How to get a medical visa from United States to India step by step guide
India is one of the world's largest medical tourism destinations, with JCI and NABH accredited hospitals, internationally trained specialists, and treatment costs that typically run 60–80% lower than in Western countries. The Government of India issues a dedicated e-Medical Visa for short term treatment at recognised hospitals, plus an e-Medical Attendant Visa so up to two blood relatives can travel together. Citizens of 169 countries are eligible to apply entirely online.
What makes India a leading medical destination
- 169 nationalities eligible for the e-Medical Visa
- Triple entry, valid 60 days from first arrival
- USD 80 government fee most approvals in 24–72 hours
How can I get a medical visa to India from United States?
Patients travelling from United States to India typically apply on the e-Medical Visa (fast e-Visa track) track. The flow below is the most common path; embassy or hospital sponsorship may add a single extra step.
- 1Prepare your documentsGather everything the India authorities require before opening the application incomplete files are the #1 cause of delay.
- 2Submit your applicationLodge the application using the e-Medical Visa (fast e-Visa track) channel. Plan for a decision in 24–72 hours (allow 3 days).
- 3After approvalCarry a printed visa, hospital invitation, insurance and a USD/local currency mix from day one in India.
Available to citizens of the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, S. Korea and most developed economies. The full process is online; no embassy visit is required.
- Processing time
- 24–72 hours (allow 3 days)
- Visa fee
- USD 80 + 2.5% bank charge
- Validity
- 60 days from arrival, triple entry
- Extension
- Up to 12 months via FRRO
Who is eligible for a India medical visa?
- Treatment must be at a recognised Indian hospital or treatment centre.
- A preliminary medical opinion should have been obtained in your home country with a referral on file.
- The procedure must be one of the categories the Med Visa covers: neurosurgery, organ transplant, cardiac, oncology, joint replacement, IVF, plastic & reconstructive surgery, gene therapy, and similar serious treatment.
- Up to two attendants who are blood relatives can travel on an e-Medical Attendant Visa, granted alongside the patient's visa.
- Passport must be machine readable and valid for at least 6 months beyond intended arrival, with two blank pages.
What documents do I need for a India medical visa?
- Valid passport (≥ 6 months validity beyond intended stay, 2 blank pages)
- Recent passport size colour photograph on a white background (2×2 in.)
- PDF scan of the passport bio page (uploaded during application)
- Letter from the treating Indian hospital on official letterhead, signed by the doctor
- Medical reports and diagnosis from a doctor in your home country
- Proof of financial means to cover treatment and stay (recent bank statement)
- Return / onward flight ticket
- Proof of residential address in your home country
How do I apply for a India medical visa step by step?
- 1Open the official Government of India e-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html only this domain is the real portal.
- 2Choose 'e-Medical Visa' (or 'e-Medical Attendant Visa' for an accompanying relative).
- 3Apply no fewer than 4 days before arrival; the application window is 120 days, so you can plan up to four months ahead.
- 4Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport mismatches are the most common cause of rejection.
- 5Upload your photo, the passport bio page, and the hospital letter (PDF, max 2 MB each).
- 6Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit or debit card; a 2.5% bank transaction charge is added on top.
- 7Save the Application ID printed on the receipt you'll need it to check status and re print the ETA.
- 8The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is normally delivered by email within 24–72 hours.
The portal may require a local language account or supporting documents. Yapita Health coordinators handle this for free.
Treatment packages in India
All inclusive, vetted packages you can book while you arrange your visa.
Knee replacement - Bilateral
- Knee replacement - Bilateral
- Max Hospital, Gurgaon
- 15 days in hospital
- 7 nights accommodation
Kidney Transplant
- Kidney Transplant
- Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
- 7 days in hospital
- 25 nights accommodation
Gastric Banding Surgery
- Gastric Banding Surgery
- CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon
- 3 days in hospital
- 5 nights accommodation
How much does a India medical visa cost from United States?
Available to citizens of the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, S. Korea and most developed economies. The full process is online; no embassy visit is required.
What should I do when I arrive in India for treatment?
- Carry a printed copy of your e-Medical Visa / ETA at all times it is checked at immigration and at hospital admission.
- Register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival if your total stay will exceed 180 days.
- Inform the hospital of your arrival date and confirm your appointment in writing.
- Keep your passport, ETA copy, hospital letter and original medical reports together in a single envelope.
- Buy a local SIM (Airtel, Jio, Vi) at the airport bring your passport and ETA for KYC.
- Carry small INR cash for cabs; cards and UPI are accepted at hospitals and major outlets.
How do I extend my India medical visa?
- Original passport with the current Medical Visa
- Letter from the treating hospital recommending an extension and the further duration needed
- Latest medical reports and discharge summary (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation in India
- Proof of sufficient funds for the extended stay
- Completed FRRO / e-FRRO extension application (indianfrro.gov.in)
- Two recent passport size photographs
How long is a India medical visa valid?
The e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from first arrival in India, with triple entry. The traditional sticker Medical Visa is normally issued for up to one year or the duration of treatment (whichever is less), also with triple entry. The FRRO can grant further extensions in blocks that match the treatment plan, on the treating hospital's written recommendation.
Frequently asked questions India medical visa
Sources & official references
Verified guidance from official government portals and accredited bodies:

