Medical Visa & Ayush Visa
Simple guide on how to apply for an Ayush Visa or Medical Visa to India, especially relevant for international patients seeking medical or wellness treatment:
Medical Visa vs. Ayush Visa: What’s the Difference?
| Type of Visa | Purpose | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Visa (M Visa) | For modern medicine treatments like surgery, oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, etc. | Patients seeking allopathic (modern medicine) treatment |
| Ayush Visa (introduced in 2023) | For traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy | Patients coming for AYUSH therapies (wellness or treatment) |
Eligibility Criteria
✅ Must have a confirmed appointment or recommendation letter from a recognized hospital or Ayush center in India.
✅ The hospital or wellness center must be NABH/NABH Ayush accredited or recognized by the Ministry of Ayush.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Gather Required Documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Medical reports or diagnosis
- Letter from Indian hospital/wellness center confirming treatment
- For Ayush Visa: Treatment should be under AYUSH system (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy)
- Proof of financial ability to pay for the treatment
2. Apply Online via Indian Visa Portal:
Visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Select Medical Visa or Ayush Visa from the list of available visas
- Fill in personal, passport, and treatment details
- Upload required documents
- Pay visa fee (varies by country)
- Submit application
3. Schedule an Appointment at the Indian Mission:
After submitting the form, take a printout of the visa application.
- Book an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate in your country
- Submit biometrics (if required) and original documents
- Attend the interview (if applicable)
4. Visa Processing Time:
- Medical Visa: Usually 2–5 working days
- Ayush Visa: May take 3–7 working days (new visa category)
Accompanying Attendants
- You may also apply for a Medical Attendant Visa (MED X Visa) or Ayush Attendant Visa
- Maximum of 2 attendants allowed (spouse, relatives)
On Arrival in India
- Carry printed copies of your visa, passport, and treatment confirmation
- Indian immigration may ask for:
- Treatment documents
- Address of the hospital/center
- Return flight booking
Helpful Tips:
- Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel
- Only take treatment from authorized and accredited centers
- Make sure your visa mentions “Medical” or “Ayush” explicitly