Introduction
Securing the right visa is the first and often the most stressful step in an overseas medical journey. India has streamlined the process with a dedicated Medical Visa (M-Visa) and e-Medical Visa that let you enter the country quickly, stay long enough for treatment and recovery, and even bring an attendant. This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement and practical tip so you can focus on healing—while Saavi Med Tour handles the paperwork.
1. What Is an Indian Medical Visa?
A Medical Visa is a special category of visa issued to foreigners seeking specialized medical treatment in India. Key features include:
- Multiple or triple entry—allowing you to enter and exit India as your treatment plan requires.
- Stay of up to 180 days (standard M-Visa) or 60 days (e-Medical Visa) per visit, with options to extend if medically necessary.
- Fast processing (3–7 working days for regular; 24–72 hours for e-Visa).
Good to know: In 2023, India added rehabilitation and palliative care to the list of approved treatment categories, alongside cardiac surgery, organ transplants, oncology, neuro-surgery, IVF, and more.
2. Eligibility Criteria
You qualify for an M-Visa if you:
- Have a medical condition that requires in-patient treatment in a recognized Indian hospital.
- Hold a confirmed appointment or admission letter from the hospital/clinic.
- Come from a country eligible for Indian Medical Visa (160+ nations, including USA, UK, EU, GCC, Africa, South-East Asia).
Two family members or caretakers may simultaneously apply for an M-Attendant Visa linked to the patient’s visa number.
3. Documents Checklist
Document | Details |
---|---|
Passport | Valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages |
Recent Photograph | White background, 50 mm × 50 mm |
Hospital Letter | On letterhead, with doctor’s signature, treatment details, estimated duration |
Visa Application Form | Filled online or at local Indian Mission |
Proof of Funds | Recent bank statement / insurance letter |
Flight Itinerary | Tentative (refundable) tickets recommended |
Previous Medical Records | Scans, prescriptions, health reports |
Yellow Fever Cert. | If travelling from endemic countries |
Saavi Tip: Upload PDFs rather than photos for clearer verification. Keep file names short and descriptive, e.g., MRI_Spine_March2025.pdf.
4. Step-by-Step Application (Embassy Route)
- Complete the online form at indianvisaonline.gov.in ⇒ choose Medical Visa.
- Print & sign the completed form; book an appointment slot.
- Visit your Indian embassy/consulate with originals + copies of all documents.
- Pay the fee (USD 80–150 depending on nationality; cash, card, or bank draft).
- Biometrics & interview (usually 5–10 minutes).
- Collect passport or opt for courier once approved (3–7 days).
5. e-Medical Visa in 24–72 Hours
For short-term procedures & diagnostics, citizens of 160 countries can apply online:
- Select e-Medical Visa on the official portal.
- Upload photo + passport scan + hospital letter.
- Pay online via credit/debit card.
- Receive ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) by email.
- Print ETA & present it at 29 designated airports or 5 seaports on arrival.
Validity: 60 days from first entry, triple entry permitted. Extensions must switch to a regular visa via FRRO.
6. Medical Attendant Visa (MAX-2)
- Same application process as patient but choose Medical Attendant.
- Must accompany or join the patient within 30 days.
- Duration and entries mirror the patient’s visa.
7. Extensions & Conversions
If treatment exceeds visa validity, your hospital submits a medical certificate to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Typical extension: 6–12 months. Additional fees apply (~INR 6,900 + overstaying penalty, if any).
8. Cost Breakdown (2025)
Item | USD Range |
Visa Fee (patient) | 80–150 |
Visa Fee (attendant) | 80–150 |
Express/e-Visa Surcharge | 15–25 |
FRRO Extension | 85–100 |
Service/Convenience Fee | 2–3 USD |
Some nationalities (e.g., Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal) enjoy waived or reduced fees.
* All prices are tentative and estimation only. Check official site for exact amount.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I convert a tourist visa into a medical visa in India?
A. Yes, but only for sudden emergencies. Approval rests with FRRO.
Q2. How early should I apply?
A. 4–6 weeks before travel is ideal; e-Medical Visa 1–2 weeks ahead.
Q3. What if my passport expires soon?
A. Renew first; visa requires ≥6 months validity.
Q4. Is insurance mandatory?
A. Not legally, but highly recommended. Saavi Med Tour offers comparative quotes.
10. How Saavi Med Tour Simplifies the Process
- Document review & error-proofing
- Letter of invitation from partner hospital
- Real-time tracking of application status
- Dedicated visa concierge available 24/7
- Airport meet-and-assist on arrival
Focus on getting better—let us handle the red tape.
Conclusion
India’s medical visa system is streamlined, affordable, and patient-friendly—especially with a trusted facilitator like Saavi Med Tour. Start your healing journey today by reaching out to our visa desk for a free pre-assessment.