Medical Visa From Maldives to India: Your All-Inclusive Guide
Introduction
For Maldivian citizens seeking advanced medical treatment, India has become the preferred healthcare destination. With world-class hospitals, highly qualified specialists, and costs significantly lower than Western countries, India treats over 15,000 Maldivian patients annually. However, the journey begins with obtaining the right medical visa—a process that can seem overwhelming without proper guidance.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of securing a medical visa from the Maldives to India, ensuring your focus remains on healing rather than paperwork.
🌟 Let Shifam Health Handle all the logistics. Book Your Free Consultation Now. 🎯
Understanding the Indian Medical Visa for Maldivian Citizens
The Indian Medical Visa (M-Visa) is a specialized visa category designed specifically for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in recognized Indian hospitals. For Maldivian citizens, this visa offers several advantages:
- Triple entry facility with up to 60 days validity per entry
- Fast-track processing with approval in 3-5 business days
- Companion visa provision for up to two attendants
- Extension possibility based on medical requirements
- No prior visa history required for approval
The medical visa has transformed healthcare access for Maldivians, particularly for treatments unavailable or unaffordable in Malé, including advanced cardiac care, oncology, orthopedic surgeries, and organ transplants.
✨ Shifam Health provides end-to-end visa support—from documentation to approval confirmation! 📋
Step-by-Step Medical Visa Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Hospital Documentation
To get a Medical Visa for India, these are the requirements which has to be followed :
Required Hospital Documents:
- Medical letter confirming appointment and treatment plan
- Hospital registration certificate
- Detailed cost estimate for treatment
- Doctor’s credentials and department details
Top hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS, and Manipal readily provide these documents to international patients within 48 hours of initial consultation.
Step 2: Gather Personal Documents
Compile the following documents for your application:
Essential Documents Checklist:
- Valid Maldivian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-size photographs (2 copies, white background)
- Confirmed flight bookings (can be provisional)
- Proof of accommodation in India
- Latest medical reports and diagnostic tests
- Financial proof (bank statements for last 3 months)
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
Step 3: Complete Online Application
Visit the official Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in):
- Select “Medical Visa” as visa type
- Fill the online application form accurately
- Upload scanned documents (PDF format, under 300KB each)
- Upload photograph (JPEG format, specific dimensions)
- Review all information carefully
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card
- Submit the application and note the reference number
Important: Ensure all information matches your passport exactly. Even minor discrepancies can cause delays or rejection.
Step 4: Submit Physical Documents
After online submission, visit the Indian High Commission in Malé or authorized visa application center:
Physical Submission Requirements:
- Printed application form with reference number
- Original passport
- All supporting documents (originals + photocopies)
- Visa fee payment receipt
The Indian High Commission in Malé is located at Ameenee Magu, and operates Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
👉 Unsure which visa you need? Contact us directly on WhatsApp for instant guidance.
Step 5: Track and Collect Visa
Track your application status online using the reference number. Once approved (typically 3-5 business days), collect your passport with the stamped medical visa.
For urgent cases, express processing is available with approval possible within 24-48 hours upon request and additional fees.
Medical Attendant Visa for Companions
Maldivian patients can bring up to two attendants on Medical Attendant Visa (MX-Visa):
Attendant Visa Features:
- Same validity as patient’s medical visa
- Must travel with the patient
- Cannot be used for tourism purposes
- Requires patient’s medical visa copy for application
- Similar documentation and fees apply
Family members accompanying patients receive the same fast-track processing, ensuring emotional support throughout the treatment journey.
