Introduction of Indian Medical Visa fee

India has emerged as one of the world’s leading medical tourism destinations, attracting millions of international patients every year. Affordable treatment costs, world-class hospitals and medical infrastructure,  internationally trained and skilled doctors, and cutting-edge advanced medical technologies make India a preferred choice for complex and elective medical procedures. However, before planning treatment, understanding the Indian medical visa fee, medical visa fee India, India medical visa duration, and Indian medical visa requirements is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey.

This blog explains everything you need to know about the Indian Medical Visa in a simple, patient-friendly manner.

Eligibility for an Indian Medical Visa?

An Indian Medical Visa (M Visa)  is given to those seeking medical treatment in reputed/recognized/specialized hospitals/treatment centers in India. There are a maximum of two attendants who are blood relatives are allowed to accompany the applicant. 

 A medical visa offers:

  • Longer stay duration - The duration lasts from 60 days to 6 months and extends to 1 year, depending on the requirements of the treatment .
  • Multiple entry facility-  multiple entry ( 2 or 3 visits)
  • Possibility of extension may be granted up to 6 months on case to case basis on the merits of each case by the FRRO/ FRO concerned. 

The Indian government also issues a Medical Attendant Visa (MX Visa) for family members or caregivers accompanying the patient. Medical visa is categorised in e-Visa, as this can be applied online. An e-Visa is granted to international patients whose sole objective is to avail medical treatment and facilities in India. e-Medical Visa is provided to foreign nationals for medical treatment, including treatment under Indian systems of medicine. 

Procedure for applying for e-Visa: 

The foreign national may fill in the application online on the website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html . The applicant can apply 120 days in advance prior to the expected date of arrival in India. 

Indian Medical Visa Fee – Complete Cost Breakdown

The Indian medical visa fee varies depending on the applicant’s nationality, visa duration, and processing type. The medical visa fee in India is generally affordable compared to many other countries offering similar healthcare services.

Average Indian Medical Visa Fee (Indicative Range)

  • USD 110 – USD 160 for most countries
  • Additional service charges may apply
  • Fees differ for regular vs urgent processing

Factors Affecting Indian Medical Visa Fee

  • Applicant’s nationality
  • Number of entries requested
  • Visa validity period
  • Processing speed (normal or urgent)

Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected.

Medical Visa Fee India for US Citizens

  • Typically ranges between USD 160 – USD 250
  • Includes multiple-entry facility

Indian Medical Visa Fee for UK Citizens

  • Usually USD 120 – USD 150
  • Additional service charges may apply

Medical Visa Fee India for Gulf Countries

  • Generally lower than Western countries
  • Faster processing time

Indian Medical Visa Fee for SAARC Countries

  • Reduced visa fees
  • Simplified documentation in some cases

India Medical Visa Duration & Validity

Standard Medical Visa Duration

  • Valid for up to 6 months to 1 year. The initial period of validity of Medical Visa (MED Visa)/Medical Attendant Visa (MED X Visa) may be up to a period of one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. The Indian Missions/ Posts abroad may, however, grant a Medical Visa of 6 (six) months validity with triple entry as a default option to all foreign nationals except a few nationalities .
  • Issued as multiple-entry visa
  • Stay duration per visit is usually up to 60 days, extendable if required
  • Attendants/ family members of the patient coming to India for medical treatment may be granted Medical Attendant visa (MED X visa) co-terminus with the ‘Med Visa’ of the patient. However, minor children accompanying a parent, who has come for medical treatment on a Medical Visa, may be granted ‘X-Misc.’ visa co-terminus with the Medical Visa of the principal visa holder. 

Medical Visa Extension in India

  • Extensions are allowed based on medical necessity
  • Requires hospital recommendation and medical proof
  • Granted by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Medical Visa can be extended for a further period up to one year by the FRRO /FRO concerned on production of medical certificate from a Government/ ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)/ NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers)/ MCI (Medical Council of India)/ CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) recognized hospital. Any further extension will be granted only by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Registration

  1.  Foreign nationals (other than Pakistan nationals) holding Medical/ Medical Attendant Visa for a period exceeding 180 days will be required to get themselves registered with the FRRO/ FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival in India.
  2.  If the Medical / Medical Attendant Visa is valid for a period of 180 days or less, no registration would be required. 
  3.  Pakistan nationals holding a Medical Visa will be required to register themselves with the FRRO/ FRO concerned within 7 days of arrival in India, irrespective of the duration of the visa. 
  4.  Pakistan nationals holding a Medical Attendant Visa will be required to register themselves with the FRRO/ FRO concerned within 24 hours of arrival in India, irrespective of the duration of the visa. 

