The hospital letter for India’s e-Medical visa: what it needs to say

To apply for India’s e-Medical visa you need a letter from the hospital in India that will treat you, written on the hospital’s letterhead. The official e-Visa portal lists it as a required document alongside the bio page of your passport. The letter should show your admission date or a tentative one, so ask for it once a hospital has reviewed your reports.

What does the official portal ask for?

The Government of India e-Visa portal lists two documents for the e-Medical visa: a scanned bio page of the passport showing the photograph and details, and a copy of the letter from the hospital concerned in India on its letterhead. Attendants apply separately on the e-Medical Attendant visa and need the scanned bio page of their own passport.

When should I ask the hospital for the letter?

After a hospital has reviewed your reports and proposed a plan. A hospital can only give a meaningful admission date once its specialist has seen your case. Through our free case review we share your reports with suitable accredited hospitals first and then request the letter from the one you choose.

What should the letter include?

Hospitals use their own format. Before you upload it, check that yours shows at least the following.

• Hospital letterhead with address and contact details
• Patient’s full name exactly as in the passport, and passport number
• The department or specialist who will treat the patient
• The date or tentative date of admission
• Names of up to two attendants travelling with the patient
• Signature of an authorised hospital official and the date

How early can I apply?

The portal says to apply at least 4 days before your arrival date, within a window of 120 days. Do not leave it to the last week. A name that does not match the passport or a missing admission date can slow things down.

How many attendants can travel?

The portal states that only two e-Medical Attendant visas are granted against one e-Medical visa. If more family members wish to travel, they must use another visa category that fits their purpose.

What happens after I upload the letter?

You complete the online form, pay the fee and receive the electronic visa by email if it is granted. Carry a printed copy and the hospital letter when you fly. Your case manager can check every detail with you before you submit.