Visa & travel support
Medical Visa for India: What You Need to Know
Practical guidance on the Indian medical visa, e-Medical Visa, attendant visas, required documents and travel planning for international patients.
Most international patients coming to India for medical treatment need a Medical Visa (MED Visa) or an e-Medical Visa — a specific visa category that allows foreign nationals to receive inpatient treatment at an Indian hospital. It is separate from a tourist visa and carries different conditions: it is valid for up to one year, allows multiple entries, and permits two family attendants to travel alongside the patient on Medical Attendant Visas.
Getting the visa right before you travel avoids delays at the border and ensures your stay duration matches your treatment timeline. Livance helps with the hospital invitation letter — a key document that most Indian embassies require — and can guide you through the application process for your country.
Medical Visa vs e-Medical Visa
Medical Visa (MED)
Apply at the Indian embassy or consulate in your country
Valid for up to 1 year or treatment duration
Multiple entry permitted
Suitable for all nationalities
Standard processing: 3–5 business days
e-Medical Visa (eMED)
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in
Available for 170+ eligible nationalities
Valid for 60 days, triple entry
Must arrive via 28 designated airports
Processing: typically 3 business days
Required documents for Indian medical visa
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and two blank pages
Completed visa application form (online or paper depending on your embassy)
Recent passport-size photograph (white background, face clearly visible)
Hospital appointment confirmation or admission letter from an Indian hospital — Livance provides this
Proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment and stay (bank statement, 3 months)
Medical documents supporting the treatment need (diagnosis reports, referral letter)
Travel insurance covering the treatment period (required by most embassies)
For attendants: proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Travel planning alongside your treatment
The medical visa timeline should be planned around your treatment schedule, not the other way around. Most planned treatments require you to arrive 1–2 days before your admission date. For oncology or transplant cases requiring pre-treatment evaluation, you may need to arrive 5–7 days early. Factor in recovery time after the procedure — most hospitals recommend staying in India for at least 7–14 days post-surgery before flying.
Attendant travel
Plan attendant visa applications simultaneously with the patient’s application. Allow 3–5 working days at minimum. Some countries require in-person biometrics appointments.
Airport transfer
Livance arranges airport pickup to the hospital or accommodation on arrival. Share your flight details once confirmed and we will coordinate.
Accommodation
Most accredited hospitals in India have guest houses or partnered hotels within 5 minutes of the facility. We can help book the right option for your stay length.
Visa extension
If your treatment takes longer than your visa permits, extensions are possible through the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in India. Livance provides updated hospital letters.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for an Indian medical visa?
Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at a recognised hospital in India are eligible. You must be able to show a confirmed appointment or treatment plan at an Indian hospital. The visa is issued for up to one year or the treatment duration, whichever is shorter, with multiple entry permitted.
What documents are required for an Indian medical visa?
Core documents: valid passport (6+ months), completed visa application form, recent passport photograph, proof of confirmed appointment or admission letter from an Indian hospital, proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance. Some nationalities also need a sponsor letter. Livance can provide the hospital invitation letter once you are matched with a facility.
Can my attendant also get a medical visa?
Yes. Up to two attendants (family members) can apply for a Medical Attendant Visa simultaneously. They must apply with the patient’s medical visa application and show their relationship to the patient (passport, marriage certificate, or birth certificate as applicable).
How long does the Indian medical visa take to process?
Standard processing is 3–5 business days through most Indian embassies and consulates. If you need faster processing, some missions offer priority or urgent services for an additional fee. An e-Medical Visa is available for eligible nationalities and typically processes in 3 business days.
What is an e-Medical Visa and who can apply?
The e-Medical Visa is an online visa for eligible nationalities — citizens of most African, GCC, South Asian and Southeast Asian countries qualify. You apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in, upload documents, pay online and receive approval by email. You must enter through specific airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad or Kochi).
Do I need to extend my visa if treatment takes longer than expected?
Medical visas can be extended in India through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or online via the e-FRRO portal. Livance can help you understand the process and provide updated hospital documentation to support your extension request.
Need visa or travel support?
Tell us your treatment plan and travel timeline, and we’ll help you map the next steps.
What Livance provides
Hospital invitation / appointment letter for your visa application
Guidance on visa type and eligibility for your nationality
Help coordinating attendant visa documents
Airport transfer arrangements on arrival
Accommodation near the hospital
Updated hospital letters for visa extensions if needed
Disclaimer: Visa rules change. The information here is general guidance. Always verify current requirements with the Indian embassy or consulate in your country before applying.