Medical Visa for India: A Complete Guide

India is a leading destination for medical tourism, offering world-class healthcare services at affordable prices. With advanced treatment options, skilled doctors, and state-of-the-art medical technology, India attracts patients worldwide seeking top-quality medical care.

Medical Visa: A medical visa is different from a tourist visa because the primary purpose of the patient’s visit is medical treatment.

International patients may travel to India for treatments including:

1. Oncology and cancer treatment
2. Cardiology and cardiac surgery
3. Organ transplantation
4. Bone marrow transplantation
5. Neurosurgery
6. Orthopaedic and joint replacement surgery
7. Spine surgery
8. IVF or Fertility treatment
9. Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Travelling for best medical treatment in India, here’s everything you need to know about the medical visa to India.

Types of Medical Visas for India

You can apply Indian Medical Visa as:

• e-Medical Visa:This is an online process that allows for easy application without visiting the Indian High Commission/ Indian Embassy. e-Medical visa validity is normally for 60 days from the day of arrival in India .It can be single to multiple entries. This kind of visa usually takes up to 72 hours once an application is submitted .

• Offline/Paper Medical Visa: This is an offline process for which the applicant needs to physically visit the Indian High Commission/ Indian Embassy and apply by filling a physical form with all supportive documents. Indian High Commission/ Indian Embassy issues a paper visa which is valid for 30-180 days .This takes normally 5-7 working days depending upon the location of application . 

5 Simple Steps To Get Your Medical e-Visa for India

The medical visa process can be divided into 5 main steps: 

1. Obtain a Medical Invitation Letter  
2. Apply for medical online visa
3. Upload your documents
4. Pay the visa fee 
5. Receive Your Visa

How to Apply for a Medical e-Visa for India?

Applying for an Indian medical visa for treatment is a straightforward process. 

Follow these steps:

Step1: Obtain a Medical Invitation Letter: 

Based on the medical reports, get the medical treatment plan/opinion from the HBG.  Confirm the recognised Indian hospital and obtain an official medical invitation letter confirming your proposed treatment. 

The invitation letter may include:

• Patient’s full name
• Passport details
• Diagnosis
• Proposed treatment
• Treating doctor or department
• Expected duration of treatment
• Hospital details

Step 2: Apply for e-Medical Visa (e-M1 V): 

Complete your application online through the official Government of India e-Visa portal. To apply for your e-medical visa https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/.

When completing the application:

1. Select e-Medical Visa as the visa category.
2. Enter your personal and passport details exactly as they appear on your passport.
3. Once initiated, a detailed visa application form will appear on your screen. Please complete all fields accurately, ensuring the information you provide matches your passport and supporting documents exactly to prevent any potential processing delays.
4. Provide your expected travel details and information about the Indian hospital where you will receive treatment.

To make the application process easier, we have compiled a list of the mandatory information and documents you may require. We recommend keeping these details ready before filling out your e-Visa application form.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents: 

Upload the required passport photograph, passport information page, hospital invitation letter, and medical documents as requested. Review all information carefully before submitting the application.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee: 

Pay the applicable online visa fee using the available payment method and Save your application/reference number so you can track the status of your application.

Step 5: Receive Your Visa (Download and Print e-Visa)

Once your application is submitted, the standard processing time is 72 hours. Please note that this can vary depending on your nationality, the accuracy of your documentation, current application volume, and whether additional verification is required.

Upon approval, you will receive confirmation and e-visa via email. You can even  download and print your e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Always carry a physical copy alongside your passport when traveling to India.

Recommendation: To ensure a smooth experience, apply well in 5 – 6 days  advance of your intended travel date to avoid any delays.

Important: Apply only through the official Indian e-Visa portal or use a trusted medical travel facilitator for assistance. Do not submit incorrect or inconsistent information, as discrepancies in your passport, medical documents, or visa application may cause delays or complications. 

For Offline Medical Visa to India: 

• Complete the Application Form: Start by visiting the Indian embassy/Indian high commission. Fill out the visa application form accurately, ensuring that you select the Medical Visa option.
• Submit the Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents (listed below) and submit them along with your visa application.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fees using online payment methods or as directed by the Indian high commission or Indian embassy.
• Receive Your Visa: Once your application is processed, you will receive your Medical Visa, which allows you to travel to India for medical treatment.

Documents Required for India Medical Visa

The following documents are essential when applying for a Medical Visa to India:

• Medical Report: Must have a Patient medical report which explains the patient’s health condition and the planned treatment in India. This helps visa officials understand your medical needs and helps you to get a visa invitation letter from the hospital.
• Visa Invitation Letter: A letter from a recognized Indian hospital confirming your treatment details.
• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India.
• Visa Application Form  (Offline application) : The completed visa application form.
• Medical Certificate: A certificate from your local doctor or medical institution describing your condition and the treatment you will undergo in India.
• Photographs: Recent passport-size photographs as per the specified guidelines.
• Financial Proof (Optional): Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your treatment, stay, and travel expenses in India.
• Flight Itinerary (Optional): A copy of your flight booking to and from India.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria for an Indian Medical Visa?

