Medical Visa in India: Requirements, Process, and Guidance for International Patients
When families consider travel to India for medical care, the clinical choice is only part of the journey. The most immediate concern is almost always paperwork: visas, hospital letters, attendant permissions, registration and — above all — certainty.
This guide answers those practical questions calmly and precisely, with step-by-step instructions, advanced tips to avoid delays, and a complete FAQ for patients and families.
Quick overview (what this guide covers)
What a Medical Visa is and how it differs from tourist visas.
Who can apply and how many attendants are permitted.
Exact document checklist and how to draft an embassy-ready hospital letter.
Application routes (regular visa, e-Medical / eVisa where applicable) and realistic timelines.
Post-arrival compliance: registration (FRRO), extensions and change of hospital.
Advanced tips to expedite approval and avoid common pitfalls.
A practical FAQ with short, authoritative answers.
What is a Medical Visa (and why it matters)
A Medical Visa is a specific Indian visa category granted to foreign nationals travelling to India specifically for medical treatment. Unlike tourist visas, medical visas are issued only when there is a documented clinical need and confirmation from an Indian hospital or recognised treatment centre. The visa is therefore linked to the hospital and treatment plan declared in the supporting documents; mismatches between the visa paperwork and actual treatment create the majority of problems.
Eligibility: who can apply and who can accompany the patient
Primary applicant: Any international patient with a confirmed medical requirement and a hospital invitation/confirmation from India.
Attendants: Typically up to two close family members (medical attendants) may accompany the patient; attendant visas are issued separately but are co-terminus with the patient’s visa. (Some missions may allow exceptions in special circumstances such as minors or serious long-term care.)
Documents — the single most important factor for a smooth approval
Authorities look for clarity, consistency, and medical justification. Submitting the correct documents precisely—no omissions, no mismatches—reduces processing time and the risk of refusal.
Essential checklist (standard; local missions may add items):
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from the date of proposed arrival and at least two blank pages).
Completed and signed visa application (printout of online form, signature should match passport).
Recent passport photographs (specifications vary by mission).
Original hospital letter (on hospital letterhead) from the Indian treating hospital containing: patient name, passport details, diagnosis, proposed treatment, estimated duration and provisional cost, name(s) of attendant(s) if any, and the hospital contact details. (A strict format is often recommended—see “Hospital letter” below).
Medical reports (from home country and any clarification tests), ideally translated into English if originally in another language.
Financial proof or guarantee (varies by country—some missions ask for bank statements, sponsor’s guarantee, or proof of funds).
Any additional documents requested by the Embassy/Consulate (e.g., visa undertaking from patient/attendant).
Practical note: If a supporting document is in a language other than English, many missions require a certified translation or notarised translation. Confirm the embassy’s requirements early and use an accredited translator when necessary.
The hospital letter: how to avoid the most common rejection reason
A vague or incomplete hospital letter is the single biggest cause of visa delay. Use the hospital letter format recommended by Indian missions:
Minimum elements that must be present in the hospital letter:
Hospital letterhead, authorising signature and stamp.
Patient full name and passport number.
Clear diagnosis and recommended treatment (include codes or clinical terms where possible).
Expected duration of treatment and approximate start date.
Estimated cost (if available) and confirmation that the hospital will admit/provide treatment.
Contact name, phone, email at the hospital and international patient services details.
Names of attendant(s), if the patient requests attendant visas.
Tip: Ask the hospital to generate the letter from the hospital’s international patient portal or official medical records system—these are less likely to be questioned than ad-hoc emails.
Application routes and processing time
Two common pathways:
Regular (paper) Medical Visa via Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Centre (VAC) — standard route for countries not covered by the e-Medical option. Processing times vary by mission; many missions quote a minimum processing time of 3 working days but recommend applying earlier.
e-Medical / eVisa (where available) — India has expanded e-Visa options and introduced an e-Medical route in recent years. For applications eligible for e-Medical, processing is often faster; many e-Visas are processed within 72 hours of a complete application. However, eligibility depends on nationality and other factors; always check the official eVisa portal before applying.
Realistic timeline: Apply as early as possible (ideally 3–4 weeks before travel) to allow time for any embassy queries. While some cases clear in a few working days, others take 1–2 weeks or longer if documents need clarification.
Urgent cases and emergency admissions
Emergency or urgent treatments are not ignored, but urgency must be documented:
Get a fast, precise letter from a treating hospital (preferably from both the referring physician in the home country and the receiving Indian hospital).
Contact the consulate/VAC to explain the urgency and to ask about expedited processing options. Some missions may accede to an accelerated timeline, but rushing with incomplete documents often causes refusals that are harder to remedy.
After arrival: registration, extensions, and protocol
FRRO registration: If the medical visa or attendant visa period exceeds 180 days, the foreign national must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO/FRO) within the required timeframe. Shorter stays normally do not require registration, but always verify the rule for your nationality and duration.
Extensions: If treatment continues beyond the visa validity, extensions can be requested from within India via FRRO/e-FRRO. Extensions require updated medical reports and a hospital letter justifying the extended stay. Apply well before the visa expiry.
Changing hospitals or treatment: Because the visa is linked to the hospital and treatment, any material change (new hospital, different therapy) should be reported and documented. Failure to update immigration authorities can create legal complications. Your hospital’s international patient team or a facilitator like Medisafar can help manage these notifications.
Costs, fees and incidental issues
Visa fee: Varies by nationality and application channel (eVisa, embassy, VAC). Check the official visa portal or local VAC for up-to-date fees before applying.
Medical cost estimates and proof of funds: Some missions ask for bank statements or a financial guarantee depending on applicant nationality and local rules. Provide transparent, recent bank documentation or a sponsor letter if applicable.
Advanced tips to avoid delays (operational checklist)
Start with the hospital letter: Ask the hospital to follow the embassy sample letter format and include attendant names (if any).
Cross-check every detail: Names, passport numbers, dates of birth and signatures must match across passport, application form and hospital letter.
Use certified translations: If medical reports are not in English, provide a certified English translation. Keep originals and translations together.
Scan and save the full application package: If the embassy asks for additional documents, you can respond fast with digital copies.
Coordinate with the hospital’s international office: Large hospitals have international patient desks experienced in visa facilitation and can help draft invitation letters.
Use e-FRRO for extensions: If staying long, use the e-FRRO portal for smoother extension/registration processing.
How a patient-support partner (like Medisafar) adds value
Navigating clinical coordination and multi-jurisdiction paperwork at the same time is stressful. Medisafar offers:
Review and verification of visa documents before submission.
Drafting/review of embassy-required hospital letters in coordination with the Indian treating hospital.
Assistance with translations, notarisation checks and financial evidence preparation.
On-ground support for FRRO procedures, hospital admission coordination, local logistics and interpreter services.
What families consistently appreciate is proactive clarity: someone to explain exactly what is needed, to chase the right evidence, and to handle routine administrative steps so families can focus on care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 — How long will a Medical Visa be valid for?
A: Typical medical visas are issued for the duration the hospital states in the invitation letter. Historically many medical visas are initially granted for up to 60 days with possibility of extension (and some e-Medical visas are processed with triple-entry rules). Exact validity varies by mission and the hospital’s stated treatment period. Always check the visa sticker/approval for specific validity and entries.
Q2 — Can I get a visa if the treatment will last several months?
Yes. If treatment is expected to exceed standard validity, the hospital should state the anticipated duration and indicate the need for longer stay; the visa can often be extended in India through FRRO with updated medical justification. If stay exceeds 180 days, FRRO registration becomes mandatory.
Q3 — Are medical reports from my home country mandatory?
A: Yes — medical reports from your treating physicians at home (and any diagnostic tests) are essential. They provide the clinical context embassy officials use to verify the need for treatment in India. If reports are not in English, provide certified translations.
Q4 — Will the embassy interview the patient?
A: Embassies reserve the right to call applicants for additional documents or interviews. Most straightforward cases with complete documentation proceed without an interview; incomplete or inconsistent applications are more likely to require follow-up.
Q5 — How many attendants are allowed?
A: Commonly up to two attendants are allowed per patient (medical attendant visas). Close relatives are typically preferred; the hospital letter should name the attendant(s). Mission policies may vary slightly.
Q6 — Can I switch hospitals after arrival?
A: Changing hospitals is possible, but because the visa is linked to the original hospital/treatment declaration, you should document the change and inform FRRO/immigration where required. Your Indian hospital or a facilitator can help file necessary updates.
Q7 — What if my visa application is delayed and the hospital date is near?
A: Request an updated hospital letter that reflects the possibility of adjusted admission dates and contact your consulate/VAC to explain the situation. Hospitals experienced with international patients can often hold or reschedule appointments for short windows. Avoid travelling without an approved visa.
Q8 — Are there special requirements for organ transplants or clinical trials?
A: Yes — high-risk or regulated procedures (like organ transplants) may require additional clearances, hospital accreditation proof, and more detailed documentation. Expect closer scrutiny and plan for longer lead times. Consult the embassy and the treating hospital early for exact requirements.
