Ayush visa: India’s visa for traditional medicine and wellness

India’s Ayush visa covers treatment, wellness and yoga under Indian systems of medicine. Learn the AY-1 and AY-2 categories and what centres must provide.

Glossary term · Visa & travel

By Nikhil Sharma, Founder · Updated · How we write and check

Definition

Ayush visa (also: AY visa, AY-1 visa, e-Ayush visa): The Ayush visa is an Indian visa category for foreign nationals seeking treatment, therapeutic care, wellness or yoga under Ayush and other Indian systems of medicine.

The Ayush visa is a separate Indian visa for people travelling for Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha or homoeopathy. The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced it on 27 July 2023 as Chapter 11A of the Visa Manual. The patient applies for AY-1. Up to two attendants may apply for AY-2. It is available on paper and through the e-Visa portal.

What does the Ayush visa cover?

The government release describes treatment under Ayush systems or Indian systems of medicine, including therapeutic care, wellness and yoga. Indian missions list Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

What documents are needed?

  • A supporting letter from the accredited Ayush hospital or wellness centre where you will be treated.
  • For treatment, a prescription or medical history from an accredited hospital in your home country. Indian missions say this does not apply to wellness visits.
  • Proof of funds for the stay and a return ticket.

Which centres qualify?

Indian missions state that the centre should be accredited and registered with a government authority, or be an NABH, NCH or NCISM accredited hospital offering Ayush services. Registered hospitals and wellness centres generate invitation and extension letters on the Ministry of Home Affairs Medical and Ayush Visa Portal.

AY-2 for attendants

Up to two attendants or family members may hold AY-2 visas. These run for the same period as the AY-1 visa. Indian missions state that the AY-1 holder and AY-2 holders must leave India together.

A note on claims

Ayurveda and other Ayush therapies are offered as supportive wellness and care. They do not replace treatment from your own doctors. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Questions people ask

Should I choose an Ayush visa or a medical visa?

Choose by the purpose of the trip. A programme at an Ayush centre fits the Ayush visa. Surgery or other modern medical treatment at a hospital fits the medical visa. If you plan both, ask the hospital which letter it can issue and which visa it supports.

Can Pakistani nationals apply for the Ayush visa?

A government release in August 2025 states that the Ayush visa is available to foreigners and their attendants except Pakistani nationals. Always check the current rules with the Indian mission in your country.

Sources

General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.

More glossary

e-FRRO

e-FRRO is the Government of India’s web portal through which foreigners in India apply online for registration, visa extension, exit permits and other immigration services.

e-Medical Attendant visa

The e-Medical Attendant visa is an electronic visa for a person accompanying a patient who holds an Indian e-Medical visa.

e-Medical visa

The e-Medical visa is an electronic visa issued through India’s official e-Visa portal to foreign nationals travelling for medical treatment at a hospital in India.

Fitness to fly

Fitness to fly is a doctor’s judgement that a patient can travel safely by air, sometimes confirmed in writing for the airline.

FRRO registration

FRRO registration is the process by which certain foreign nationals record their stay with India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office or Foreigners Registration Office.

Heal in India

Heal in India is the Government of India’s initiative to promote medical value travel, including an official portal for international patients and related visa measures.

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