IndiaIndia Medical e-VisaComplete Guide for U.S. Patients
India has a dedicated Medical Visa category — a tourist visa is not valid for treatment. This guide covers the exact requirements, fees, documents, and process for the India e-Medical Visa (e-MV) for American patients traveling for healthcare.
Important: Apply through indianvisaonline.gov.in only. Third-party lookalike sites charge 2–5x the government fee for the same application. The fee is non-refundable.
Visa at a Glance
Key facts — no estimates, no ranges where the exact figure is known.
e-Medical Visa (e-MV)
Dedicated medical category — tourist visa is NOT valid for treatment
60 days from first arrival
Extendable to 6 months via FRRO for long-term treatment
Triple entry
Three entries within the 60-day validity window
~USD 84–100
Plus 2.5% bank processing charge. Non-refundable.
3–5 business days
Apply at least 4 business days before travel. Not same-day.
indianvisaonline.gov.in
Only this URL. Third-party lookalike sites charge 2–5× the fee.
6+ months from arrival date
Plus minimum 2 blank pages for immigration stamps
25 designated airports + 5 seaports
Cannot enter through road crossings or non-designated ports
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India — indianvisaonline.gov.in. Fee amounts shown are approximate and subject to change.
Required Documents
Every item below is required by the Government of India for e-Medical Visa processing. Missing or incorrectly formatted documents are the primary cause of rejection.
Valid U.S. Passport
RequiredMinimum 6 months validity from arrival date. At least 2 blank pages.
Hospital Invitation Letter (Appendix II Format)
RequiredMust be issued by a NABH-, MCI-, ICMR-, or CGHS-accredited hospital in India. The letter must be on hospital letterhead, include the treating doctor's signature, specify diagnosis and treatment plan, estimated duration, and treatment cost. This is the most critical document — visa is typically rejected without a properly formatted Appendix II letter.
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
RequiredFront-facing, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Proof of Financial Means
RequiredBank statement showing sufficient funds to cover treatment costs, accommodation, and return travel.
Medical Records / Diagnosis Reports
RequiredRecent test results, imaging, biopsy reports, or referring physician's letter documenting the medical condition requiring treatment in India.
Travel Itinerary
RecommendedConfirmed or provisional flight booking showing onward/return travel.
The Appendix II Hospital Letter — What It Must Contain
The hospital invitation letter (Appendix II format) is the most critical document. Indian embassies have rejected visa applications where the letter was missing any of the following elements:
- Hospital letterhead with NABH / MCI / ICMR / CGHS accreditation number
- Patient full name (exactly as in passport)
- Specific diagnosis requiring treatment in India
- Proposed treatment plan and procedures
- Treating doctor's name, qualification, and signature
- Estimated duration of treatment (in weeks or months)
- Approximate treatment cost in USD or INR
- Hospital address and contact details
Sultan GHC coordinates this letter directly with the hospital. You do not need to manage this yourself.
Application Process — Step by Step
Five steps from first contact with the hospital to clearing immigration at your arrival airport.
Get your Hospital Invitation Letter (Appendix II)
Contact your chosen hospital in India. Request an invitation letter in the official Appendix II format. The hospital must be accredited by NABH, MCI, ICMR, or CGHS. This letter must include your diagnosis, proposed treatment, doctor's name and signature, estimated duration, and approximate cost. Sultan GHC arranges this letter on your behalf — it is included in our patient coordination service.
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in
Visit the official portal only. Select "e-Medical Visa." Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and upload the required documents. Pay the government fee (approx. USD 84–100 for US citizens) plus the 2.5% bank charge. Do not use third-party websites.
Receive your ETA by email
Processing takes 3–5 business days. Your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is emailed to you. Print a physical copy — Indian immigration officers may ask for it alongside your passport. Save a digital backup on your phone.
Arrive through a designated airport
Present your ETA printout and passport at immigration. e-Medical Visa holders may only enter through one of the 25 designated international airports or 5 seaports. You cannot enter through land borders.
Register with FRRO if staying beyond 180 days
For most nationalities including U.S. citizens: register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival if your stay will exceed 180 days. For extended treatment (organ transplant, cancer therapy, etc.), apply for a 6-month extension through FRRO.
Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X)
Family members accompanying the patient must apply for a separate Medical Attendant Visa. This is a distinct visa category — a tourist visa is not valid for an attendant accompanying a medical patient.
Designated Entry Airports
Medical e-Visa holders may only enter India through these 25 international airports. Entry through land borders or non-designated ports is not permitted.
All five medical destination cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) are on the approved list. Exit may be through any authorized Immigration Check Post.
Long-Stay Treatments — Extension via FRRO
The initial e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days. Treatments such as organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, multi-cycle chemotherapy, or complex cardiac surgeries with extended recovery may require longer stays. India allows extensions through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Initial Visa
60 days
Triple entry. Issued with the e-Medical Visa. No action required.
FRRO Extension
Up to 6 months
Apply at FRRO after arriving in India with hospital documentation confirming ongoing treatment need.
MHA Approval
Beyond 6 months
Exceptional cases only. Requires Ministry of Home Affairs approval. FRRO files on behalf of patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a tourist visa for medical treatment in India?
No. The Government of India requires a specific e-Medical Visa for patients seeking treatment. A tourist visa does not permit medical treatment and could result in denial of entry or legal complications.
How long does it take to get the India Medical e-Visa?
3 to 5 business days from the date of application submission. The official portal advises applying at minimum 4 business days before travel. Same-day processing is not available.
What is the Appendix II hospital letter and who issues it?
Appendix II is the official Government of India format for the hospital invitation letter required with every Medical e-Visa application. It must be issued by an Indian hospital accredited by NABH, MCI, ICMR, or CGHS. It must include: patient name, diagnosis, proposed treatment, doctor's name and signature, hospital accreditation details, estimated treatment duration, and approximate cost.
My treatment in India will take more than 60 days. What do I do?
The initial e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days with triple entry. For longer treatments such as organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, or multi-cycle cancer therapy, you can apply for an extension of up to 6 months through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) after arriving in India. Further extensions beyond 6 months require Ministry of Home Affairs approval.
Can my spouse accompany me to India?
Yes. Up to 2 attendants (for US citizens) may accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X). Attendants must be immediate blood relatives — spouse, parent, child, or sibling. They must apply simultaneously with the patient, not separately after visa approval. Attendants cannot apply for MED-X if the patient's visa has already been approved.
Can I enter India through any airport?
No. Medical e-Visa holders may only enter through 25 designated international airports and 5 designated seaports. You cannot enter through land borders or non-designated ports. All major medical hubs (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) are on the approved list.
Is the India Medical e-Visa fee refundable if rejected?
No. The government fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Sultan GHC assists all patients with the hospital letter and document review before application to minimize rejection risk.
Does Sultan GHC assist with the Medical Visa process?
Yes. Sultan GHC coordinates the hospital invitation letter (Appendix II format), reviews your document checklist before submission, and guides you through the application process step by step. Visa facilitation is included in our concierge service at no additional charge.
How Sultan GHC Supports Your Visa Process
Navigating a foreign visa system while managing a medical situation is stressful. Sultan GHC handles the administrative side so you can focus on your health.