How to Get a Medical Visa for India: Rules, Documents and Checklist

Visa rules, fees and processing times can change. Please confirm current requirements on the official Indian e-Visa portal or with your nearest Indian embassy or consulate before you apply.

India has become one of the premier destinations globally for specialised medical treatments, including cardiac surgery, organ transplants, oncology, and neurosurgery. Navigating the visa process smoothly ensures you can focus on your health and recovery without travel friction.

This guide details everything you need to know about getting an e-Medical Visa or Regular Medical Visa for India.

e-Medical Visa vs Regular Medical Visa

1. Key Rules & Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, confirm that your travel plan satisfies the Government of India’s medical travel requirements:

• Specialised Medical Treatments: The visa is designated for patients seeking care at recognised, specialised hospitals or treatment centers in India (e.g., joint replacement, organ transplant, gene therapy, neurosurgery).
• Hospital Invitation Letter is Mandatory: You must have an official letter written on the letterhead of an accredited Indian hospital stating your name, passport details, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plan.
• Medical Attendant Allowance: Up to two (2) blood relatives or caregivers can travel with the patient under a separate Medical Attendant Visa (linked directly to the main patient’s visa application).
• Extension Rights: If your treatment requires extra recovery time beyond your initial visa validity, the visa can be extended locally in India through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) based on a certified hospital report.

2. Document Checklist

Gather these documents in clean, high-resolution digital format (PDF for text, JPEG for photos) before starting your online application:

A. Patient Documents

• Valid Passport: Original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the arrival date and a minimum of 2 blank visa pages.
• Passport Photo: Recent square-shaped photo (2x2 inch) against a plain white background. (JPEG format for online application)
• Hospital Invitation Letter: Formal invitation letter (on official letterhead) from a recognised hospital in India containing:
  • Patient’s full name and passport number (matching passport exactly).
  • Detailed medical diagnosis and proposed treatment plan.
  • Estimated treatment dates, duration of treatment and stay.
  • Signature and stamp of the treating specialist or international patient desk.
• Local Medical Records: Medical reports, diagnosis summaries, or prescription letters from your home country’s doctor supporting the need for specialised treatment abroad.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements for the last 3 months or financial declaration showing sufficient funds to cover treatment and accommodation costs.
• Return flight itinerary: Booking confirmation (doesn’t need to be a confirmed ticket).

B. Medical Attendant Documents

• Valid Passport & Photo: Same specifications as the primary applicant.
• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or official document confirming the relationship to the patient.
• Attendant Declaration: Signed declaration form linking the caregiver to the patient’s passport details.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to submit your application cleanly:

1. Obtain Your Hospital Invitation Letter
   Send your medical history and local diagnostic reports to the international patient coordinator at your chosen Indian hospital. Request an official Visa Invitation Letter.
2. Fill the Online Visa Application
   Visit the official government website (indianvisaonline.gov.in) and choose e-Medical Visa. Enter personal and passport information exactly as spelled in your travel documents.
3. Upload Photos & Documents
   • Passport bio-page (clear PDF format).
   • Passport-size photograph (JPEG format).
   • Hospital Visa Invitation Letter (PDF format).
4. Pay the Visa Fee
   Pay the online application fee using a credit card, debit card, or international payment gateway. Keep the payment confirmation receipt.
5. Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
   Once approved (typically within 3–5 business days), your ETA will be emailed to you. Print a copy and carry it alongside your physical passport when boarding your flight.

4. Arrival in India & Extension Rules

• Immigration Stamping:
  • Upon arrival at designated Indian international airports, present your printed ETA, passport and hospital invitation letter to receive your entry stamp.
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are taken at the e-Visa counter.
  • Medical visa holders are processed at dedicated counters at major airports.
• FRRO Registration: If your medical stay extends beyond 180 days (or as specified on your visa), you must register online with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival.
• Visa Extension: If medical recovery requires more time, apply for a visa extension via the online FRRO portal before your current visa expires, supported by a formal extension letter from your hospital.
• Form C Compliance: As per Indian immigration laws, foreign nationals staying outside hospital premises (for example, guest houses, hotels) must ensure their accommodation provider files a Form C with the immigration authorities within 24 hours of arrival.