Medical Visa from Japan to India: Complete Guide for Japanese Patients
Introduction: Why Japanese Patients Are Turning to India for Medical Care
Japan is globally respected for its healthcare system — technologically advanced, meticulously organised, and deeply patient-focused. Yet despite these strengths, a growing number of Japanese nationals are choosing India for specialised medical treatments, complex surgeries, and affordable long-term therapies. The reason is simple: India delivers comparable — and in many specialities, superior — outcomes at costs that are 60–80% lower than Japan’s private medical sector.
Whether it is a cardiac bypass, a knee replacement, a cancer treatment protocol, or a fertility procedure, India’s internationally accredited hospitals are equipped to handle the most complex cases with precision and care. The gateway to this medical journey is securing the correct Medical Visa from Japan to India — a specialised visa category designed exclusively for patients travelling to India for treatment.
This guide covers everything Japanese patients need to know: visa types, documentation, step-by-step application process, cost comparisons, and how Shifam Health makes the entire journey seamless.
Understanding the Medical Visa for Japanese Citizens
The Indian Medical Visa (M Visa) is issued to foreign nationals travelling solely for the purpose of medical treatment at government-recognised hospitals in India. Japanese passport holders can apply through two primary channels — the e-Medical Visa system for shorter treatments, or through the Indian Embassy in Tokyo for complex or long-term cases.
This visa is fundamentally different from a tourist or business visa. It allows longer stays, multiple entries, and can be extended on medical grounds when the treating hospital recommends it. One of its most valuable features is that up to two family members or companions can simultaneously apply for a Medical Attendant Visa, ensuring that Japanese patients are never alone during their treatment journey in India.
Types of Medical Visas Available for Japanese Patients
Japanese applicants typically choose between two visa options based on the nature and duration of their treatment:
1. e-Medical Visa (Online) Valid for 60 days from the date of first arrival, triple entry permitted, and ideal for short procedures, diagnostics, minimally invasive surgeries, or initial consultations.
2. Regular Medical Visa (Embassy Application — Tokyo) Valid for up to 1 year with multiple entries, this is the preferred route for Japanese patients undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplants, complex cardiac procedures, or any long-term therapy requiring repeated visits.
Complete Documentation Requirements for Japanese Patients
Accurate documentation is the foundation of a smooth visa approval. Japanese applicants should prepare the following before applying:
Core Documents: Valid Japanese passport with minimum 6 months’ validity from arrival date, recent passport-size photographs with white background, completed online visa application form, official medical invitation letter from a recognised Indian hospital, recent medical records and diagnostic reports relevant to the condition.
Financial & Travel Documents: Last 6 months’ bank statements proving financial sufficiency, tentative travel itinerary or flight booking reference, accommodation details in India, travel insurance (strongly recommended).
For Medical Attendants: Proof of relationship with the patient (family register or equivalent), copy of patient’s visa approval letter
Step-by-Step Application Process
For e-Medical Visa:
Step 1 — Visit the official Indian e-Visa portal and select “e-Medical Visa.” Enter your passport details, treatment information, and hospital details accurately.
Step 2 — Upload scanned copies of your Japanese passport bio page, photograph, and hospital invitation letter from your chosen Indian hospital.
Step 3 — Pay the visa fee online. The approximate fee for Japanese citizens ranges between USD 80–100 depending on season and application timing.
Step 4 — Processing takes 3–5 business days. Track your application status through the portal.
Step 5 — Upon approval, the visa is sent to your registered email. Print a copy and carry it with your passport for travel.
For Regular Medical Visa (Embassy Route — Tokyo): Submit physical documents at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo or through an authorised visa facilitation centre. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days. Complex medical cases may require additional documentation or verification from the treating Indian hospital
Cost Comparison: Medical Treatment in India vs. Japan vs. USA
One of the most compelling reasons Japanese patients choose India is the dramatic difference in treatment costs — without compromising on quality or outcomes.
