Glossary term · Visa & travel
Regular medical visa (MED visa) (also: Medical visa, M visa, paper medical visa): The regular medical visa is a paper visa issued by an Indian embassy or consulate to a foreign national seeking treatment at a recognised hospital or treatment centre in India.
The regular medical visa is the paper alternative to the e-Medical visa. You apply online and then submit the application at the Indian embassy, consulate or its visa centre in your country. It suits patients who cannot use the e-Visa, or whose mission advises the paper route. Requirements vary by country, so always follow your local Indian mission’s checklist.
Who issues it and for what?
Indian missions describe the medical visa as being for foreign nationals seeking treatment in recognised specialty hospitals or treatment centres in India. Patients are usually expected to have preliminary advice from a doctor at home.
What documents do missions ask for?
- A completed and signed visa application with photographs.
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A recommendation from your treating doctor at home.
- A letter from the Indian hospital accepting you or confirming an appointment.
- Proof of funds and a return ticket, as your mission specifies.
How long is it valid?
This depends on the mission and your nationality. One Indian embassy lists validity up to six months with single or multiple entry, and up to one year with multiple entry. Ask your mission what applies to you.
Attendants and registration
Attendants apply for a Medical Attendant visa that runs with the patient’s visa. Indian missions state that a maximum of two attendants are permitted. Missions also state that registration with the FRRO is required within 14 days of arrival if the visa is valid for more than 180 days.
Paper or e-Visa?
If your nationality is eligible for the e-Medical visa, the online route is usually simpler. The paper route remains important for nationals not on the e-Visa list and for some longer treatment plans.
Questions people ask
Can I convert a tourist visa into a medical visa in India?
Indian missions describe a process where a foreigner already in India who falls ill can obtain an FRRO medical permit or, for longer treatment, have the visa converted. A certificate from a recognised hospital is needed. This is for unexpected illness, not for planned treatment.
Who counts as a recognised hospital?
Missions refer to recognised specialty hospitals. One mission lists certificates from CGHS-recognised, government, ICMR or NABH hospitals for medical permits. Ask your Indian hospital to confirm it can issue the letter your mission requires.
Sources
- Embassy of India, Beijing: Medical visa
- Embassy of India, Athens: Medical and Medical Attendant visa
- High Commission of India, Colombo: revised medical visa rule
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.