What Is an Indian Medical Visa?
An Indian medical visa is a special entry permit issued to foreign nationals travelling to India for treatment at a recognised hospital. It requires proof of the medical condition, an invitation or admission letter from the treating hospital, and financial means, and it allows a longer stay than a standard tourist visa.
Which Visa Route Applies to You?
| Your nationality | Route | Where to apply | Typical timeline* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Regular Medical (“M”) visa | IVAC centre after online application | 7–15 working days |
| Myanmar | e-Medical visa (+ e-Medical Attendant) | Official Government of India e-visa portal | About 72 hours |
| Nepal | No visa required (1950 Treaty) | Travel with passport or voter ID | Immediate |
Documents Required for a Medical Visa
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay
- Completed online visa application form with photo as per specifications
- Hospital invitation / admission letter from the Indian hospital (see below)
- All relevant medical reports from your home country (diagnosis, imaging, lab results)
- Proof of funds — recent bank statements or sponsor letter covering estimated treatment cost
- Return/onward travel plan and local address of stay in India
- For attendants: relationship proof with the patient
The Hospital Invitation Letter: Your Key Document
The invitation letter is issued by the treating hospital after its specialists review your reports. It states the diagnosis, proposed treatment, estimated cost, expected duration of stay and the validity period requested for your visa. Consulates treat this letter as the anchor of the application — vague letters cause most rejections and delays.
NEIMHAANS prepares and submits your reports to hospitals, obtains the invitation letter, and formats supporting documents exactly as visa officers expect. See how our concierge process works from airport pickup to admission.
Bangladesh: Step-by-Step Through IVAC
- Get an invitation letter first. Share reports via NEIMHAANS or directly with the hospital; do not book IVAC slots without it.
- Fill the online visa application on the official portal and print the submitted form.
- Book an appointment at an IVAC centre (Dhaka Gulshan/Banani, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna) and pay the visa fee in BDT as instructed.
- Attend with originals: passport, photos, form, invitation letter, medical reports, bank statements.
- Track and collect your passport when the visa is processed; verify visa validity dates immediately.
- Apply for attendant visas simultaneously — usually up to two close relatives can accompany a patient.
Plan 3–4 weeks ahead during peak seasons. Emergency cases can request expedited handling with hospital support letters.
Myanmar: The e-Medical Visa Route
- Apply on the official Indian e-visa portal under e-Medical Visa, uploading your passport scan, photo and hospital details.
- Add e-Medical Attendant visas (typically up to two attendants linked to your application).
- Pay the fee online; most decisions arrive within about 72 hours by email.
- The e-Medical visa typically allows triple entry within a 60-day window — useful for multi-cycle cancer treatment.
- Carry a printed copy of the ETA plus your invitation letter when boarding.
Nepal: No Visa Needed
Under the 1950 India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Nepali citizens travel to India without a visa using a passport, or a voter ID card with recent photographs for land borders. There is no medical visa paperwork at all — families only need hospital appointments, funds and accommodation arranged. Our team regularly receives Nepali patients in Bangalore; see why Nepali families choose South India for treatment.
Common Mistakes That Delay Medical Visas
- Booking flights before the invitation letter is issued
- Incomplete or untranslated medical reports
- Bank statements that do not clearly cover the estimated treatment cost
- Attendant applications filed separately instead of linked to the patient’s case
- Using unofficial agents or lookalike websites that charge hidden fees
NEIMHAANS coordinates directly with hospital international desks so your visa file is complete the first time.
Start your visa paperwork →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Indian medical visa take?
E-Medical visas are often approved within about 72 hours. Regular medical visas from Bangladesh typically take 7–15 working days after IVAC submission, longer in peak season, so apply three to four weeks before travel.
Can my family come with me on a medical visa?
Yes. Patients can usually bring up to two close relatives on medical attendant visas, which run parallel to the patient’s visa validity and require proof of relationship.
Can a medical visa be extended if treatment takes longer?
Yes. If the treating doctor certifies that continued treatment is needed, extensions can be sought through the FRRO/e-FRRO system in India with hospital supporting documents.
Do I need a visa if I am transiting through another country?
Possibly yes — transit rules depend on the connecting country and airport. Check transit visa requirements for each stopover separately; they are independent of your Indian medical visa.
Is the e-Medical visa available for all nationalities?
No. The e-Medical visa covers many nationalities including Myanmar citizens, but Bangladeshi nationals must apply through IVAC for a regular medical visa. Confirm eligibility on the official government portal.