MED Medical & Wellness

Medical Visa

For foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at recognized Indian hospitals and healthcare centres. Default validity is 6 months with triple entry; extendable up to 1 year. Up to 2 Medical Attendant Visas available for accompanying family members.

📅 6 months default (triple entry); up to 1 year or treatment duration; extendable 🔄 Triple entry

Quick Facts

Default Grant
6 months, triple entry
Max Initial Validity
1 year or treatment duration
Extendable
Yes — up to 1 additional year by FRRO
Attendants Allowed
Up to 2 (1 for Pakistan, 3 for Bangladesh nationals)
FRRO Registration
Within 14 days if visa valid more than 180 days
Pakistan Patients
Register within 7 days
Pakistan Attendants
Register within 24 hours
Hospital Requirement
NABH/ICMR/MCI/CGHS recognized hospital
Apply / Official Portal
India — Medical Visa

🎯 Purpose & Eligibility

Seeking medical treatment at established/recognized/specialized hospitals or treatment centres in India. Treatment under Indian systems of medicine also considered.

✅ Who Can Apply

Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at recognized/specialized hospitals or treatment centres in India. Treatment under Indian systems of medicine also considered.

📋 Medical Visa — Key Facts

Detail Information
Default Grant 6 months, triple entry
Max Initial Validity 1 year or treatment duration
Extendable Yes — up to 1 additional year by FRRO
Attendants Allowed Up to 2 (1 for Pakistan, 3 for Bangladesh nationals)
FRRO Registration Within 14 days if visa valid more than 180 days
Pakistan Patients Register within 7 days
Pakistan Attendants Register within 24 hours
Hospital Requirement NABH/ICMR/MCI/CGHS recognized hospital

📋 Visa Sub-Types & Codes

MED-1

Medical Patient Visa

For the primary patient seeking medical treatment at recognized Indian hospitals or treatment centres.

MED-2 / MED X

Medical Attendant Visa

For family members accompanying the patient. Up to 2 attendants (general), 1 for Pakistan, 3 for Bangladesh nationals. Co-terminus with patient's visa.

📁 Documents Required

01

Appointment letter or admission confirmation from a recognized/NABH-accredited Indian hospital

02

Medical invitation letter shared by hospital with Indian Mission via official email

03

Proof of financial means to cover treatment costs

04

Valid passport with 6+ months validity

05

FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival (if visa valid more than 180 days)

06

For extensions: medical certificate from Govt/ICMR/NABH/MCI/CGHS recognized hospital

Who Can Apply

Eligible Nationalities / Applicants

Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at recognized/specialized hospitals or treatment centres in India. Treatment under Indian systems of medicine also considered.

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

Triple — each entry allowed only at designated ports

🗂️ How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. 1

    Verify Eligibility

    Check that your nationality qualifies for Medical 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 — Medical Visa

What hospital documents are required for an Indian Medical Visa? expand_more
Hospital authorities must share a medical invitation letter and appointment letter with the concerned Indian Mission/Post via official email. The hospital should also provide letters for visa extension and FRRO registration in the formats prescribed in MHA guidelines.
How many attendants can accompany a Medical Visa patient? expand_more
Up to 2 attendants (family members) can accompany a patient on Medical Attendant Visas. For Pakistani patients, only 1 attendant is permitted. For Bangladeshi patients, up to 3 attendants are allowed.
Can an Indian Medical Visa be extended? expand_more
Yes. The Medical Visa can be extended for up to an additional year by the FRRO/FRO on production of a medical certificate from a Government/ICMR/NABH/MCI/CGHS recognized hospital. Further extensions beyond that require MHA approval.
Can I extend my India visa after arrival? expand_more
Extensions for Medical 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.