Indian Medical Visa Duration: A Complete Guide for Patients
India is a leading destination for medical tourism, offering advanced treatments at affordable costs. To accommodate international patients, the government issues a Medical Visa (M-Visa), allowing foreigners to enter India for specialized medical care. Understanding the Indian Medical Visa duration is essential for planning your treatment and stay.
Initial Duration and Validity
The Medical Visa validity depends on the treatment and hospital suggestions:-
Standard Validity – The initial visa is valid for six months to one year.
Multiple Entries – Triple entry is most commonly allowed, so patients can travel back home and re-enter India for follow-up visits.
Approval Basis – The validity is dependent on the treatment schedule, with longer visas being issued for complex treatments such as transplants or cancer treatment.
Extension of Medical Visa
For patients who need extended treatment, extensions are an option:-
Eligibility – A visa extension is issued when the patient still needs medical care.
Maximum Extension – The Government of India allows for extensions up to one additional year on a case-by-case basis due to medical reasons.
Approval Process – Patients need to apply at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) with:
Recommendation from a doctor
Records from the hospital to establish a need for ongoing treatment
Documentation of financial arrangements to cover extended stay
Exceptional Cases – Rarely extended except in case of life-threatening situations.
Medical Attendant Visa
Patients seeking medical treatment in India might require accompanying care. A Medical Attendant Visa is available from the government for attendants:-
Eligibility – Family members or near attendants
Number Allowed – Two attendants for one patient
Visa Duration – Comparable to the patient’s Medical Visa duration
Travel Restrictions – The visa holder is not allowed to work in India and must travel with the patient
Main Indian Medical Visa Requirements
To get a medical visa, the following documents are necessary:-
Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
- Recent passport photographs
- Documentation of treatment by an authorized Indian hospital
- Financial documentation of being able to afford medical treatment
- Booked return flight tickets
Medical Visa Duration Key Takeaways
- Normal Validity – 6 months to 1 year
- Multiple Entries – Permitted (up to 3 times)
- Visa Extension – Possible for up to 1 extra year
- Medical Attendants – Up to 2 family members permitted
- Approval Required – Based on doctor and hospital recommendations
conclusion
While organizing medical travel to India, it is important to make sure your Medical Visa period is according to your treatment plan. In case your treatment needs an extension, applying well ahead of time at the FRRO can avoid legal complications. With proper documentation and planning, India offers access to world-class healthcare to global patients.