Medical Visa for India: Documents International Patients May Need in 2026

What documents do international patients need for a medical visa to India?

International patients travelling to India for hospital treatment typically need a valid passport, a medical visa (not a tourist visa), a letter from a recognised Indian hospital confirming the treatment, proof of sufficient funds, and return travel documentation. Lilavati International in Mumbai, a JCI- and NABH-accredited quaternary-care hospital in Bandra West, provides the hospital invitation letter that forms the core of most medical visa applications.

What is the difference between a medical visa and a tourist visa for India?

A tourist visa does not permit entry into India for the primary purpose of receiving medical treatment. The Indian government issues a dedicated Medical Visa (MED) for this purpose. Key differences are outlined below.

What is the full document checklist for an Indian medical visa application?

The following documents are commonly required when applying for an Indian Medical Visa. Requirements may vary by nationality and the issuing Indian mission — confirm with the relevant Indian embassy or consulate before submitting.

1. Valid passport — with at least six months' validity beyond the intended date of travel and at least two blank pages.
2. Completed visa application form — available online through the Indian government's e-visa portal or from the Indian mission in your country.
3. Recent passport-size photographs — meeting the specifications stated on the application form.
4. Hospital invitation or confirmation letter — issued by a recognised Indian hospital (such as Lilavati International, Bandra West, Mumbai) confirming the nature of treatment, the treating specialist, and the expected duration of stay.
5. Medical records and reports — relevant diagnostic reports, discharge summaries, or specialist referral letters from your home-country doctor explaining the condition requiring treatment in India.
6. Proof of financial means — bank statements or a financial guarantee demonstrating the ability to cover treatment and living costs during the stay.
7. Return or onward travel documentation — confirmed flight bookings or an itinerary.
8. Visa fee payment receipt — fees vary by nationality; confirm the current amount with the issuing Indian mission.

For patients applying for a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X), each attendant must submit their own application referencing the primary patient's visa application number and the hospital letter.

How do I apply for a medical visa to India for hospital treatment?

The application process for an Indian Medical Visa follows these steps. Timelines and procedures may differ slightly depending on your country of residence and the Indian mission handling your application.

1. Contact the hospital first. Reach out to Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai to share your medical records and confirm your treatment plan. The hospital will issue the required invitation letter once the treating specialist has reviewed your case.
2. Obtain the hospital letter. The letter should be on the hospital's official letterhead and include the patient's name, the nature of treatment, the name of the treating doctor, and the estimated duration of stay.
3. Complete the visa application form. Fill in the Indian Medical Visa application form accurately. For eligible nationalities, the e-Medical Visa (online application) is available. Others must apply through the Indian embassy or consulate in their country.
4. Compile your document package. Gather all documents listed in the checklist above, including medical records, financial proof, and travel documentation.
5. Submit the application. Submit online (for e-Medical Visa) or in person at the Indian mission. Pay the applicable visa fee.
6. Await processing. Processing times vary. E-Medical Visa decisions are typically communicated within a few business days for eligible applicants; consulate applications may take longer depending on the mission and nationality.
7. Travel and register. On arrival in India, foreign nationals are required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if their stay exceeds 180 days, or as directed by the visa conditions.

Can Lilavati International in Mumbai support my medical visa application?

Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai is a JCI-accredited (8th Edition) and NABH-accredited quaternary-care hospital that provides dedicated international patient support. The hospital's international patient services team can assist with the following:

• Issuing the official hospital invitation letter required for the Medical Visa application
• Coordinating with the treating specialist to prepare a treatment summary for submission with your visa documents
• Providing guidance on the documentation your home-country doctor should prepare
• Arranging pre-arrival consultations to confirm the treatment plan before you travel
• Supporting Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X) documentation for accompanying family members

The hospital is located at A-791, Bandra Reclamation Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays, with no appointment required for emergency care. For planned treatment and visa support, contact the international patient services team in advance.

Specialist support is available across cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, interventional radiology, and cardiothoracic surgery, among other disciplines. The hospital's infrastructure includes a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, multiple operation theatres, ICU, ICCU, SICU, PICU, NICU, stroke unit, blood bank, pathology, dialysis, and round-the-clock CT, MRI, ultrasound, and diagnostic laboratory services.