e-Medical Visa
For the patient · Apply onlineApplied for online, with no embassy visit. It can be extended in some cases through the FRRO if treatment takes longer.
- StayUp to 60 days
- EntriesUp to 3
- ApplyOnline
Medical visa guide
Medical Visa & Travel to India
Which visa to apply for, the documents you need, how to apply and what happens when you land, in one place. Our visa help is free.
e-Medical VisaApply online for treatment in India
4+ days before travelLatest time to submit your e-Visa application
Up to 2 attendantse-Medical Attendant Visas for family members
Free visa helpHospital invitation letter and form guidance
Which visa do I need?
Medical Visa Types for India
Patients travelling for treatment need a medical visa, not a tourist or business visa. Each family member travelling with the patient needs an attendant visa.
e-Medical Attendant Visa
For family members · Apply onlineFor family members travelling with an e-Medical Visa patient. Its validity is linked to the patient's visa.
- WhoFamily members
- NumberUp to 2
- ApplyOnline
Medical Visa (regular)
For the patient · Embassy or IVACApplied for through the Indian Embassy, High Commission or an Indian Visa Application Centre. For nationals not eligible for the e-Visa, or for longer treatment plans.
- StayPer treatment plan
- EntriesUp to 3
- ApplyIn person
Medical Attendant Visa (regular)
For family members · Embassy or IVACFor family members travelling with a regular Medical Visa patient, applied for at the same mission as the patient.
- WhoFamily members
- NumberUsually up to 2
- ApplyIn person
At a glance
e-Medical Visa vs Regular Medical Visa
Your case manager confirms which one fits your nationality and treatment plan.
| e-Medical Visa | Regular Medical Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online, on the official Indian e-Visa website | Indian Embassy, High Commission or Visa Application Centre in your country |
| Who can apply | Nationals of countries on the e-Visa list | All nationalities |
| When to apply | At least 4 days before arrival | Several weeks before travel; processing times vary by mission |
| Length of stay | Up to 60 days from first arrival, extendable in some cases | Based on the treatment plan, usually longer than the e-Visa |
| Entries | Up to three | Up to three |
| Attendants | Up to 2 e-Medical Attendant Visas | Medical Attendant Visas, usually up to 2 |
| Arrival in India | Through designated e-Visa airports and seaports | Any authorised immigration check post |
| Registration in India | Not usually needed within the e-Visa stay | Usually with the FRRO / FRO within 14 days of arrival |
How to apply
e-Medical Visa in Five Steps
01
Choose your hospital
Send your reports. We share opinions and estimates, and you pick the hospital.
02
Get the invitation letter
We arrange the hospital's letter on its letterhead, naming the patient and attendants.
03
Apply online
Fill in the form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, upload documents and pay the fee there.
04
Receive your ETA
The Electronic Travel Authorisation arrives by email. Print it and carry it.
05
Fly to India
The visa is stamped at immigration on arrival, after fingerprints and a photo.
Document checklist
What You Need to Apply
Patient
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival, with at least 2 blank pages
- Recent passport-size photo with a white background (digital copy)
- Scan of the passport's photo (bio-data) page
- Invitation letter from the hospital in India, on its letterhead
- Recent medical reports supporting the need for treatment
- A card for paying the visa fee online
Attendant
- Passport, photo and bio-data page scan, as above
- The patient's visa application or visa number
- Attendant's name included in the hospital's invitation letter
Applying from your country
Where to Apply
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is not on the e-Visa list. Patients apply for a regular Medical Visa through an Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC). We share the hospital letter and help you prepare the file.
Africa and the Middle East
Nationals of many countries in Africa and the Middle East can apply online for the e-Medical Visa. The eligible list changes, so check it on the official e-Visa website or ask us. If your country is not on it, apply for a regular Medical Visa at the Indian Embassy or High Commission.
Use only official websites. The e-Visa is issued at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Other sites that look official may charge extra fees. Shifara Health does not charge for visa help.
In India
After You Arrive
Your case manager stays with you from the airport to the day you fly home.
Airport pickup
Our team meets you at arrivals and takes you to the hospital or your stay. Ambulance pickup for patients who need it.
Registration (FRRO)
Regular Medical Visa holders usually register with the FRRO / FRO within 14 days of arrival, online at indianfrro.gov.in. We help with the form.
Visa extension
If treatment takes longer than planned, apply for an extension online through the FRRO before your visa ends, with a letter from the treating hospital.
Stay near the hospital
Guest houses, serviced apartments and hotels close to the hospital, for the patient and attendants.
Interpreters
Arabic, French, Bengali, Russian and other language support at consultations and in hospital.
Local SIM and money
Help getting an Indian SIM card (passport and visa needed) and exchanging currency at authorised exchanges.
Before you fly
Travel Checklist
- Printed visa (ETA), passport and hospital letter in your hand luggage
- All medical reports, scans and prescriptions, on paper and on your phone
- Enough of your regular medicines, with the prescription
- Flight details shared with your case manager for airport pickup
- Money for the first days, and a card that works abroad
- Copies of passports and visas, kept separately from the originals
- Comfortable clothes for the hospital and the season
Questions
Visa FAQs
No. Visas are issued only by the Government of India. We arrange the hospital invitation letter, help you fill in the form correctly and answer your questions. The decision on every application is made by the Indian authorities.
The fee depends on your nationality and is shown on the official website when you apply. It is paid online to the Government of India and is not refundable. Our help is free.
Many applications are decided within a few working days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 4 days before you travel, and earlier if you can.
No. Hospitals need a medical visa to admit international patients for planned treatment. Travelling on the wrong visa can delay admission.
Usually close family members. Up to two attendants can travel with one patient. Their names should be in the hospital's invitation letter.
Apply for an extension through the FRRO before the visa expires, with a letter from the treating hospital. Your case manager helps you with the application.
e-Visa holders arrive through designated airports and seaports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. The full list is on the official e-Visa website.
Visa rules are set by the Government of India and can change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm the current rules on indianvisaonline.gov.in and indianfrro.gov.in, or with the Indian mission in your country.
Need help with your medical visa?
Share your reports. Once you choose a hospital, we arrange the invitation letter and guide you through the application, free.