How Many Times Can A Person Enter India on a Medical Visa?

One of the biggest advantages of an Indian medical visa is its multiple-entry facility.

Multiple Entry Benefits

  • Patient can travel back and forth for follow-up treatments
  • Ideal for long-term therapies like oncology, organ transplants, or orthopedic rehabilitation
  • No need to apply for a fresh visa for every visit (within the validity period)

Indian Medical Visa Requirements

It is advisable to keep all documents ready for the Indian medical visa requirements . It further ensures faster approval and reduces rejection risk.

Mandatory Documents Checklist

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • A photo copy of the data page of passport
  • Completed online visa application form
  • Hospital invitation letter from an Indian medical institution.Typed Referral letter in original on letterhead with contact details, duly stamped and signed from a well reputed hospital/medical institute after examination of the patient’s condition specifying the nature of the patient’s illness and the reason for referring the patient for medical treatment to the established/specialized/recognised medical Institute/hospital concerned in India. 
  • Medical reports confirming diagnosis
  • Applicants must provide their own contact details including e-mail ID.
  • Proof of financial capability. A certified bank statement of last three months/guarantee letter issued by the bank in the name of the applicant, testifying his/her ability to meet expenses to cover medical and living expenses in India for the duration of the medical treatment. In case of sponsorship, an affidavit from the sponsor along with a copy of his/her Identity Card/Passport copy is to be attached.
  • Return or onward travel ticket

Hospital Letter Requirements for Medical Visa in  India

  • Patient’s name as per passport
  • Diagnosis and proposed treatment
  • Treatment duration
  • Hospital registration details
  • Authorized signature and seal

Only recognized hospitals approved by the Indian government are accepted.

Indian Medical Visa Requirements for Medical Attendants

Patients are allowed to bring up to two medical attendants under the Medical Attendant Visa (MX Visa).

Documents Required for Attendants

  • Passport and photographs
  • Proof of relationship with patient
  • Hospital letter mentioning attendant requirement
  • Copy of patient’s medical visa

Medical Attendant Visa Duration

  • Same validity as patient’s medical visa
  • Multiple-entry facility allowed

Step-by-Step Application Process for Indian Medical Visa

Step 1: Fill Online Application

  • Visit official Indian visa portal
  • Select Medical Visa (M Visa) category

Step 2: Upload Documents

  • Passport scan
  • Photograph
  • Hospital invitation letter

Step 3: Pay Indian Medical Visa Fee

  • Pay applicable medical visa fee India online

Step 4: Schedule Appointment

  • Biometric submission (if required)
  • Interview in rare cases

Step 5: Visa Processing & Approval

  • Processing time: 3–7 working days (may vary)

Common Reasons for Indian Medical Visa Rejection

Despite a high approval rate, some applications are rejected due to avoidable errors.

Top Reasons for Rejection

  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation
  • Applying under wrong visa category
  • Unrecognized hospital letter
  • Mismatch medical records or irregularities in documents.

How to Avoid Rejection

  • Double-check all documents
  • Ensure the hospital is government-approved
  • Apply well in advance

Benefits of Indian Medical Visa for Foreign Patients

There are many benefits by opting for an Indian Medical Visa. 

  • Access to world-class healthcare and medical facilities
  • Affordable treatment costs
  • Flexible visa duration and extension
  • Multiple-entry convenience
  • Availability of English-speaking doctors

How to reduce Delays in Indian Medical Visa Processing

  • Choose a well-recognized hospital
  • Submit complete medical records
  • Avoid last-minute applications
  • Keep passport validity above 6 months

Indian Medical Visa Fee vs Other Countries

 India  is one of the  highly cost-effective medical tourism destinations in comparison to other countries.

Cost Comparison

  • USA: Very high treatment & visa costs
  • UK: Expensive healthcare system
  • Thailand & Turkey: Competitive but limited treatment scope
  • India: A perfect blend and balance of cost, quality & visa flexibility

Conclusion

Understanding the Indian medical visa fee,duration and Indian medical visa requirements is the first step toward a successful medical journey. With significantly lower  visa costs, flexible duration, and excellent healthcare infrastructure, India continues to be a global leader in medical tourism.

Proper documentation, early application, and choosing a recognized hospital can ensure a smooth and hassle-free visa approval process.