India Medical Visa Guide: Requirements, Process & Hospital Visa Letters
Clear, factual guidance on the Indian Medical Visa application procedure, eligibility requirements, and the official hospital visa invitation letter.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Receive Official Hospital Visa Invitation Letter
Your chosen partner hospital in India issues a formal visa invitation letter on hospital letterhead outlining your diagnosis, proposed treatment, and passport details.
- Mandatory requirement for Indian Medical Visa applications
- Lists patient details and accompanying attendants
- Directly issued by accredited hospital international desks
Apply via Official Indian e-Visa Portal
Complete the online application on the official Government of India e-Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) selecting the e-Medical Visa category.
- Select e-Medical Visa for treatment or e-Medical Attendant Visa for caregivers
- Upload passport bio page and recent passport photograph
- Attach the hospital visa invitation letter
Pay Consular Processing Fees
Pay the non-refundable electronic visa processing fee online through the official government portal using an international credit or debit card.
- Fee varies by applicant nationality and country of residence
- Receipt generated immediately with Application Reference Number
Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Once reviewed and approved by Indian immigration authorities (typically 72 to 96 hours), your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is delivered via email.
- Print a physical copy of the approved ETA to carry while traveling
- Biometrics enrolled upon arrival at designated Indian international airports
Categories of Medical Visas for India
The Government of India provides designated visa categories to accommodate international healthcare seekers and their companions:
- e-Medical Visa (Triple Entry): Granted to patients seeking specialized clinical care at recognized or accredited medical centers in India.
- e-Medical Attendant Visa (Triple Entry): Issued exclusively to spouses, children, or immediate relatives accompanying the primary patient (maximum 2 attendants).
- Regular Medical Visa: Applied for through Indian diplomatic missions or outsourced visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global) for extended or complex inpatient cases.
Key Document Checklist for Medical Visa
Before initiating your e-Medical Visa application, ensure you have gathered all necessary verification records:
- Valid national passport with at least six months remaining validity and two blank pages
- Official hospital invitation letter from an accredited healthcare institution in India
- Recent medical reports, diagnostic imaging, or local physician referral letters
- Recent passport-style color photograph meeting official biometric specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Indian e-Medical Visa valid?
An Indian e-Medical Visa is typically valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India and permits triple entry during this duration.
Can the medical visa be extended if treatment takes longer?
Yes. If a medical condition or recovery requires an extended stay, hospitals provide clinical extension certificates for submission to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.
Does NineCure issue the visa directly?
No. Visas are granted exclusively by the Government of India through its immigration authorities. NineCure facilitates obtaining the mandatory official visa invitation letter directly from accredited partner hospitals.
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