IndiaVisits and short stays

India medical visa

Medical visa (M-1) and medical attendant visa (M-2)

In short

Foreigners travelling to India for medical treatment at a recognised hospital apply for the M-1 medical visa; relatives accompanying them apply for M-2 medical attendant visas. Fees depend on nationality and the Indian mission where you apply. Ayush treatments use the separate M-3 and M-4 categories.

Apply on Indian Visa Online (Government of India) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
The medical or medical attendant visa fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which also states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Processing time
Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Work
No
Family
Attendants related to the patient apply for M-2 visas
Where to apply
Online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, in the way that mission specifies

Who applies

M-1 is for foreign nationals coming for medical treatment other than Ayush systems; M-2 is for attendants of M-1 holders. Treatment under Ayush systems (Indian systems of medicine) uses M-3, with M-4 for attendants. Attendants must show their relationship with the patient; medical professionals accompanying a patient add their credentials.

Documents

The patient submits a letter from a recognised Indian hospital or treatment centre and valid medical documents from a recognised hospital in their country describing the illness. Attendants submit a document establishing their relationship with the patient.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond departure from India, with a photocopy of the first pages
  • Proof of residence in the country where you apply; non-nationals add their residence permit

Money

  • Proof of payment of the visa fee, as the mission requires

Insurance

  • Letter from a recognised hospital or treatment centre in India
  • Medical reports from a recognised hospital describing the illness

Other

  • Online visa application form from indianvisaonline.gov.in with uploaded photo, printed and signed
  • Two recent passport-size photographs

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • Attendants: proof of relationship with the patient

Fees

The fee depends on your nationality, the duration of the visa and the Indian mission where you apply, which states how to pay. Fees are non-refundable.

Registration

Medical attendants must register with the FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; medical visa holders whose visa is valid for more than 180 days also register within 14 days. Submit the e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arrival.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Obtain the admission or treatment letter from the Indian hospital and your medical reports from your treating hospital.
  2. Fill in the regular visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in well before travel and upload your photo; handwritten forms are not accepted.
  3. Pay the visa fee in the way the Indian mission where you apply specifies; the amount depends on your nationality and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
  4. Submit the printed, signed form with your passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, or where it directs you, on your appointment day; biometrics may be taken.
  5. Collect the passport once the mission has decided.
  6. Submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving in India and register with the FRRO if your visa requires it.

Frequently asked questions

How many attendants can accompany a patient?

For e-Medical visas the rule is up to two attendant visas per medical visa; for regular visas, check with the Indian mission where you apply.

Is Ayush treatment covered?

Ayush treatment has its own visa categories (M-3 for the patient, M-4 for attendants).

How fast can I get a medical visa?

If your nationality is eligible, an e-Medical visa can be applied for at least four days before arrival; for regular visas, the Indian mission where you apply sets the processing time.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for India

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Culture, sports and events visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 15 days, single or double entry

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

India visa guide