India Medical Visa Requirements 2025: Eligibility and Process

26 March,2025

Medical tourism in India has become more than just a trend. The country has strategically positioned itself as a premier global medical destination, offering everything from complex surgical procedures to specialised treatments and traditional Ayurvedic therapies. Patients from across the globe are discovering that high-quality medical care doesn't have to come with an exorbitant price tag.

Knowledge of Indian medical visa requirements is crucial for foreigners seeking quality treatment services here. A medical visa is an important legal gateway to access specialised medical care with a smooth and legitimate process. Unlike a regular tourist visa, a medical visa for India is a bridge connecting patients with India's sophisticated healthcare ecosystem.

This article will cover the India medical visa eligibility, documentation, and applicable fees for 2025. We'll explore eligibility criteria, navigate through essential documentation requirements, and break down the applicable fees.

What is an Indian Medical Visa?

A medical treatment visa in India is a legal travel document issued by the Indian government to foreign nationals seeking quality healthcare services. It is specifically tailored to satisfy the medical requirements of patients seeking serious medical intervention from recognised and specialised hospitals. It includes both urgent and prolonged care. 

It differs from a regular tourist visa intended solely for leisure and recreation. A tourist visa focuses mainly on sightseeing, exploring, and experiencing the culture of any country. On the contrary, an Indian medical visa is focused on procuring significant and specialised healthcare services,

There is something called a medical attendant visa that will accompany you in your treatment process. This visa is a gateway to a maximum of 2 members of your family or caregivers as your support in the treatment. It is available for your immediate family members or your caregivers, such as your spouse, parents, siblings, and children, but it is not limited to these categories if they are acting as caregivers.

This bar graph displays the increasing number of medical visa applications from 2015 to 2025, indicating India's growing reputation as a medical tourism hub.

Who is Eligible for a Medical Visa to India?

Indian medical visa requirements are usually determined by your need to undergo significant medical treatment here. The key eligibility criteria include:

Type of Treatment:

The visa is granted for specialised medical treatments that are not readily available in the applicant's home country. This includes procedures like heart surgery, neurosurgery, and organ transplants.

Recognised Medical Institutions:

Treatment must be conducted in recognised and accredited medical institutions in India.

Medical Documentation:

Applicants must provide medical documentation, including a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and a letter from the Indian hospital confirming the treatment proposal.

Medical Attendants:

A maximum of two attendants are allowed to accompany the patient. They must apply for a Medical Attendant Visa.

Preliminary Medical Advice:

Applicants should have received preliminary medical advice from their home country recommending specialised treatment in India.

Registration Requirements:

Upon arrival, foreigners must register with the concerned FRRO/FRO within 14 days.

Financial Requirements:

Proof of sufficient funds for medical and living expenses in India is necessary.

Yellow Fever Vaccination:

Depending on the country of origin, a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate may be required for entry into India.

Return Ticket:

A copy of a confirmed return ticket is often required as part of the application process.

Specific Visa Duration and Entries:

The medical visa can be issued for up to one year or the duration of treatment, whichever is less, with multiple entries allowed. The e-Medical Visa allows triple entries within 60 days.

Exclusions:

Medical visas are not issued for surrogacy.

Country-Specific Eligibility for e-Medical Visa:

The e-Medical Visa has specific country eligibility criteria, which might not apply to all countries.

Health Certifications for Certain Treatments:

For specific treatments like organ transplants, additional health certifications (e.g., compatibility reports) may be required.

General Eligibility: The Indian government does not restrict medical visas based on citizenship, but certain countries are eligible for the e-Medical Visa, which is an online version of the medical visa. However, all applicants must meet the above criteria to be eligible for a medical visa to India.

Documents Required for a Medical Visa to India

Applying for a medical visa in India requires submitting a range of essential documents to demonstrate the medical treatment requirements in India. It is also valid evidence that you are prepared for your journey. While the requirements may vary slightly according to your home country, here are the essential documents that you will be required to furnish: 

• Valid passport with 6 months of validity.
• Passport-size photographs.
• An appointment letter from an Indian hospital.
• Recommendation letter from home country doctor.
• Proof of sufficient funds.
• Completed visa application form.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required for travelers from certain countries.
• Minor Applicants: Additional documentation, such as parental consent, may be necessary.

How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India? 

Now that you know the Indian medical visa requirements, you must know how to apply. Before starting your Indian medical visa application process, research well to confirm its latest requirements and procedures. You can get this information by visiting the Indian embassy or consulate office or by checking their website. 

Below is a list of steps you need to follow: 

A. Online Application via Indian Visa Portal

Step-by-step guide:

• Visit the official Indian Visa Application website
• Fill out the medical visa form
• Upload photos and documents
• Pay the fee
• Schedule an appointment at the local Indian embassy/consulate

Note: For e-Visas, no appointment is needed as it's a completely online process. However, for regular (paper sticker) visas, you might need to submit documents in person at the embassy/consulate.

B. In-person at the Embassy/Consulate

Step-by-step guide:

• Submit documents.
• Interview (if required): Possible. While not explicitly stated, interviews can be required at the discretion of the embassy/consulate for any visa application, including medical visas.

Additional Points:

• Registration Requirement: If the visa is valid for more than 180 days, registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) is mandatory within 14 days of arrival.
• E-Visa Process: The e-Visa process is entirely online and does not require facilitation from the embassy

Medical Visa Fees and Validity

Your research for an Indian visa for hospital treatment is still incomplete, and you do not know the medical visa fees and validity. The costs and validity of your medical visa for India vary significantly depending on your home country, intended stay duration, and bilateral agreements between both nations. Here’s the basic gist of the fees and validity:

• Cost varies by nationality (~USD 50–USD 100 on average)
• For specific durations, the fees can be significantly higher; for example, a medical visa for 6 months costs approximately ?88,000 (around USD 1,100) plus additional processing fees.
• Validity: 6 months to 1 year (extendable in India with proof of ongoing treatment)
• Multiple entries allowed, up to three entries in a year
• Medical attendant visa fees are similar.

For the most accurate information, you can always contact the Indian embassy and the consulates in your country of residence. They are the right points of contact to seek specific guidance on Indian medical visa requirements. 

Tips for a Successful Visa Application 

Applying for a medical treatment visa in India could be a meticulous process. Here are some helpful tips to ease your struggles: 

• Go for an accredited or recognised hospital.
• Ensure all documents are translated (if not in English).
• Apply well in advance (3–4 weeks before travel).
• Be transparent and honest about your medical condition.
• Keep copies of all the submitted documents.

Make Medijourney Your Go-To Partner for International Medical Travel

Navigating a health challenge is an incredibly personal journey. We at MediJourney understand that battling any form of disease requires immense courage and hope. We recognise the emotional and physical toll of seeking medical treatment abroad, and you are not alone with us by your side. 

Securing the right medical visa for India is not just a process but rather a gateway to healing and renewed hope. Our team specialises in simplifying the complex Indian medical visa requirements, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your health and recovery. 

We work closely with top-tier hospitals and provide all-around support to make your medical travel as smooth as possible. This includes assistance with multiple-entry visa options that allow you to maintain connections with your treatment centre and home.

Ready to simplify your medical stay? Let MediJourney guide you today! Contact us now!