Medical Visa Fees and Processing Time Comparison
| Visa Type | Application Fee (USD) | Service Fee | Total Cost | Standard Processing | Express Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Visa (M-Visa) | $80 | $15 | $95 | 3-5 business days | 24-48 hours |
| Medical Attendant Visa | $80 | $15 | $95 | 3-5 business days | 24-48 hours |
| Emergency Medical Visa | $100 | $25 | $125 | 12-24 hours | 6-12 hours |
| Visa Extension (per month) | $40 | $10 | $50 | 5-7 business days | 48 hours |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Express processing incurs additional charges ($50-75, depending on urgency)
Required Documents Comparison: Patient vs Attendant
| Document | Medical Visa (Patient) | Medical Attendant Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Required (6+ months validity) | Required (6+ months validity) |
| Hospital Medical Letter | Mandatory | Not Required |
| Treatment Cost Estimate | Mandatory | Not Required |
| Medical Reports | All recent reports | Not Required |
| Patient’s Visa Copy | Not Applicable | Mandatory |
| Relationship Proof | Not Required | Required (marriage cert/birth cert) |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements | Bank statements or sponsor letter |
| Accommodation Proof | Hotel booking/sponsor letter | Same as patient |
| Return Flight Booking | Provisional accepted | Provisional accepted |
| Travel Insurance | Highly recommended | Highly recommended |
| Passport Photos | 2 copies | 2 copies |
🌍 Shifam Health recommends the best hospital based on your specific medical needs! 🏨
Common Reasons for Medical Visa Rejection and How to Avoid Them
Top Rejection Reasons:
- Incomplete hospital documentation – Ensure hospital letter includes all required details
- Insufficient financial proof – Show adequate funds for treatment and stay
- Invalid passport – Check passport validity extends beyond treatment period
- Photograph not meeting specifications – Follow exact dimension and format requirements
- Inconsistent information – Match all details across documents
- Questionable travel history – Address any previous visa issues transparently
- Missing attendant relationship proof – Provide clear documentation of family relationship
Prevention Strategy:
- Double-check all documents before submission
- Ensure hospital is recognized by Indian authorities
- Maintain consistency in all information provided
- Apply well in advance (at least 2 weeks before travel)
- Seek professional assistance for complex cases
Visa Extension Process
If treatment requires more time than initially anticipated, you can extend your medical visa:
Extension Requirements:
- Updated medical letter from treating hospital
- Progress reports showing ongoing treatment necessity
- Proof of financial capability for extended stay
- Current visa copy
- Passport
- Extension application form
Extensions are typically granted in 30-day increments and must be applied for at least one week before the current visa expires. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in your city of treatment handles extensions.
👉 Get a free consultation via WhatsApp – Shifam Health supports you step by step. (+91 81785 95807)
Why Choose India for Medical Treatment from the Maldives
Geographic Proximity: With flights taking just 90 minutes to 3.5 hours, India is more accessible than travelling to Europe, the USA, or Australia for treatment.
Cost Advantage: Medical procedures in India cost 60-80% less than the Maldives’ imported healthcare or travelling to Western countries, while maintaining international quality standards.
Quality Healthcare: JCI-accredited hospitals, internationally trained specialists, and cutting-edge technology rival the best facilities globally.
Language Ease: English-speaking medical staff and many Dhivehi-speaking coordinators ensure clear communication throughout treatment.
Cultural Comfort: Halal food availability, prayer facilities, and understanding of Islamic customs make Maldivian patients feel at home.
📞 Contact Shifam Health today for Expert guidance and Stress-free travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days; express processing available in 24-48 hours for urgent cases.
No, medical visas must be obtained before arrival; conversion is not permitted under current regulations.
Not mandatory but highly recommended to cover unforeseen medical emergencies during stay.
Children under 18 can accompany parents on their medical attendant visa as dependents.
Medical visas are strictly for treatment purposes; employment or business activities are not permitted.
Conclusion: Your Healing Journey Starts with the Right Visa
Obtaining a medical visa from the Maldives to India is your gateway to world-class, affordable healthcare. With proper documentation, a clear understanding of requirements, and a timely application, the process is straightforward and efficient. India’s medical infrastructure, combined with its proximity to the Maldives, makes it the logical choice for specialised treatments.
The key to a smooth visa process lies in thorough preparation, accurate documentation, and expert guidance. Thousands of Maldivian families have successfully navigated this journey, returning home healthier and relieved of the financial burden that medical treatment often carries.
Don’t let visa concerns delay critical medical treatment. With the right support system, you can focus on what truly matters—your health and recovery.
🎉 Start your healing journey today with Shifam Health! 💚
📱 WhatsApp Consultation: +91 81785 95807 (Instant Response)
📧 Email: contact@shifamhealth.com
🌐 Website: www.shifamhealth.com
