount of your valuable time into your Spanish Medical Certificate, it will save you from unnecessary stress and delays later.
FAQ’s
No. If you are applying from the UK, the certificate has to be issued by a UK registered doctor and legalised accordingly.
The diseases are tuberculosis, yellow fever, Ebola, SARS and other contagious diseases that pose public health risk on the international level.
Yes each individual, including your children, needs to have their own certificate issued and translated.
No. The certificate is only valid for a one time visa process. It needs to be updated and reissued for new or other applications.