You've made the hard decision - to seek treatment abroad. Now comes the part that trips almost everyone up: the paperwork.
The good news is that India created a visa specifically for patients like you. It's faster to get than a tourist visa, applied for entirely online, and once someone explains it clearly, genuinely straightforward. That's what this guide does.
What Is the e-Medical Visa?
India's e-Medical Visa (e-MV) exists because the Indian government actively wants international patients to come. Under its Heal in India initiative, the process is designed to be simple:
- 60 days in India per visit
- Triple entry - exit and re-enter up to three times on one visa
- 72-hour processing in most cases
- Available to 160+ countries, applied for fully online
One thing most people miss: your companion doesn't need a tourist visa. India has a dedicated e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MATv) for up to two family members travelling with you. Apply for both at the same time.
Documents You Need
Collect everything before you start the application - stopping halfway causes errors.
Patient (e-Medical Visa):
- Passport valid for 6 months from your arrival date in India (not departure - arrival)
- Recent passport photo - white background, taken within 6 months
- Hospital letter from your treating hospital in India confirming your appointment and treatment type. Sano Healthcare and Tourism prepares this for you.
- Medical records - diagnosis letter, referral, or recent test results
- Bank statement from the last 3 months
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel
Companion (e-Medical Attendant Visa):
- Passport (same requirements)
- Passport photo
- Copy of your approved e-Medical Visa
- Relationship document - marriage or birth certificate (not always required, but bring it)
How to Apply - Step by Step
1. Go to the official portal only
indianvisaonline.gov.in → Apply for e-Visa → select e-Medical Visa. Don't pay a third-party site to do this - the portal is free to use.
2. Fill the form carefully
You'll need your hospital's name and address, your port of entry (the airport you'll land at), and your travel dates. Errors here cause rejections. Don't rush.
3. Upload photo and documents
Photo must be minimum 200x200px, under 1MB, white background - the portal is strict.
4. Pay the fee
$25–$80 USD depending on nationality. Paid by card.
5. Wait for approval - then print it
Usually 72 hours. You'll get an email. Print the visa document - immigration requires a physical copy, not a phone screen.
6. At the airport
Use the e-Visa lane. Present your printed visa, passport, and hospital letter. Medical visa holders clear immigration quickly.
5 Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Tourist visa instead of e-Medical Visa - it creates problems. Always apply for the right category.
- Passport expiry - must be valid 6 months from arrival, not departure. Check now.
- Photo rejected - wrong dimensions or background. White background, under 1MB, recent.
- Applying too late - give yourself 10–14 days minimum before travel.
- Wrong port of entry - the visa is tied to the airport you list. If plans change, reapply.
For the Family Member Doing This Research
If you're the one with the browser open at midnight while the patient sleeps - a few things for you specifically:
The patient's name must match their passport exactly - every middle name, hyphen, and space. Check the passport before touching the form.
If the patient can't manage the journey alone, tell Sano's team before booking anything. It changes the arrival arrangements.
If English isn't your language, Sano works in 120+ languages. This entire process can happen in yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Indian medical visa take?
Typically 72 hours. Up to 5 business days around public holidays. Apply 10–14 days before you travel.
Can my spouse travel with me?
Yes - on the e-Medical Attendant Visa. Up to two companions can travel this way.
Do I need to visit an embassy?
No. The entire process is online.
What if I need to stay longer than 60 days?
Extensions are possible through India's FRRO. Discuss with Sano's team before you travel.
Is the visa fee refundable if treatment is cancelled?
No - it's non-refundable, like all Indian e-Visa fees.
What Sano Handles for You
When you travel with Sano Healthcare and Tourism, the visa is part of the standard service - no extra charge:
Your hospital letter is prepared. Every document is checked before submission. Your companion's visa is filed at the same time. If anything needs correcting, Sano handles it. Airport assistance is arranged on arrival.
One less thing to carry.
Book a free consultation → or WhatsApp +91 85300 54299 - 24/7, in your language.
All hospitals in Sano's network are Ministry of Health-registered and NABH-accredited. How Sano works → | View treatments →
