India has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, drawing patients from around the world seeking high-quality and affordable healthcare.
This trend is particularly evident among African nations, with India offering a compelling combination of advanced medical treatments and cost-effective solutions.
If a resident of Burundi, Ghana, Libya, Madagascar, Gambia, Mozambique and Mauritius is considering India for their medical requirements, this comprehensive guide is designed to provide them with all the essential information. It will explore everything from visa requirements to medical specialities that excel in India and the financial considerations involved.
India’s healthcare landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, boasting innovative hospitals, highly skilled medical professionals and advanced technology. This ensures that the patients receive the best possible care, often at a fraction of the cost compared to western countries.
MEDICAL VISA
A medical visa is a special type of visa designed for individuals who need to travel to a foreign country to receive medical treatment. It’s not just for the patient, it often extends to a companion who will be assisting them during their stay. An Indian Medical Visa (MED VISA) is specially designed for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India. It’s not just any visa, it is a specialised category issued by the Indian government. This visa allows individuals to travel India with the primary purpose of receiving medical care. It allows patients from other countries to receive treatment for serious medical conditions. The primary purpose of the Medical Visa is to facilitate access to quality healthcare for individuals from countries. It is available to anyone seeking medical treatment in India for serious ailments, chronic conditions or complex procedures that are not available or affordable in their native country. This includes treatments such as kidney transplants, cancer treatments, heart surgeries, joint replacements, neurological treatments, and infertility/IVF procedures. In some cases, it can also cover Ayurveda or traditional Indian therapies if specifically requested and felt appropriate by the medical facility. The Indian government understands that patients often need support. Therefore, the MED Visa allows for 2 attendants to accompany the patient. These attendants must apply for a separate visa called the Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX VISA). This visa is only valid when the patient has been granted a Medical Visa.
To apply for an Indian Medical Visa, several key requirements must be followed:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- A completed visa application form, which is usually submitted online through the Indian visa online portal.
- Relevant medical documents and reports which outlines the patients’s condition and treatment requirements.
- A formal letter from the Indian hospital confirming the treatment plan and acceptance of the patient.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of treatment and the duration of the stay in India.
The duration and the validity of the MED VISA typically range upto six months.
However, it can be extended if the treatment continues beyond this period, subject to a recommendation from the treating medical professionals. The visa allows for multiple entries, allowing the patient to travel again as needed during their treatment.
Applications for the MED VISA must be submitted to the Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The application process typically involves an online application followed by the submission of supporting documents, often through a Visa Facilitation Centre like VFS Global, or in person at the embassy.
The fees for the Medical Visa vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, generally ranging from US$40 to US$100. Additionally service charges or
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) fees may also apply. It is suggested to check the specific fee structure with the relevant Indian diplomatic mission or visa facilitation centre in your country.
INDIAN MEDICAL VISA FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES- PROCESS, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, AND EMBASSY DETAILS: – THE COST OF MEDICAL VISA FOR AFRICAN NATIONS IS US$80 FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS/MULTIPLE ENTRY, MORE THAN SIX MONTHS AND UPTO ONE YEAR COSTS AROUND US$120. IT IS ADVISABLE TO CHECK THE LATEST FEE STRUCTURE ON THE Eli.gov.in OR hciabuja.gov.in. VISA IS ONLY INTENDED STRICTLY FOR MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES THAT REQUIRES SPECIALIST INTERVENTION. PATIENTS CAN ACCOMPANIED BY UP TO TWO FAMILY MEMBERS OR CAREGIVERS, WHO MUST APPLY SEPARATELY FOR A MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA (MEDX).
1. BURUNDI
To be eligible, a Burundian applicant must have a serious medical condition certified by the medical reports, along with a treatment confirmation letter from a recognised hospital in India. Only those who are travelling strictly for medical reasons, and who have supporting documents, will be considered eligible.
To apply for a Medical visa, a Burundian citizen must first fill out an online application form from the indianvisaonline.gov.in. After submitting the form online and uploading documents, the applicant must print the form and gather necessary documents. These include medical reports, a letter from the Indian hospital, a valid passport, photographs, proof of financial means, a return ticket, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
There is no full Indian Embassy in Burundi, the applicant must submit documents to the HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA IN NAIROBI, KENYA. Visa processing usually takes 3 to 7 working days, and the applicant may be required to attend an interview. The visa typically allows multiple entries and is issued for upto 6 months, with the possibility of extension. The medical visa has a validity of 60 days allows 60 days maximum stay each time. It is valid for a triple entries.
2. GHANA
To be eligible, a Ghanaian applicant must have a confirmed diagnosis and a treatment plan from a recognised hospitals in India. A referral letter from a certified Ghanian doctor is also required, along with proof of sufficient financial means to cover the cost of treatment and stay.
To apply, individuals must complete the online application form on indianvisaonline.gov.in and submit it with essential documents such as valid passport with at least six months of validity, recent passport-sized coloured photographs, medical records and Yellow Fever and polio vaccination certificates at High Indian Commission in Accra.
