Medical Visa from Kenya to India: Complete Guide 2026

India is a leading global destination for healthcare, offering world-class hospitals and top specialists at affordable costs. Kenyans seeking treatment in India must obtain an Indian Medical Visa. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, required documents, fees, processing time, and after-arrival procedures for Kenyan patients. It’s fully updated for 2026 and includes official guidelines.

Ready to get started? Shifam Health assists Kenyan patients end-to-end. Book a Free Consultation or Chat with Our Medical Advisor on WhatsApp to plan your medical trip to India.

What do you mean by the term “Medical Visa”?

1. A Medical Visa (M Visa) allows foreign nationals to travel to India for treatment at recognized hospitals or treatment centers.

2. Many patients from all over the world travel to receive treatment in foreign countries. This could be due to the fact that some surgical treatments/therapies are not available in their home country or because they want to consult a certain specialist who is based in another country.

3. Medical visas usually allow for short-term stays to cover the duration of treatment.

4. Companion visas are also issued by some countries to patient’s companions (usually friends, family, or carers).

5. Medical companions in other countries are granted a different type of visa.

6. Various countries also grant multipurpose visas and travel authorizations that cover both medical and non-medical visits, such as tourism.

Note: There are primarily two types of visas relevant for medical travel to India:
● Medical Visa (MED): Issued to the patient seeking treatment. 47
● Medical Attendant Visa (MED-2): Issued to individuals accompanying the patient as caregivers.

For Kenyan patients:

Accompanying Attendants: Up to two accompanying adults (close relatives) can come on separate “Medical Attendant” visas (M-X visas) with the same validity. These attendants must also apply and qualify for their own visas.

Validity & Number of Entries

The validity and number of entries depend on the type of medical visa obtained:
● Regular Medical Visa: Typically granted for up to one year with triple entries, allowing multiple visits for ongoing treatment within that period.
● E-Medical Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India, also allowing for triple entries within this period.
It is important to note that if the stay in India on a Medical Visa exceeds 180 days, registration with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) is mandatory within 14 days of arrival. Shifam Health can guide you through these requirements.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Indian Medical Visa?

If you have a kenya passport, you can apply for a medical visa if you meet the following requirements.

Eligible Patients: Any foreign national (including Kenyans) needing medical care in India is eligible. Visas are commonly granted for serious ailments (for example, cardiac, neurosurgery, transplants, cancer, orthopedic surgeries, etc.), or specialized treatments in recognized facilities. A confirmation or invitation from an Indian hospital is required (see Documents below). The applicant must also have a passport valid for at least 6 months and at least 2 blank pages.

Note: For minor medical visits or checkups (≤60 days), Kenyan patients can use India’s e-Medical Visa (an online visa). The e-Medical visa is valid for 60 days from the first date of arrival and allows triple entries. It must be applied online and cannot be extended beyond 6 months (extension only via FRRO). For longer or complex treatments, apply for a regular Medical Visa (M visa).

Important Documents for Indian Medical Visa Application

You must submit the following with your visa application:

• Printed Online Application: A hard copy of the completed Indian visa application form (filled online on Indian Visa Online portal) signed by the applicant.
• Photos: Two recent color passport-size photographs (plain background, 80-85% face, eyes open) taken within 6 months.
• Hospital Invitation Letter: Official invitation or referral letter from the Indian hospital/doctor where you will be treated. This letter should mention your diagnosis, required treatment, and dates (some embassies call this a “Medical Case Report”).
• Medical Reports: Copies of your medical records/reports (translated in English if needed) establishing the need for treatment.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements, salary slips, or a sponsorship letter to prove you can cover treatment and living expenses in India.
• Yellow Fever & Polio Certificates: Mandatory for arrivals from Kenya. Carry a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (administered ≥10 days before travel) and an Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) certificate (dose given ≥4 weeks before travel).
• Visas Fees Receipt: Fee payment receipt (see Fees below)
• Passport: Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date and with ≥2 blank pages.

Tip: When filling the visa form, list your referring hospital and doctor in India. If you don’t have a local reference in India, you can use Shifam Health’s office address and contact as a reference (our team will advise).