1. Individuals seeking medical treatment, including therapies under Indian systems of medicine or  those accompanying e-Medical visa holders.

2. The applicant’s passport must possess a minimum validity of six months at the time of applying for the Indian medical visa.

3.  International travelers are required to have a return ticket or an onward journey ticket.

4. Yellow fever vaccination certificate 

5. Polio vaccination certificate

How to Track Your Indian Medical Visa Application

For an e-Visa application, you can check the application status through the official Indian e-Visa portal.

Check Indian e-Visa Status

Keep your application ID and passport details available when checking your application.

For embassy applications, use the tracking facility provided by the relevant Indian Mission or authorised visa centre.

How to Extend Your Medical Visa While undergoing treatment in India?

If the patient’s treatment is still ongoing and the medical visa is about to expire, then you can apply for a Medical Visa Extension from within India. The extension is available for both the patient (M1) and the medical attendant(MX), provided there is a valid medical reason.

For example, a patient may require:

• Additional surgery
• Chemotherapy cycles
• Radiation therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Extended hospitalisation
• Post-operative monitoring
• Additional diagnostic procedures
• Complications requiring further treatment

Note: Please do not wait until your visa has already expired, as overstaying without prior approval can lead to significant penalties or legal issues. To ensure you avoid any legal complications, it is crucial to apply for a visa extension well in advance—ideally 7 to 14 days before your current visa expires.  

Steps to Apply for a Medical Visa Extension

Step 1: Speak to Your Treating Hospital

Ask your doctor/hospital for a medical letter explaining why you need additional time in India.

The letter should clearly state:

• Current medical condition
• Treatment completed
• Treatment still required
• Reason for extending the stay
• Recommended additional duration

Step 2: Check Your Current Visa

Check:

• Visa type
• Date of issue
• Date of expiry
• Permitted stay
• Number of entries

Do this well before the expiry date.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Documents required for Medical visa:

1. Passport copy (Biopage)
2. Current visa Copy
3. Entry stamp (by immigration)
4. Accommodation proof ( stay in India ) : Copy of FORM C available with your hotel / guest house 
5. Medical certificate from the treating hospital/doctor
6. Passport Size Photo with white background 

Step 4: Apply Online for Visa Extension 

After preparing all the documents, you can apply for your visa extension application online via the official Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) site: https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/.

Follow the given process below:

• Visit the FRRO website and then log in your infromation. 
• Select Visa Extension option.
• Fill in the required details 
• upload the requested documents carefully.
• Submit the form

Step 5: Wait for Document Verification Process and the Payment link

The document verification process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type and completeness of the documents submitted. Once your application has been verified, you will receive a payment link via email. 

You can also track the status of your application on the FRRO portal.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa: 

After you complete the required payment, your visa extension is usually issued within 72 hours. The extended visa letter will be sent to your registered email address or can be downloaded from FRRO portal . 

How Can a Medical Attendant Visa Extension be done?

A medical attendant’s visa may also need to be extended if the patient requires continued treatment and accompanies. 

Documents required for visa extension 

1. Passport copy (Biopage)
2. Patient Passport Copy 
3. Current visa Copy
4. Entry stamp (by immigration)
5. Accommodation proof ( stay in India ) : Copy of FORM C available with your hotel / guest house 
6. Medical certificate from the treating hospital/doctor
7. Passport Size Photo with white background 

Note: Under Indian government policy, Medical Attendant Visas may be extended only while the patient’s medical treatment is ongoing.

Important Points to Remember

• Apply before your current visa expires.
• Visa extensions are granted based on medical necessity, not personal travel plans.
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for future reference.
• Follow all instructions provided by the FRRO/FRO during the application process.

Travel and Accommodation Tips for Medical Tourists

When traveling to India for medical treatment, consider these tips for a smooth experience:

• Visa Assistance: Some hospitals provide visa assistance to international patients. Reach out to your hospital’s international patient department for help with your medical visa application.
• Travel Booking: Book your flights in advance.
• Accommodation Options: Many hospitals offer accommodation for patients and their attendants, or they can recommend nearby hotels. Choose a place close to your treatment center for convenience.
• Local Transportation: Consider using hospital-arranged transportation or trusted cab services for safe travel within India.
• Post-Treatment Care: Plan your accommodation and travel logistics for post-treatment recovery, especially if you need extended care after your procedure.