New India Medical Visa Rules 2025 – Complete Guide to Changes & Process
New India Medical Visa Rules 2025 – What’s Changed?
India’s medical visa policies have undergone significant changes in 2025, aiming to streamline medical tourism, reduce fraud, and enhance patient experiences. These updates are crucial for international patients planning treatment in India. This comprehensive guide outlines the key changes, application processes, and essential information for prospective medical travelers.
Why India Revised Its Medical Visa Policy in 2025
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) updated medical visa rules to:
✅ Reduce fraud – Stricter hospital verification (Appendix II letters).
✅ Speed up processing – e-Medical Visa now extendable up to 6 months (Page 1, Para 5).
✅ Improve patient tracking – Mandatory registration within 14 days (24 hours for Pakistanis).
✅ Align with NABH/ICMR standards – Only accredited hospitals can issue visas.
Source: MEA Rajya Sabha Report
What’s New in India’s 2025 Medical Visa Rules?
1. Extended Validity & Faster Extensions
- Old Rule: e-Medical Visa allowed 60 days with triple entry.
- 2025 Change: Now extendable to 6 months via FRRO (Page 1, Para 5).
- Who Qualifies? Patients needing long-term treatments (e.g., organ transplants, cancer therapy).
2. Mandatory Hospital Pre-Approval (Appendix II Format)
Hospitals must email a system-generated invitation letter (Appendix II) to Indian embassies before visa approval.
Key Requirements:
✔ Hospital letterhead with NABH/MCI accreditation
✔ Doctor’s signature & patient details
✔ Treatment cost & duration
📌 Source: India e-Visa Guidelines
3. Stricter Attendant Visa Rules (MED X Visa)
- Max Attendants:
- 2 for most nationalities
- 3 for Bangladeshis
- 1 for Pakistanis (Page 5, Para 25)
- Must apply together with the patient’s visa.
4. No Visa-on-Arrival for Medical Visas
- Only Japanese nationals get VoA for tourism/business (Page 2, Para 9).
- Medical patients must apply online for e-Medical Visa.
📌 Source: PIB Press Release
How to Apply for an India Medical Visa in 2025
Step 1: Get a Hospital Invitation (Appendix II Format)
- Must be from a NABH/Govt./ICMR-approved hospital (Page 5).
- Template: [See Page 43 of MHA PDF]
Step 2: Apply Online
- Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Select e-Medical Visa
- Upload:
- Passport copy
- Hospital letter (Appendix II)
- Photo & fee payment
Step 3: Receive Visa & Register in India
- Register within 14 days (or 24 hours if Pakistani).
- Extensions via FRRO/FRO (Page 5, Para 24).
📌 Source: Shifam Health guide
Document Checklist for Medical visa
- Mandatory Documents:
- Hospital appointment letter (Appendix II format).
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of financial means.
- For Attendants:
- Separate MED X Visa application.
- Passport copy and photograph.
- Proof of relationship with the patient.
Approved Hospitals for Medical Visa Treatment
Importance of NABH Accreditation
Treatment is permitted only at hospitals accredited by recognized bodies such as NABH, MCI, ICMR, or CGHS. This ensures that patients receive quality healthcare services .
State-Wise Hospital Directory
For an up-to-date list of accredited hospitals, refer to the official NABH directory at nabh.co.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Hospital Letter: Ensure the hospital provides the appointment letter in the prescribed Appendix II format.
- Delayed Registration: Adhere to the registration timelines—24 hours for Pakistan nationals and within 14 days for others if staying beyond 180 days.
- Overstaying: The e-Medical Visa is non-convertible and non-extendable beyond the permitted duration without proper authorization.
Initial validity: 60 days with triple entry.
Extendable up to 6 months through FRRO/FRO for long-term treatments (Page 1, Para 5).
No, e-Medical Visas are non-convertible except in extreme medical emergencies (Page 2, Para 6).
General rule: 2 attendants (MED X Visa).
Bangladesh nationals: 3 attendants.
Pakistan nationals: Only 1 attendant allowed (Page 5, Para 25).
Penalties apply for late registration.
Pakistanis must register within 24 hours (Page 6, Para 26).
Yes, if conducted at recognized institutions (Page 1, Para 1: “treatment under Indian systems of medicine”).
Requires a valid hospital invitation (Appendix II format).
No, only 25 designated airports and 5 seaports (Page 1, Para 4).
Includes Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Goa.
Appendix II letter (Page 43 template) with: Patient’s diagnosis & treatment plan.
Doctor’s contact details.
Hospital’s NABH/MCI accreditation proof.
Yes, fees vary by nationality and are set by the Indian government (Page 2, Para 7).
Further extensions require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Page 5, Para 24).
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
The 2025 updates to India’s medical visa policies are designed to enhance the experience for genuine medical travelers while maintaining stringent checks to prevent misuse. By understanding and adhering to these new regulations, patients can ensure a smooth and successful medical journey in India.
Need assistance with your medical visa application? Contact our experts for personalized guidance and support.
