If you are traveling to India specifically for medical treatment, the India e-Medical Visa (e-MV) is the correct and required entry document. This electronic visa system also includes the related e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV) for necessary family members or caregivers.
The India e-MV allows you to pre-process your visa online, granting triple-entry authorization necessary for treatment over a short period. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you must take to obtain your India e-Medical Visa and/or e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV) quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the India e-Medical Visa?
- Do I Need an India e-Medical Visa?
- e-MAVs for Medical Attendants
- e-MV Features: Duration and Entries
- Applying for Your E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official India e-Medical Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the E-Visa: Other India Entry Requirements
- India e-Medical Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the India e-Medical Visa?
The India e-Medical Visa (e-MV) is an official, electronic visa intended for foreign visitors whose only purpose of visiting India is to receive medical treatment. This covers treatment provided by any accredited or specialized hospital or medical institution in India.
Do I Need an India e-Medical Visa?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need a specific visa for medical treatment in India. You must get an e-MV if your objective is to receive medical treatment at a recognized hospital or medical institution in India.
e-MAVs for Medical Attendants
If you are traveling to India as an accompanying family member or caregiver for the patient, you must apply for the e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV). A maximum of two attendants are granted the e-MAV for every one e-MV.
e-MV Features: Duration and Entries
The e-Medical Visa provides specific benefits tailored to the nature of medical travel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration of Stay: | Up to 60 days from the date of first arrival into India. |
| Entries: | Triple-Entry (allows up to three entries into India within the validity period). |
| Validity (Entry Window): | Must be requested within 120 days before arrival in India. |
| Extension: | Non-extendable and non-convertible under e-Visa rules. A formal, physical Medical Visa may be required for stays longer than 60 days. |
e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV) Details
The e-MAV is designed to match e-MV, meaning both visas share the same conditions:
- Duration of Stay: Both the e-MAV and the e-MV permit a stay of up to 60 days from the date of arrival.
- Entries: Both grant Triple-Entry, allowing the attendant to accompany the patient through three entries into India within the 60 days.
- Application Window: Applications must be submitted within the same window: a maximum of 120 days before the date of arrival.
- Status: The e-MAV is non-extendable and non-convertible to any other visa type.
Applying for Your E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
The application process for the e-Medical Visa is more detailed than for a tourist visa, as it requires specific supporting documents from the Indian hospital.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating the official government portal, applying directly is the most cost-effective method. You must be prepared to upload the required medical documentation.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers facing complex documentation or needing to manage multiple applications (patient plus attendants), an assisted service is invaluable. iVisa simplifies the process, provides an expert review of your documentation (especially the critical hospital letter), and helps ensure a smooth submission for both the patient and attendant visas.
The Official India e-Medical Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The e-MV application must be completed entirely online via the official government portal.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Fee (U.S. Citizens): | US $80.00 (This is the standard fee for a long-validity e-visa, plus a 2.5% bank charge). |
| Processing Time (Standard): | Plan for up to 7 business days. Apply at least 4 days in advance. |
| Application Window: | Apply a minimum of 4 days, with a maximum window of 120 days, before arrival. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport (at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival and 2 blank passport pages).
- A digital photograph and a scanned copy of the passport's bio page.
- Mandatory: A letter from the hospital or medical institution in India confirming your treatment plan.
- e-MAV Applicants: Must also submit a letter from the hospital stating that an attendant is required and the patient's medical reports.
- A confirmed round-trip or onward flight ticket
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official Indian government portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Select the e-Medical Visa or e-Medical Attendant Visa category.
- Fill out the form with personal details and upload all mandatory supporting documents, especially the hospital letter.
Step 3: Pay and Receive Your E-Visa
- Pay the non-refundable government fee (approx. $80 USD, plus bank charge). Payment must be made at least 4 days before your arrival date.
- Submit your application.
- Confirmation: Once approved, you will receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) document via email. While the e-visa is digitally linked to your US passport, you must print this document and carry it with you to present to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Beyond the E-Visa: Other India Entry Requirements
The India e-Visa is your official permission to travel to India, but it does not guarantee entry. An approved e-MV or e-MAV does not guarantee entry into India. Immigration officers retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Printed e-MV/e-MAV: A physical, printed copy of your approved e-MV or e-MAV.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of arrival and have two blank pages.
- Medical Documents: Carry copies of the hospital letter and medical reports with you.
e-MV Entry Points
You must arrive through one of India’s designated international airports or seaports equipped for e-Visa processing.
India e-Medical Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The e-Medical Visa (e-MV) is for the patient receiving treatment. The e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV) is for a maximum of two accompanying family members/escorts and is co-terminus with the patient's visa.
The e-Medical Visa is a Triple-Entry visa, allowing you to enter India up to three times within the 60-day period. This is often necessary for treatment requiring scheduled departures and re-entries.
The e-MV itself is limited to a 60-day stay. If your treatment requires a longer duration, you must apply for a visa extension with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO/FRO) in India on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, apply for a regular (paper) Medical Visa before departure.
You must submit and pay the application fee at least 4 days in advance. However, since the process requires specific hospital documentation, it is advisable to apply 1 to 2 months before your planned departure.
No. The e-Medical Visa is strictly for the purpose of medical treatment. If you wish to visit India for tourism, you must apply for an India Tourist E-Visa (e-TV). When visiting India, you must ensure your activities are compatible with the visa you carry.
Apply for your India e-Medical Visa quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa simplify the documentation and submission process for both the patient and the attendant.
