Plan your trip / Visa
A plain guide to the Indian medical visa
Most international patients travel to India on a medical visa. This page explains how the process usually works. Rules change, so confirm every detail on the official visa website or with your nearest Indian mission.
The basics
Medical visa
Issued to patients who travel to India for treatment from a recognised hospital. It is separate from a tourist visa.
Medical attendant visa
Issued to family members or helpers who travel with the patient. The number of attendants allowed per patient is limited.
Electronic or embassy route
Many nationalities can apply online. Others must apply at an Indian mission. Check which applies to your passport.
Documents you usually need
The hospital letter is the document we provide. The other items come from you.
- A passport with enough validity and blank pages
- A recent passport-style photograph
- The hospital's invitation or appointment letter
- Your medical records or a letter from your doctor
- Proof of how you will pay for treatment
- Return flight details, if the application asks for them
How we help
Once you accept an estimate, the hospital issues an invitation letter on its letterhead. We send it to you and explain what to upload. We do not submit visa applications on your behalf, and we cannot promise that a visa will be granted. The visa authority makes that decision.
Before you apply
- Check that your passport is valid for the whole trip and beyond
- Apply early, because processing times vary
- Check vaccination or health entry rules for your route
- Ask what to do if your treatment takes longer than your visa allows
- Keep digital and paper copies of every document
Related
Send us your reports and get a written plan
Tell us about your case. We reply with next steps and a written estimate once a hospital has reviewed your records.