How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India Online : Eligibility, Fees and Timeline

Travelling to India for medical treatments can feel stressful — tests, hospital visits, travel plans, and paperwork all at once. This friendly guide explains, in plain English, how to apply for a Medical Visa to India online. Read through and you’ll know who is eligible, what papers you need, how to use the official portal, expected fees and timeframes, and real tips people use to make the trip smoother. By the time you finish, you should have no doubts about the process and feel ready to apply.

What is a Medical Visa to India?

A Medical Visa to India is the visa for people who come to India specifically to receive medical treatment at a recognised hospital or treatment centre. It can also cover people who come as attendants to help the patient during their stay. This is not a tourist visa — hospitals must confirm your appointment and give a proper letter showing the treatment plan. For official forms and to apply, always start at the government visa portal.

Who can apply (simple)

You can apply for a Medical Visa to India if:

Your main reason to visit India is medical treatment at an established hospital or clinic.
The hospital in India gives you an invitation or appointment letter that explains the treatment and how long it will take.
Your passport is valid (usually at least six months from date of arrival) and has blank pages for the visa sticker or stamp.

If you will bring one or two helpers, they can apply for a medical attendant visa, but the hospital letter must name them. Official consulate pages and visa centres list country-specific rules, so check those too.

Documents to prepare (checklist you can use)

Before you begin the online form, collect:

Original passport (valid and with blank pages).
Recent passport-size photograph(s).
Hospital letter on official letterhead stating the treatment, doctor’s name, estimated duration and naming attendants if any.
Medical reports from your home country describing your illness and why you need treatment.
Proof you can pay for treatment and stay (bank statements or letter of financial support).
Printed copy of the completed online visa application and payment receipt (if required).

Visa centres such as VFS publish checklists — using their checklist helps avoid extra trips.

Step-by-step: How to apply online

Go to the India Visa Online portal. This is the official site to start your application — don’t use unofficial sites that look similar.
Choose the Medical Visa category (or e-Medical, if your country is eligible) and fill in the online form carefully with your personal, passport and medical details.
Upload digital copies of required documents if the portal asks, then submit and print the form.
Book an appointment at the visa application centre or the Indian mission in your country for document submission and biometrics, if needed. Some places require you to submit originals in person.
Pay the fee (fee varies by nationality and visa type) and keep payment proof.
Track the application and, once approved, follow the instructions — you will receive either a sticker visa or an e-visa depending on the process for your country.

If you see unclear wording on forms, ask hospital staff or the visa centre — they help many patients and know the usual format.

Fees & timeline — what to expect

Visa fees are different for every nationality and service (regular medical visa vs e-medical visa). Expect to pay the visa fee plus any service fees charged by application centres. The official portal and local mission pages show the exact fee table for your country.

For e-Medical visas, many missions accept applications at least 4 days before arrival and allow you to choose an arrival date within a 120-day window. Regular sticker medical visas may take longer depending on appointment availability at your local mission or VFS centre, so start as soon as you have the hospital letter.

Extensions and registration in India

If your treatment takes longer than expected, you can apply for a visa extension through the e-FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) portal while in India. Some visitors on medical visas must also register with FRRO within a few days of arrival — check the rules for your nationality. Keep hospital certificates ready when applying for an extension.

Common mistakes and helpful tips

Don’t use unofficial websites. Type India Visa Online into your browser and confirm the government address.
Make sure the hospital letter includes the treatment plan and dates — incomplete letters cause delays.
Start early — embassy appointments and biometrics add time.
Keep printed and digital copies of all records; immigration officers may ask for originals when you arrive.
If English is difficult, ask a trusted hospital rep or friend to help with the form.

Quick FAQs (short answers)

Q: How many attendants can come?
A: Typically up to two attendants are allowed if named in the hospital letter. l

Q: Where do I read full India Visa Requirements?
A: Check the official India Visa Online portal and your nearest Indian embassy or consulate page for the exact, country-specific India Visa Requirements.

Final note

Getting a Medical Visa to India is a step-by-step process, and hospitals and visa centres help patients through it every day. Keep your documents ready, start early, and use official pages for the application. If you want, I can turn this into a printable checklist, or draft a sample hospital invitation letter you can send to the Indian hospital to speed things up. Would you like either of those?