A Guide to India's Medical Visa and e-Medical Visa for International Patients

For international patients and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) arranging care for family, India offers a wide spectrum of medical treatments. To access this care, foreign nationals must secure the appropriate visa. The Government of India provides a dedicated medical visa, with a convenient electronic version known as the e-Medical visa available for many nationalities.

This guide explains the process of obtaining a medical visa for India, focusing on the eligibility, required documents, costs, and application steps for the e-Medical visa. Understanding these requirements is the first step in planning a medical journey to India.

Indian e-Medical Visa at a Glance

Fees are indicative and subject to change. The final fee is calculated on the official government portal during the application. A bank transaction surcharge of 2.5% to 3% is typically added.

• Visa Validity — 60 days from date of first arrival
• Permitted Entries — Triple Entry
• Government Fee (Approx. as of July 2026) — $25 - $100 USD (Varies by nationality)
• Medical Attendants Permitted — Up to two per patient
• Application Window — 4 to 120 days before travel

Rates shown are as per the Government of India, e-Visa Portal (2026) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Understanding the e-Medical Visa for India

The Indian e-Medical visa is an electronic travel authorization designed for foreign nationals seeking short-term medical treatment in India. The entire application process is conducted online, making it a more accessible option than the traditional sticker visa for eligible applicants. Processing times are generally between 24 and 72 hours.

Key features of the e-Medical visa include:

The visa is valid for a 60-day stay, beginning on the day you first enter India. Within this 60-day period, the holder is permitted to enter and exit the country up to three times (triple entry). This can be useful for consultations or treatments that may involve brief travel to a neighboring country.

It is crucial to apply only through the official Government of India website: `indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/`. Applicants should be cautious of third-party websites that may charge additional service fees or present misleading information.

Eligibility Criteria for the e-Medical Visa

To qualify for an e-Medical visa, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their nationality, purpose of visit, and choice of hospital.

The primary requirements are as follows:

• **Nationality:** The e-Medical visa is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and South Africa. However, nationals of certain countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, are not eligible for the e-visa and must apply for a regular medical visa through an Indian embassy or consulate. The complete list of eligible countries is available on the official visa portal.
• **Purpose of Visit:** The sole purpose of the trip must be to receive medical treatment. Using this visa for tourism, business, or other activities is not permitted. Surrogacy is explicitly not a permitted purpose for obtaining an e-Medical visa.
• **Hospital Recognition:** The planned treatment must take place at a recognized, reputed, or specialized hospital or treatment center in India. As part of the application, you will need to provide proof of this arrangement.

How to Apply Online: Required Documents

The application for an e-Medical visa is entirely digital. Before starting the process on the official portal, you should have the following documents scanned and ready for upload:

• **Passport Bio-Page:** A clear, scanned copy of your passport's biographical page in PDF format. The passport must have a minimum validity of six months from your intended date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• **Digital Photograph:** A recent, passport-style color photograph in JPEG format. The photo must have a white background, and your face should be clearly visible.
• **Hospital Letter:** This is a mandatory document. You must provide a formal letter from the recognized Indian hospital where you will be receiving treatment. The letter should be on the hospital's official letterhead, confirming that they have accepted you as a patient and ideally mentioning the expected treatment dates.

Visas for Medical Attendants (e-Medical Attendant Visa)

Patients traveling to India for medical treatment are permitted to bring support. A maximum of two medical attendants can accompany a single patient. These attendants are typically required to be blood relatives.

Attendants must apply for their own visa, known as the e-Medical Attendant Visa. The application is submitted separately but concurrently with the patient's application on the same official e-visa portal. The validity of the e-Medical Attendant visa is co-terminus with the patient's e-Medical visa, meaning it is also valid for a 60-day, triple-entry stay.

In addition to their own passport and photograph, attendants may need to furnish proof of their relationship to the patient.

Visa Extensions and Planning for Long-Term Treatment

The e-Medical visa is officially non-extendable. It is designed for short-term care not exceeding 60 days. However, if medical complications arise and treatment must continue beyond this period, it is possible to apply for an extension.

This process is managed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the local Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) and is initiated through the online e-FRRO portal. A formal medical certificate from the treating hospital justifying the need for an extended stay is required. This process may involve converting the e-visa to a regular medical visa.

For treatments that are known in advance to require more than 60 days, such as organ transplants or multi-cycle chemotherapy, it is strongly recommended to apply for a Regular (Sticker) Medical Visa from the outset. This type of visa is obtained through an Indian embassy or consulate in your country of residence and can be granted for a longer initial duration, such as up to one year, providing more flexibility.

Who Does Not Need a Medical Visa?

Not every foreign national requires a specific medical visa for treatment in India. There are a few key exemptions:

**Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders:** OCI cardholders possess lifelong, visa-free entry rights to India. They do not need a medical visa and can stay for any duration to receive medical treatment without seeking special permission from the FRRO.

**Minor Ailments:** A foreigner who is already in India on another type of valid, long-duration visa (such as an employment or student visa) does not need to convert their visa to a medical visa for minor health issues that can be handled through outpatient (OPD) consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my 60-day e-Medical visa if my treatment in India takes longer?

The e-Medical visa is officially non-extendable. If your treatment unexpectedly needs to go beyond 60 days, you must apply for an extension through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) with a justifying letter from your hospital. For treatments planned to be longer than 60 days, you should apply for a Regular Medical Visa from an Indian embassy before you travel.

How much does an Indian e-Medical visa cost for a US or UK citizen?

The fee for an e-Medical visa varies by nationality. As of July 2026, sources indicate a general range of $25 to $100 USD. The exact amount for your nationality will be calculated and displayed on the official government application portal (`indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/`) when you apply. A bank transaction surcharge of 2.5-3% is also added.

Is a letter from the Indian hospital mandatory for the e-Medical visa application?

Yes, a letter on the official letterhead of the recognized Indian hospital where you will receive treatment is a mandatory document for the e-Medical visa application.

Do OCI cardholders need a medical visa for treatment in India?

No, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders do not need a medical visa. They have the right to live and receive medical treatment in India for any duration without requiring a separate visa or special permission.

How long does it take to receive an e-Medical visa for India after applying online?

The typical processing time for an Indian e-Medical visa is between 24 and 72 hours. You can apply between 4 and 120 days before your planned date of arrival.

Can I get medical treatment in India on a tourist visa?

No, if the primary purpose of your travel to India is for medical treatment, you must obtain a medical visa. A tourist visa is not appropriate for this purpose.

How many family members can accompany me on a medical attendant visa?

A maximum of two medical attendants, who are typically blood relatives, are permitted to accompany a patient traveling on a medical visa. Each attendant must apply for their own e-Medical Attendant visa.

Which is the official website to apply for an Indian e-Medical visa?

The only official website to apply for an Indian e-Medical visa is the Government of India's portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. Be cautious of unofficial third-party websites.

Related

• Healthcare in India for NRIs and international patients: the complete hub
• Treatment costs in India: a complete guide
• Government hospital OPD appointment guides for every Indian state
• Government health schemes in India: a guide

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.