Passport to Healing
India has emerged as a global hub for affordable and high-quality medical treatment. Every year, thousands of international patients travel to India to access specialized care that is often unavailable or unaffordable in their home countries. Among them, patients from Somalia, Chad, Malawi, and Zambia are increasingly turning to India for treatments ranging from cardiology and oncology to orthopedics, organ transplants, and neurology. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to the medical visa process for these countries, from costs and criteria to embassy details and timelines.
Who Is Eligible for a Medical Visa?
Patients from Somalia, Chad, Malawi, and Zambia are eligible for a Medical Visa (MED Visa) if:
- They require specialized medical treatment in a recognized Indian hospital.
- They possess a recommendation from a certified doctor or medical institution.
- The treatment is not available or not affordable in their home country.
- They have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages.
- Up to two attendants (close family members) can apply for a Medical Attendant Visa.
How to Apply for an Indian Medical Visa
1. Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
2. Select “Medical Visa (MED)” and start a new application.
3. Fill the form with accurate passport and medical details.
- Upload your: Passport-size photo (white background)
- Passport scan (first and last pages)
- Medical documents (recommendation from home country doctor and invitation from Indian hospital)
4. Schedule an appointment with the Indian Mission/Embassy.
5. Visit the embassy on your scheduled date, submit biometrics (if required).
6. Wait for approval, and then receive your visa electronically or in passport.
Processing Time & Validity
- Processing Time: 3–7 working days (expedited in emergency cases)
- Validity: 6 months (can be extended if treatment continues)
- Entry Type: Triple-entry (with options for re-entry extension)
- Extension: Possible through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India
Medical Visa Cost by Country (2025 Rates)
| Country | Visa Fee (USD) | Additional Service Fees |
| Somalia | $80 | Varies (approx. $20–$40) |
| Chad | $80 | Varies |
| Malawi | $60 | Varies |
| Zambia | $60 | Varies |
Mandatory Vaccinations
For public safety, travelers must have:
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (valid if taken 10 days before travel)
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – must be taken within 12 months prior to travel
You may be denied entry without these documents.
Where to Apply: Indian Embassies & High Commissions
Somalia:
- Embassy: Indian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya
- Why? India does not have an embassy in Somalia. All visa matters are handled from Kenya.
- Location: High Commission of India, 260 United Nations Cres, Nairobi, Kenya
Working Hours (Typicall)
- Monday to Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
- Consular services including visa and passport applications : 9:00 AM – 12 PM
- Delivery of Visa : 3 PM – 4 PM
- Delivery of Passports : 12 PM – 1 PM
Working Hours (Typicall)
- Monday to Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
- Consular services including visa and passport applications : 9:00 AM – 12 PM
- Delivery of Visa : 3 PM – 4 PM
- Delivery of Passports : 12 PM – 1 PM
Chad:
- Embassy: Indian Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria
- Location: 364, Cadastral Zone Off, Constitution Ave, Central Business District, Kunkwaba, Nigeria.
- Alternative: Apply via the Honorary Consulate in N’Djamena
Working Hours (Typically)
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Malawi:
- Embassy: Indian High Commission in Lilongwe
- Location: Plot No. 55, Area 9, Lilongwe
Working Hours (Typically)
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- 3 PM – 4 PM (collection)
Zambia:
- Embassy: Indian High Commission in Lusaka
- Address: 13 Pandit Nehru Road, Lusaka
Working Hours (typically):
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 12 PM (application)
- 2 PM – 4 PM (collection)
- Always check the embassy website for specific timing.
Top Indian Hospitals Popular with African Patients
- Apollo Hospitals (Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad)
- Fortis Healthcare
- Max Healthcare
- BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital
- Medanta – The Medicity
- AIIMS (Delhi) – for subsidized care
- KIMS Hospital – affordable heart and neuro treatments
Some Useful Stats
- In 2023, over 11,000 African nationals received Indian medical visas.
- India ranks #3 in global medical tourism.
African patients choose India due to:
- 60–80% cost savings over US/UK
- Availability of world-class facilities
- English-speaking doctors
- Quick scheduling of major surgeries
Story That Matters
“India was a miracle for us. My father received heart surgery in Delhi within 3 days of arrival. We couldn’t even dream of that back home.”
Amina Hassan, daughter of a Somalian patient
Take the first step today!
If you’re from Somalia, Chad, Malawi, or Zambia and seeking affordable, quality medical care, India welcomes you with open arms. With simple processes, world-class hospitals, and friendly visa policies, your path to healing is just one application away.
Visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Contact your nearest embassy
Book appointments in Indian hospitals in advance
- Let India be the bridge to your better health.
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.
Contact Us Today – Your Health Matters!
Medyonix is your best solution for trusted medical care in India.
Let’s walk together toward better health.
Contact Us
Add: Batla House, Jamia Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi, 110025
Contact No.: +91-8272891677
Email address: info@medyonix.com, contact@medyonix.com
Written By Fatima Aiman Siddiqui