| Procedure | India (USD) | Japan (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings with India | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass Surgery | $5,500 – $8,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 | $75,000+ | 75–90% | |
| Knee Replacement | $4,000 – $6,500 | $20,000 – $35,000 | $35,000+ | 75–85% | |
| Hip Replacement | $4,500 – $7,000 | $22,000 – $38,000 | $40,000+ | 75–85% | |
| Cancer Treatment (per cycle) | $2,500 – $4,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 | $25,000+ | 70–85% | |
| Liver Transplant | $13,000 – $20,000 | $80,000+ | $300,000+ | 85–95% | |
| IVF / Fertility Treatment | $2,500 – $5,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 | $20,000+ | 70–80% | |
| Spinal Surgery | $4,000 – $7,500 | $25,000 – $40,000 | $50,000+ | 80–90% | |
| LASIK Eye Surgery | $800 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $4,000+ | 60–75% |
All estimates include hospital charges, surgeon fees, and standard hospital stay. Visa Processing Timeline for Japanese Patients
| Application Type | Processing Time | Validity | Entry Type | Best Suited For | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Medical Visa | 3–5 business days | 60 days from arrival | Triple | Short surgeries, diagnostics | |
| Regular Medical Visa | 7–10 business days | Up to 1 year | Multiple | Long-term treatment | |
| Medical Attendant Visa | Same as patient | Same as patient | Same | Family companions | |
| Visa Extension (FRRO) | 15–20 working days | As medically required | N/A | Extended recovery |
Top Medical Specialities Chosen by Japanese Patients in India
| Specialty | Popular Procedures | Avg. Success Rate | Cost in India (USD) | Top Cities | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiology | Bypass, Angioplasty, Valve Replacement | 95–98% | $4,500 – $10,000 | Delhi, Chennai | |
| Orthopedics | Knee & Hip Replacement, ACL | 93–97% | $3,500 – $8,000 | Mumbai, Hyderabad | |
| Oncology | Chemotherapy, Proton Therapy | 85–92% | $2,000 – $6,000 | Mumbai, Bangalore | |
| Neurology | Brain & Spine Surgery | 90–95% | $5,000 – $12,000 | Delhi, Vellore | |
| Organ Transplant | Kidney, Liver, Bone Marrow | 88–94% | $12,000 – $25,000 | Chennai, Delhi | |
| Fertility | IVF, ICSI, Egg Freezing | 60–75% | $2,500 – $5,000 | Delhi, Mumbai | |
| Ophthalmology | LASIK, Cataract, Retina | 96–99% | $800 – $2,500 | Chennai, Hyderabad | |
| Cosmetic Surgery | Rhinoplasty, Hair Transplant | 92–96% | $1,500 – $4,000 | Mumbai, Delhi |
Why India Over Other Asian Medical Destinations?
Japanese patients often compare India with South Korea, Thailand, or Singapore before making a decision. India consistently stands out for several powerful reasons.
India has over 40 JCI-accredited hospitals — more than most Asian countries — and hundreds of NABH-certified facilities across major cities. Indian specialists in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics are globally trained, with many having worked in European and American institutions.
Critically, India offers zero waiting periods for elective surgeries, which is a significant contrast to Japan’s public health system where complex procedure waiting times can stretch for months.
The cost advantage is simply unmatched. Even when compared to Thailand or Singapore — popular medical tourism destinations — India’s prices are 30–50% lower for most major procedures. And unlike many destinations, India’s international hospital wings offer Japanese-language interpreter services upon request, making the experience far more comfortable for patients less familiar with English
One-Liner FAQs for Japanese Patients
3–5 days for e-Medical Visa; 7–10 days via the Indian Embassy in Tokyo.
Yes — up to two attendants can apply simultaneously for a Medical Attendant Visa.
Yes — extensions are granted through FRRO with a hospital recommendation letter.
Yes — leading Indian hospitals use FDA-approved and CE-marked implants and internationally recognised medications.
Conclusion: Your Medical Journey from Japan to India Starts Here
Securing a Medical Visa from Japan to India is a well-structured, manageable process — and the reward at the other end is access to some of the world’s finest medical care at a fraction of what you would pay in Japan. From internationally accredited hospitals and globally trained surgeons to zero waiting times and comprehensive treatment packages, India offers Japanese patients an extraordinary combination of quality, affordability, and compassion.
With Shifam Health as your dedicated medical tourism partner, every step — from your first online consultation to your safe return home to Japan — is managed with expertise, transparency, and genuine care.