Ghanaian applicants have to submit their visa documents to the HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA IN ACCRA, GHANA, LOCATED AT NO. 9 RIDGE ROAD, ROMAN RIDGE. The visa processing time usually takes 2 to 3 working days, and applicants can also track the status of their visa online. Once in India, all medical visa holders above the age of 12 must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within the 14 days of arrival. This can be done online at indianfrro.gov.in.
3. LIBYA
To be eligible, a Libyan applicant requires a diagnosis from licensed doctor or hospital in Libya, along with an official consultation letter from a reputed and accredited hospital in India.
To apply, applicants must begin the process by filling out the online application form at indianvisaonline.gov.in, then print and submit it with the necessary documents at Indian Embassy in Tunis. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory for the travellers from Libya.
Libya does not have an Indian embassy currently, applicants must submit their applications through the Embassy of India in Tunis, Tunisia, which handles Indian visa services for Libyans. Applications are processed within 3 to 7 business days. With proper preparation and coordination through the embassy in Tunisia, Libyan patients can access world-class treatment options in India without hassle.
Upon reaching in India, all Libyan patients aged 12 years and above must complete their registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. This process is mandatory and can be done online via indianfrro.gov.in. Patients should carry essential documents like their passport, visa, Indian address proof and a current treatment letter from the hospital during FRRO registration.
4. MADAGASCAR
-To be eligible, the patient must present a referral letter from a certified medical practitioner or hospital in Madagascar, along with a letter of confirmation or treatment estimate from well-known Indian hospital. The Indian hospital must be either government-approved or NABH-accredited.
To apply, applicants must complete the visa application online via indianvisaonline.gov.in. After submission, they need to print the form and visit the Embassy of India in Antananarivo with supporting documents at the Indian Embassy in Antananariv. THE EMBASSY OF INDIA IN ANTANANARIVO, LOCATED AT 2ND FLOOR, IMMEUBLE PLANOR, ANTSAHAVOLA, handles all visa applications from Madagascar. The embassy accepts applications on working days and may take around 3-5 working days.
Once in India, all patients over the age of 12 must complete mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival, which can be done online at indianfrro.gov.in. Applicants must carry their passport, visa, Indian residence proof, and a treatment letter from the hospital.
5. GAMBIA
To be eligible, patients must provide a referral or recommendation from a recognised doctor in the Gambia, as well as an appointment or confirmation letter from a certified hospital in India.
To apply, patients can start application process online at indianvisa.gov.in, where applicants must fill and print the form then submit it along with key documents at Indian High Commission in Dakar, Senegal. There is no Indian Embassy in Gambia, Gambian applicants must apply through the HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA IN DAKAR, SENEGAL, which manages consular and visa services for Gambian nationals. An appointment is generally required to submit documents and complete biometrics. Visa processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days.
Once in India, patients above the age of 12 years must register with the Foreigners Regional Office (FRRO) within the 14 days of arriving. Registration can be done online also through indianfrro.gov.in, and the patient must present their visa, passport, address in India, and a letter from the treating hospital confirming their current status and treatment plan.
5. MOZAMBIQUE
To be eligible, patient must provide a referral letter from a Mozambican doctor or hospital and an official invitation or confirmation letter from a recognised in India after detaining the proposed treatment.
To apply, patient have to start online application process by filling the form at indianvisa.gov.in, and print the form then submit it with supporting necessary documents at Indian High Commission in Maputo. Visa services for Mozambican nationals are handled by the HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA IN MAPUTO, LOCATED AT AVENIDA KENNETH KAUNDA, NO.1031. Applicants should contact the mission to schedule an appointment. The processing time usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
After arriving in India, all patients aged above 12 years must register with the Foreigners Regional Office (FRRO) within 14 days of entry. This can be done online via indianfrro.gov.in, and requires documents such as valid passport, visa, and residential address in India. And an updated letter from the Indian hospital confirming the treatment.
6. MAURITUS
To be eligible, patients must provide a medical referral or diagnosis report from a licensed doctor in Mauritius, along with an official treatment invitation from an accredited Indian hospital.
To apply, applicants must begin process online via indianvisa.gov.in, after which the printed form and necessary documents must be submitted at the Indian High Commission in Ebene. Visa services for Mauritius nationals are handled by the HIGH COMMISSION OF INIDA IN EBENE, MAURITIUS, LOCATED AT BLUE TOWER, RUE DE L’INSTITUTE, CYBERCITY, EBENE. Appointments are recommended and the visa processing time is generally 3 to 5 working days. Upon arriving in India, patients ages 12 and above must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days. This can be done online as well at Indianfrro.gov.in and the patient must present their passport, visa, address in India, and a letter from the treating hospital confirm their current medical status.
CONCLUSION
A medical journey to India is not only about receiving advanced healthcare— it is also about making sure the paperwork is right. Understanding the visa process, knowing where to apply, and having proper medical documentation in place can ensure a smooth and stress free experience for patients and their families. Whether it is cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, or transplants, India is ready to serve with expertise and care.
Why Choose Medyonix?
- Medyonix makes your medical journey easy and stress-free.
- Here’s what we offer:
- Free medical consultation
- Free treatment cost evaluation
- Free second opinion
- Free help with VISA
- Video consultation with Indian doctors
- 24/7 support in your language
- You don’t need to worry.
Just contact us, and we take care of everything.
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Written By Lamis Faheem