AY / AYA Medical & Wellness

Ayush Visa

India's dedicated wellness visa for foreign nationals seeking traditional medicine treatments — Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, or Homeopathy — at government-registered AYUSH centres. Valid for treatment duration up to 1 year, with an Attendant Visa for up to 2 accompanying family members.

📅 Duration of treatment (up to 1 year) 🔄 Multiple entry

Quick Facts

Validity
Treatment duration (up to 1 year)
Entries
Multiple
Attendants
Up to 2 (AYA visa)
FRRO Registration
Required for stays over 180 days
Centre Requirement
Must be registered with Ministry of AYUSH
Directory
ayush.gov.in
Apply / Official Portal
India — Ayush Visa

🎯 Purpose & Eligibility

Dedicated visa for foreign nationals seeking treatment under traditional Indian systems of medicine at government-registered AYUSH centers.

✅ Who Can Apply

Foreign nationals seeking treatment or wellness programs under any AYUSH system at government-registered centres

❌ Not Eligible

  • Treatment at unregistered AYUSH centres is not recognized for visa purposes

📋 Ayush Visa — Key Facts

Detail Information
Validity Treatment duration (up to 1 year)
Entries Multiple
Attendants Up to 2 (AYA visa)
FRRO Registration Required for stays over 180 days
Centre Requirement Must be registered with Ministry of AYUSH
Directory ayush.gov.in

📋 Visa Sub-Types & Codes

AY

Ayush Visa

For the primary patient seeking treatment at a government-registered AYUSH centre or hospital. Valid for treatment duration up to 1 year, multiple entry.

AYA

Ayush Attendant Visa

For up to 2 family members accompanying an Ayush Visa holder. Mirrors the primary visa validity, multiple entry.

📁 Documents Required

01

Recommendation or admission letter from a registered AYUSH center/hospital (registered with National AYUSH Mission or Ministry of AYUSH)

02

Details of treatment plan and approximate duration

03

Proof of financial means for treatment and stay

04

Travel insurance (recommended)

05

Passport with minimum 6 months validity

06

Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background)

07

Proof of residence in home country

Who Can Apply

Eligible Nationalities / Applicants

Foreign nationals seeking treatment or wellness programs under any AYUSH system at government-registered centres

Restrictions / Not Eligible

  • Treatment at unregistered AYUSH centres is not recognized for visa purposes

Passport Validity Required

Minimum 6 months beyond your travel date, plus at least 2 blank pages

Apply How Far in Advance

e-Visa: 4–7 days minimum · Embassy visa: 4–6 weeks before travel

Prior India Visit Required?

No — first-time applicants are eligible under all standard categories

Number of Entries

Multiple — each entry allowed only at designated ports

🗂️ How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. 1

    Verify Eligibility

    Check that your nationality qualifies for Ayush Visa. Review any bilateral restrictions between your home country and India. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from India.

  2. 2

    Compile Your Documents

    Collect all required documents: valid passport, passport-size photographs, completed application form, and purpose-specific supporting documents such as employment letter, conference invitation, admission letter, or hospital documents, plus proof of financial means.

  3. 3

    Fill the Application Form

    Download the Indian visa application form from the Indian Mission's website or via indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS. Ensure all details precisely match your passport. Date and sign as instructed.

  4. 4

    Book Appointment or Submit via VAC

    Book an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or authorised Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Check the specific Mission website for current procedures, fees, and processing times.

  5. 5

    Biometrics & Interview

    Some categories require biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC. A personal interview at the Mission may be required for first-time applicants or certain nationalities. Attend with originals and copies of all documents.

  6. 6

    Collect Visa & Verify

    Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the Mission or VAC. Immediately verify your name, passport number, visa validity, and number of entries on the sticker. Report any discrepancies before leaving the counter.

📌 Important Rules & Common Mistakes

🔒

No Visa Conversion Inside India

You cannot change your visa category after entering India. If you need a different type, exit India and apply at an Indian Mission abroad.

⏱️

FRRO Registration for Long Stays

If your stay exceeds 180 days, you must register with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of crossing that threshold. Registration is done online at ivfrt.gov.in.

🚫

Overstaying is a Serious Offence

Overstaying your authorised period results in fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans on future India travel. Always depart on or before the last day of your authorised stay.

🖨️

Always Carry Your Visa Document

e-Visa holders should carry a printed colour copy of the ETA throughout the trip. Sticker-visa holders must present their passport at all checkpoints. Always keep copies of supporting documents.

📞

FRRO Helpline for Issues Inside India

For visa queries while inside India, call the FRRO helpdesk at +91-11-26711443 or email foreigners.india@gov.in. Online services at ivfrt.gov.in.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ayush Visa

What is the India Ayush Visa? expand_more
The Ayush Visa is a dedicated Indian visa for foreign nationals seeking treatment under any of India's traditional medicine systems: Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy. Treatment must be at a government-registered AYUSH centre.
Which AYUSH treatments are covered by the Ayush Visa? expand_more
Ayurveda (including Panchakarma), Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa (Tibetan medicine), and Homeopathy treatments at registered AYUSH centres are all covered.
How do I verify if an AYUSH centre is registered? expand_more
Check the official directory maintained by the Ministry of AYUSH at ayush.gov.in. Only treatment at centres registered with the National AYUSH Mission or Ministry of AYUSH is recognized for visa purposes.
Can family members accompany me on an Ayush Visa? expand_more
Yes. Up to 2 family members can accompany an Ayush Visa holder on the Ayush Attendant Visa (AYA). The attendant visa validity mirrors the primary visa holder's stay.
Can I extend my India visa after arrival? expand_more
Extensions for Ayush Visa are not routinely granted. The FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) may approve an extension only in genuine emergencies — serious medical situations, natural disasters, or force majeure events. Apply through ivfrt.gov.in before your authorised stay expires. Always plan your visit within the permitted duration to avoid complications.
What happens if I overstay my India visa? expand_more
Overstaying is an offence under the Foreigners Act, 1946. Penalties include financial fines, detention, deportation at your own expense, and a potential multi-year ban on future Indian visa applications. Never assume extra days are tolerated — immigration records all entry and exit dates electronically.
Do I need to register with the FRRO? expand_more
Foreign nationals staying beyond 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 14 days of the 180-day threshold. Registration is completed online at ivfrt.gov.in. Pakistani, Afghan, Chinese, and Sri Lankan nationals face shorter registration windows — check your specific nationality requirements.
Can I change my visa category while inside India? expand_more
Change of visa category inside India is not permitted in standard circumstances. If you need a different visa type — for example converting a Tourist Visa to a Student Visa — you must exit India, apply for the new category at an Indian Mission abroad, and re-enter on the new visa.
What documents must I carry at India's immigration counter? expand_more
Always carry: (1) valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; (2) printed colour copy of your visa or ETA; (3) confirmed return or onward flight ticket; (4) proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); (5) evidence of sufficient funds; (6) supporting documents relevant to your visa type — invitation letter, hospital documents, admission letter, or employment contract as applicable.

⚠️ This information is sourced from official Indian government documents (MHA, December 2025). Visa rules change — always verify at indianvisaonline.gov.in.