Contact Details Of Indian High Commission in Kenya

1) India High Commission Kenya

Field	Details
Address	3, Harambee Avenue, Jeevan Bharati Building, P.O. Box No. 30074-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone	+254-20-222566 +254-20-222567 +254-20-224500 +254-20-225104
Fax	+254-20-316242
Email	hcindia@kenyaweb.com hcinfo@connect.co.ke
Website	www.hcinairobi.co.ke

Need Help Applying? Chat With Our Visa Advisor

2) India Consulate Kenya

Field	Details
Address	Bank of India Building, 3rd Floor, Nkrumah Road, P.O. Box 90164, Mombasa, Kenya
Phone	+254-11-224433
Fax	+254-11-316740
Email	hoc.mombasa@mea.gov.in cimsa@swiftmombasa.com ahc.mombasa@mea.gov.in
Website	www.hcinairobi.co.ke

Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for a Medical Visa from
Kenya to India (2026 Edition)

The application process for an Indian Medical Visa from Kenya can be undertaken either through the traditional regular/paper visa route via the Indian High Commission or, for eligible citizens, through the expedited e-Medical Visa online platform. Shifam Health offers comprehensive medical visa assistance, guiding you through each step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application.

For Regular/Paper Visa Application (via Indian High Commission)

The regular visa application involves several sequential steps requiring physical submission and an interview. Shifam Health provides end-to-end support for this process.

Step 1: Get a Medical Invitation Letter from an Indian Hospital

The foundational step is to obtain an official Medical Invitation Letter from a recognized Indian hospital. This letter is crucial as it validates the medical purpose of
your visit. Reputable hospitals such as Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Medanta – The Medicity, and Manipal Hospitals are frequently chosen by international patients. The invitation letter must contain comprehensive details, including the full names and passport numbers of both the patient and any accompanying attendants, a clear description of the illness, the estimated duration of treatment, and the anticipated cost of the medical procedures. For official processing, thehospital is required to email a copy of this letter directly to the Indian High Commission in Nairobi at visa.nairobi@mea.gov.in. 56 Shifam Health assists in obtaining this crucial medical invitation letter from the Indian hospital.

Step 2: Register & Apply Online via Indian Visa Portal

Once the invitation letter is issued, applicants must complete the medical visa application on the official Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Ensure all personal details match the passport exactly. Required uploads include the passport bio-page, a recent passport-size photo with a white background, and medical documents such as diagnosis, medical history, and a referral letter from a Kenyan doctor or hospital (also emailed to visa.nairobi@mea.gov.in).

Shifam Health assists at every step to ensure a smooth and error-free visa process.

Step 3: Book Appointment at Indian High Commission in Nairobi or Mombasa

After completing the online application and gathering all necessary physical documents, a prior appointment must be booked with the Indian High Commission in Nairobi or the Assistant High Commission in Mombasa for application submission. Applications are accepted on working days, typically between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. It is crucial to adhere to these timings and have a confirmed appointment, as applications without one will not be processed. Shifam Health can assist with
scheduling your appointment and preparing you for submission.

Step 4: Attend Interview & Submit Biometrics

Both the patient and any accompanying medical attendants are required to be present in person for the visa interview and submission of biometric data at the High
Commission. During this appointment, original documents will be verified against the submitted copies. Applicants should be prepared for potential requests for additional documents or clarification at the discretion of the Consular Officer. This in-person interaction allows the consular authorities to assess the authenticity of the application and the genuine need for medical travel. Shifam Health provides guidance to help you prepare for the interview process.

Step 5: Get Approval & Travel to India

Following the interview and document submission, the applicable visa fee must be paid. For regular visas, this typically involves depositing the fee at the Kenyatta Avenue Branch of Bank of India in Nairobi, in favor of the High Commission of India, Nairobi, or paying directly at the High Commission using M-Pesa/Master Card/Visa Card. It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, and payment does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. Once the application is processed and approved, documents can be collected on working days, generally from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. For medical visas specifically, one of the attendants or a close relative may collect the documents on behalf of the applicant, provided they have a duly signed letter of authority and identification details for verification. Shifam Health continues to support you until your visa is approved and you are ready for travel.

