How the e-Medical Attendant visa works

Who can travel with a patient to India, how many attendants are allowed, what each one uploads and how their visa links to the patient’s.

Infographic

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

The e-Medical Attendant visa lets a family member or carer travel to India with a patient who holds an e-Medical visa. The official portal allows only two attendant visas against one e-Medical visa. Each attendant applies separately online, uploads a passport bio page and a photograph, and must also apply at least four days before arrival.

IndiaMedicaHow the e-Medical Attendant visa works
  1. 01Patient applies firstThe attendant visa is granted against the patient’s e-Medical visa, so the patient’s application comes first.
  2. 02Choose up to two attendantsThe portal allows only two e-Medical Attendant visas for each e-Medical visa.
  3. 03Each attendant applies separatelyEvery attendant completes their own online application and links it to the patient’s.
  4. 04Upload passport and photoThe portal asks attendants for the scanned passport bio page and a recent photograph.
  5. 05Pay and wait for ETAPay the non-refundable fee online. The travel authorisation arrives by email.
  6. 06Travel with the patientCarry the printed ETA. Biometrics are captured and the visa is stamped on arrival.
A six-step flow showing the patient applying first, up to two attendants applying separately, uploading documents, receiving the ETA and travelling with the patient.

Who is an attendant for?

An attendant travels to support a patient during treatment in India. The official portal lists travel as an attendant to an e-Medical visa holder as the purpose of this visa. An attendant is not treated on this visa.

How many attendants can come?

The portal states that only two e-Medical Attendant visas will be granted against one e-Medical visa. Choose people who can stay for the whole admission, speak with the medical team and help at discharge. The treating hospital may have its own rules on how many visitors can stay with an inpatient.

What does each attendant need?

  • A valid passport and a scan of its bio page
  • A recent photograph that meets the portal’s rules
  • The patient’s application details so the visa can be linked
  • A card or wallet to pay the fee online
  • A printed copy of the ETA for immigration

The hospital letter is required for the patient. The portal lists only the passport bio page for attendants.

The same timing rules apply

Attendants also apply at least four days and up to 120 days before arrival. The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted, so plan the attendant’s stay around the hospital’s advice.

What does an attendant do in India?

Attendants keep the patient company, help with meals and paperwork and listen to discharge instructions. Your case manager remains the contact for non-clinical matters such as billing and accommodation.

Questions people ask

Can a third family member come on an attendant visa?

The official e-Visa portal says only two e-Medical Attendant visas are granted against one e-Medical visa. A third person would need to check whether another visa category suits their own purpose of travel. Confirm the rules on the official portal before booking.

Does the attendant need a hospital letter?

The portal lists the scanned passport bio page as the document for attendants. The hospital letter belongs to the patient’s e-Medical application. Carry a copy of the patient’s hospital letter anyway in case questions arise at the airport.

Sources

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

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