India medical visa: Your gateway to world-class healthcare

The India Medical Visa allows foreigners to travel to the country for medical treatment. There are two types of medical visas: the e-Medical visa and the regular medical visa. Caregivers can also obtain a medical attendant e-Visa.

An India medical visa allows foreigners to travel to the country to seek medical treatment. The two types of medical visas offered by the country are the e-Medical visa and regular medical visas. Caregivers can also obtain a medical attendant e-Visa.

Read more about India’s medical visa in the guide below.

Who is eligible

A "Med visa" (medical visa) is for foreigners who come to India only for medical treatment. It could be for the treatment of serious illnesses in established and recognized hospitals within the country.

Citizens of over 165 countries (all e-Visa eligible) are eligible for Indian medical e-Visa. People from e-Visa ineligible countries can visit the nearest Indian embassy for a regular medical visa.

Regular medical visa

Visitors applying for a medical visa must obtain a letter from a hospital or treatment center in India. This letter should confirm that the patient on a medical visa requires assistance. Additionally, the letter should include the name of the medical attendant.

It takes approximately 15 business days for the Indian consulate to process a medical attendant visa application.

Application process

Patients filling out a regular medical visa application for India must share the following details:

• Purpose of the visa: Issued for medical treatment
• Duration and entries:It depends on the treatment required, as certified by an Indian doctor
• Application accuracy: Ensure all details in the online and printed form are correct
• Passport requirements: It must be valid for at least 180 days and have at least two blank pages. It must not be tampered with or damaged
• Registration:Register with FRRO within 14 days if staying in India for over 180 days
• Online application: Fill out the application on the Government of India website and print the completed form
• Visa fees:Pay the visa fee in the currency of the country by postal order or bank draft to the Indian embassy. The visa application fee is non-refundable

Document submission

Visitors applying for a regular medical visa must submit the required documents at the Indian embassy or via post. Applicants must make note of the following:

• Required documents:Printed application form, postal orders/bank drafts, passport size photo, passport, treatment-related documents, doctor’s recommendation letter, recent bank statement, proof of residence, IRP card
• For minors:Birth certificate, parents’ passports, and both parents’ signatures
• Application verification: Ensure all documents and fees are attached before applying
• Return envelope: Provide a self-addressed, tamper-proof envelope so that the embassy can return the passport
• Visa grant: It is subject to the Indian embassy’s discretion. Acceptance of the application doesn’t guarantee a visa
• Submission time: Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon (except holidays). It may vary from country to country
• Processing time: 2 to 5 working days (if all formalities are complete)
• Collection procedure: Collect personally or via a third party with authorization
• Collection time: Monday to Friday, 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. (except holidays). This may vary from country to country

Document Submission by Hospital Authorities

• Letter of invitation: Hospitals must email medical invitation letters to the Indian Mission/Post’s official email address
• Extension and registration: Hospitals must provide letters for visa extension and registration to overseas patients/attendants for submission to FRRO/FRO.

Visa validity and extension

Except for Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals, applicants from other countries must note:

• Initial validity: Medical Visa (MED visa) or Medical Attendant Visa (MED X visa) is valid for up to one year or treatment duration, whichever is less.
• Validity:Indian missions/posts typically issue a 6-month visa with triple entry to most individuals. However, this does not apply to nationals of all the countries. It is advised to contact the nearest Indian embassy for more details.
• Extension procedure: A medical visa can be extended for up to one year by FRRO/FRO with a medical certificate from a recognized hospital. Further extensions require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Note for Minor Children

If a parent comes to India for medical treatment, they can apply for an online regular medical visa. In addition, their minor children can also get an ’X-Misc.’ entry visa to accompany them. It will also be valid for the same duration as the parent’s medical visa.

Can Pakistani Nationals apply for an India eMedical visa?

Pakistani nationals cannot apply for an Indian medical e-Visa. However, Pakistani citizens can obtain a regular medical visa for three months.

This visa allows them to seek treatment at recognized hospitals in India. They must have a prior appointment for medical treatment to be eligible for this visa.

Special Provisions for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals

Visa validity, extensions, and entry permissions for Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals are governed by particular rules. Applicants are advised to check with the Indian embassy before applying for a medical visa.

Medical e-Visa

Applicants from eligible e-Visa in a country can apply for the eMedical visa on the electronic visa portal of the Government of India. The details are mentioned below:

Validity and entry rules for Indian e-Medical visa

• Duration: Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India
• Purpose: Short-term medical treatment of self
• Entry limit: Allows for three entries, with a maximum of three medical trips per year
• Processing Time: 4- 7 days approximately

Restrictions and Requirements

• Non-convertible: This visa cannot be renewed, converted, or used for visiting protected/restricted areas
• Financial self-sufficiency: Applicants must have adequate financial means for their stay
• Documentation: Must always carry a copy of the approved India e-Visa
• Travel requirements: Must have a return or onward ticket when applying
• Individual passports: All applicants, regardless of age, need their own passports
• No child inclusion: Parents cannot include children in their India e-Visa application
• Passport validity: The passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival in India. It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps
• Ineligible applicants: Those with International travel documents or diplomatic passports cannot apply for an e-Medical visa

Additional Evidence for e-Medical Visa

• Hospital letter: A letter from an Indian hospital (invitation letter) is required
• Hospital information: Applicants must provide details about the Indian hospital they will visit

Medical attendant visa

India also offers a maximum of two medical attendant visas.

Ayush (AY) visa

Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment can also obtain an "Ayush Visa," introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has been introduced to attract foreign patients and establish India as a top place for traditional and alternative medicine. It promotes traditional Indian medical treatments like Ayurveda.

Tourist e-visa for medicine

International travelers can obtain Indian tourist e-Visas for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. These visas allow them to pursue short-term courses in various fields, including medicine. Please note it should not be a formal or structured course/program.

Courses should be no longer than 6 months and not come with a qualifying certificate/diploma. Also, applicants cannot change a tourist e-Visa to a medical e-Visa.

Conclusion

An India medical visa provides access to world-class healthcare at affordable prices. It empowers individuals to seek the treatment they need without compromising their financial well-being.