For E-Medical Visa Application (Online Process)

The e-Medical Visa offers a streamlined, fully online application process, eliminating the need for physical appointments at the High Commission. Kenya is among the countries eligible for the e-Medical Visa facility. This option is particularly advantageous for those seeking shorter treatments or prioritizing convenience and speed. Shifam Health provides detailed guides for obtaining e-Medical Visas, ensuring a smooth online experience.

The steps for applying for an e-Medical Visa are as follows:

1. Visit the Official E-Visa Website: Access the dedicated e-Visa portal at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html .
2. Fill Out the Online Application Form: Complete the electronic form with accurate personal information, travel dates, and details of your accommodation or a reference address in India.
3. Upload Required Documents: Upload digital copies of your passport bio-page (PDF, 10KB-300KB) and a recent passport-style color photograph (JPEG,
   10KB-1MB, with a white background, full face, and open eyes). Crucially, you must also upload the medical invitation letter from the Indian hospital. 45
4. Pay the Visa Fee: The government fee for an e-Medical Visa is fixed at approximately USD $82.50. This can be paid online using a credit or debit card, or through various payment wallets. Note that a bank transaction charge of 2.5% may apply in addition to the visa fee.
5. Receive E-Visa via Email: After successful submission and payment, the e-Visa is typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. Once approved, you will receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. It is essential to print a copy of this ETA and carry it with your passport when traveling to India. It is recommended to apply at least four days before your intended date of arrival to account for any potential processing delays.

Processing Fee for Medical Visa from Kenya to India

• 6-month Medical Visa (single or multiple entry): Ksh 8,300 (~USD 80)
• 1-year Medical Visa (multiple entry): Ksh 12,400 (~USD 120)
• Community Welfare Fee: Ksh 200 (USD 2) extra (for Indian Community Welfare Fund)
• Attendant Visa: Same fee as above (each attendant applies separately)

All fees are paid at the application center (VFS) during submission. Fees are subject to change, so check the latest rates on the Indian High Commission Nairobi website or VFS site.

Processing time is generally about 3 working days from submission. It could be longer during busy periods or if additional verification is needed. Plan your timeline accordingly. There is no expedited service besides emergency provisions (for example, same-day visa in rare medical emergency).

How to Pay for Medical Visa?

Payment methods differ based on the visa application route:
● For Regular Visa: The fee can be deposited at designated bank branches (e.g., Bank of India in Nairobi) or paid directly at the Indian High Commission using M-Pesa, MasterCard, or Visa Card.
● For E-Medical Visa: Payments are made online using credit/debit cards or payment wallets.
It is important to remember that visa fees are non-refundable, irrespective of whether the visa is granted or rejected.

Normal and Urgent Processing Durations

The time required to process a medical visa application can vary:
● Regular Visa: Typically, a regular Medical Visa is processed within 3 working days, excluding the day of application submission. In cases of genuine medical emergency, processing can be expedited to one working day, provided all necessary documents and fees are submitted promptly. However, if the applicant is not a normal resident within the High Commission’s jurisdiction or does not hold a Kenyan resident permit, processing may take longer.
● E-Medical Visa: The e-Medical Visa generally offers a faster processing time, usually ranging from 2 to 5 business days. 45 It is advisable to apply at least four days prior to the intended travel date to accommodate any unforeseen delays. The clear breakdown of fees and processing times for both visa types empowers applicants to make informed decisions based on their urgency and preference for a digital versus in-person application. The distinction between regular and e-visa processing times highlights the efficiency of the digital option, which is a significant advantage for patients needing urgent care. The non-refundable nature of the fee and the discretion of the High Commission in visa issuance are crucial pieces of information for managing applicant expectations. Shifam Health helps coordinate the scheduling of medical treatments, ensuring almost no waiting period for the start of treatment.

E-Medical Visa vs Regular Visa: What’s Better for Kenyans?

Kenyan citizens are eligible to apply for both the e-Medical Visa and the regular/paper Medical Visa. The choice between these two options depends on individual circumstances, particularly the urgency of travel, the expected duration of stay, and personal preference for online versus in-person application processes. Shifam Health provides expert guidance to help you choose the visa option that best suits your medical journey.

Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?
📞 Get Free Help From Our Kenyan Visa Advisor

Feature	E-Medical Visa	Regular Medical Visa
Eligibility	Kenyan citizens are eligible	Kenyan citizens are eligible
Application Method	Entirely online via official portal	Online form submission, then physical submission at High Commission
Validity	60 days from date of arrival (Triple Entry)	Up to 1 year from date of issue (Triple Entry)
Processing Time	Typically, 2–5 business days	Normally 3 working days; 1 day for emergencies
Physical Appointment	Not required	Required for interview and biometrics
Extension	Non-extendable and non-convertible	More flexible for extensions for ongoing treatment
Required Documents	Digital copies (passport, photo, invitation)	Physical copies + originals (passport, photos, invitation, financial proof, etc.)

The primary advantage of the e-Medical Visa lies in its speed and convenience, as it eliminates the need for physical appointments and significantly reduces processing time. This makes it an excellent choice for patients requiring urgent, shorter-term treatments. However, the e-Medical Visa’s non-extendable nature means it is less suitable for prolonged or unpredictable treatment durations. Conversely, the regular Medical Visa, while requiring an in-person application and potentially longer processing, offers greater flexibility in terms of its initial validity (up to one year) and the possibility of extensions for ongoing treatment. This makes the regular visa a more appropriate choice for patients undergoing complex procedures that may require extended recovery periods or multiple follow-up visits. This comparative analysis enables applicants to choose the most suitable visa pathway. The primary advantage of the e-Medical visa lies in its speed and convenience, eliminating the need for physical appointments. However, the regular visa offers greater flexibility in terms of validity and extension, which is critical for patients undergoing prolonged or uncertain treatment durations. Understanding these trade-offs allows patients to align their visa choice with their specific medical and logistical needs. Shifam Health assists with medical visa applications, ensuring you select the best option for your needs.

Understanding the visa type and its entries with Fees

No.	Visa Type	Fee (USD)	Fee (Ksh)
(i)	Tourist Visa (multiple entry) – up to 6 months	$40	Ksh 3,800
	Tourist Visa (multiple entry) – up to 1 year	$65	Ksh 6,200
	Tourist Visa (multiple entry) – up to 5 years	$130	Ksh 12,400
(ii)	Transit Visa	$20	Ksh 1,900
(iii)	Student Visa (course duration or up to 5 years)	$75	Ksh 7,200
(iv)	Business Visa – valid up to 1 year	$120	Ksh 11,400
(v)	Other Visa Types – up to 6 months	$80	Ksh 7,600
	Other Visa Types – up to 1 year	$120	Ksh 11,400
	Other Visa Types – up to 5 years	$200	Ksh 19,000

Need help applying? Chat With Our Visa Assistant

Can Family Members Travel? Indian Medical Attendant Visa for Kenyans

Recognizing the importance of emotional and practical support during medical treatment, India offers the Medical Attendant Visa (MED-2) for family members accompanying a patient. Shifam Health provides comprehensive support for Medical Attendant Visa applications, ensuring your loved ones can accompany you.

Who Can Accompany with patients?

A patient traveling to India on a Medical Visa can be accompanied by a maximum of two attendants. These attendants must be close relatives, typically defined as a spouse, parents, siblings, or other blood relatives. This policy ensures that patients have the necessary support system while undergoing treatment in a foreign country.

Validity & How to Apply Indian Medical Attendant

The Medical Attendant Visa is granted coterminous with the patient’s Medical Visa, meaning its validity period aligns directly with that of the patient’s visa. 46 This
synchronization ensures that accompanying family members can stay for the entire duration of the patient’s treatment and recovery.
To apply for a Medical Attendant Visa, applicants generally follow a process similar to the patient’s Medical Visa application. This involves:

● Filling out a separate online application form via the Indian Visa Portal.
● Submitting required documents, which typically include a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, and a copy of the patient’s medical invitation letter
from the Indian hospital.
● Crucially, proof of relationship with the patient (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate) must be provided.
● Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover their stay in India is also required. 54
Applications for Medical Attendant Visas should ideally be submitted simultaneously with the patient’s Medical Visa application to ensure coordinated processing and
travel arrangements. Shifam Health simplifies the visa process for medical treatments in India by helping with documentation and guiding patients through the application process for both patient and attendant visas.

