Country guide · Europe
The United Kingdom is on the official e-Visa eligible list, so a UK national can apply online for India’s e-Medical visa with up to two companions on e-Medical Attendant visas. The High Commission of India in London also issues regular medical visas where the sole purpose of travel is treatment, backed by medical records.
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Indian e-Visa (e-Medical) | Eligible per the official e-Visa list — check on the day you apply |
| IndiaMedica edition | English |
Which visa route suits UK patients?
Most UK passport holders use the e-Medical visa, applied for online on India’s official portal. It needs a letter from the Indian hospital on letterhead showing the suggested admission date. Apply at least four days before arrival.
The High Commission of India in London describes the regular medical visa (MED visa) as granted to someone whose sole purpose is to seek medical treatment. Applicants show medical records that establish the need for treatment in India and that the plan is genuine. Family members coming with the patient receive a medical attendant visa for the same period as the patient’s visa.
Who cannot use the e-Visa?
The portal asks travellers with a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani origin to apply for a regular visa at an Indian mission. Its FAQ extends this to people whose parents or grandparents were born in or lived permanently in Pakistan. Those travellers should approach the High Commission instead.
Which UK records should a patient gather?
An Indian specialist needs the same evidence a UK specialist would use. Ask your GP practice and hospital for copies well before travel.
- Recent clinic letters and the referral or diagnosis letter.
- Blood test results with dates and reference ranges.
- Imaging reports and the full image files, not screenshots.
- Pathology or histopathology reports where relevant.
- A current medicines list with doses and allergies.
Plan follow-up at home first
Tell your GP before you go. Agree who will remove stitches, review results and manage medicines after you return. Bring home a full discharge summary for your UK doctors.
Which language edition suits UK patients?
IndiaMedica’s English edition is written in British English and is our reference edition.
Where can UK e-Visa holders land?
The portal lists designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Check your arrival airport is listed.
What practical points matter?
Indian customs prohibits narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, so check controlled medicines with the hospital and carry prescriptions. Declare foreign currency above prescribed limits on arrival. Check how your travel insurance treats planned treatment abroad.
How does IndiaMedica help UK patients?
We review records free, gather opinions and estimates from accredited hospitals and help you obtain the admission letter. Partner hospitals pay a disclosed referral fee that never changes your price.
Questions people ask
I was born in the UK to parents from Pakistan. Can I use the e-Visa?
The portal says travellers of Pakistani origin should apply for a regular visa at an Indian mission, and its FAQ covers people whose parents or grandparents were born in Pakistan. Contact the High Commission of India in London.
Does travel insurance cover planned treatment in India?
Policies differ on planned treatment abroad. Ask your insurer in writing what is covered, including complications and an extended stay, before you book.
Sources
- Indian e-Visa portal, Bureau of Immigration, Government of India
- Medical visa, High Commission of India, London
- Customs clearance of passengers at a glance, CBIC
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.