After you arrive in India, Prior things you should do:

• Entry Port: Kenyan patients can enter India only at designated ports (major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc.) Present your visa, passport, hospital invitation, and vaccination certificates to immigration.
• FRRO Registration: Within 14 days of arrival, every medical visa holder (and attendant) must register at the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)Registration is mandatory and should be done at the FRRO that covers your Indian city. Bring passport, visa, medical letter, and photographs. Shifam Health will guide you on the nearest FRRO.
• Visa Extension: If your treatment will exceed your visa validity, you must apply for an extension at the FRRO before expiry. You’ll need a fresh recommendation letter from the treating hospital specifying new treatment durationvaidam.com. The FRRO may grant extensions (often in 6-month increments) based on medical need.
• During Stay: Follow all Indian visa rules (no work or study activities on Medical Visa). Stay only at registered address (hotel or hospital guesthouse). Keep a copy of your passport and visa with you.
• Departure: Medical visas are generally single-exit – you leave India when treatment is complete. (If re-entering India later, use a fresh visa or e-visa.)

Note: If you need radiation therapy or other special procedures, carry relevant doctor’s letters for any equipment ports or permissions.

Contact Details of Foreigner’s Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) – India

(Primarily for Visa Extension / Renewal for Long-Term Medical Treatment)

City	Address	Phone / Fax	Email
Ahmedabad	2nd Floor, Foreigners Section Office, Commissioner of Police, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.	Phone: 079-25630150	frroamd@nic.in
Amritsar	Bureau of Immigration, D-123, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar – 143001	Phone: 0183-2500464 Fax: 0183-2500465	frroasr@nic.in
Bangalore	5th Floor, ‘A’ Block, TTMC, BMTC Bus Stand, K.H. Road, Shantinagar, Bangalore – 560027	Phone: 080-22218195 Fax: 080-22218196	frroblr-ka@nic.in
Calicut	20/1305, Castle View, Thiruvannur Rd, Panniyankara, Kozhikode, Kerala – 673003	Phone/Fax: 0495-2323550	frrocal@nic.in, frro-clt@nic.in
Chennai	No. 26 Shastri Bhawan Annexe, 26 Haddows Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600006	Phone: 044-23454970, 044-28251721 Fax: 044-23454971	chiochn@nic.in, frrochn@nic.in
Cochin	2nd Floor, Airlines Building, Cochin Int’l Airport Ltd., Airport PO, Cochin – 683111	Phone/Fax: 0484-2611277	frrococ@nic.in, frro.cochin@nic.in
Delhi	East Block – VIII, Level 2, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066	Phone: 011-26711384 Fax: 011-26711348	frrodli@nic.in
Goa	Goa Police HQ, Ground Floor, Near Azad Maidan, Panaji, Goa	Phone/Fax: 0832-2428623	frrogoa@nic.in
Hyderabad	Bureau of Immigration, Old Airport R.G Terminal, Begumpet, Hyderabad – 500016	Phone: 040-27900211, 27901022 Fax: 040-27900388	frrohyd@nic.in
Kolkata	237, A.J.C Bose Road, Kolkata	Phone: 033-22900549	frrokol@nic.in
Lucknow	557, Hind Nagar, Kanpur Road, Near Old Chungi, Lucknow – 226012	Phone: 0522-2432431 Fax: 0522-2432430	frrolko@nic.in
Mumbai	Annex-II Bldg., 3rd Floor, Badruddin Tayyabji Marg, Behind St. Xavier’s College, C.S.T., Mumbai – 400001	Phone: 022-22621169, 22620446 (Visa Enquiry), 22621167 (PIO/OCI) Fax: 022-22620721	frromum@nic.in
Trivandrum	T.C.14/1377, Vazhuthacaud, Opp. Ganpati Temple, Thycaud PO, Trivandrum – 14	Phone: 0471-2333515 Fax: 0471-2333514	frrotvm@nic.in

Frequently Asked Questions

By following this guide, Kenyan patients can successfully obtain an Indian Medical Visa and travel for treatment. India’s hospitals await you with high-quality care. Take the first step today – Book your Free Consultation or Chat on WhatsApp to start planning your medical journey to India.