The Ayush visa in brief

India’s Ayush visa explained: when it began, its four sub-categories, what it covers, which centres qualify and how many have been issued.

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

The Ayush visa is an Indian visa for foreign nationals whose purpose is treatment under Ayush systems, the Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda. It was introduced on 27 July 2023 and covers therapeutic care, wellness and yoga. It has four sub-categories, including e-Ayush and e-Ayush Attendant visas applied for online. Ayurveda is supportive care, not a replacement for medical treatment.

IndiaMedicaThe Ayush visa in brief
01What it isA visa for foreign nationals whose sole purpose is treatment through Ayush systems of medicine.
02When it beganIntroduced on 27 July 2023 as Chapter 11A of India’s Visa Manual, after the medical visa chapter.
03What it coversTherapeutic care, wellness and yoga under Indian systems of medicine.
04Four sub-categoriesAyush visa (AY-1), Ayush Attendant visa (AY-2), e-Ayush visa and e-Ayush Attendant visa.
05Where treatment qualifiesA hospital or wellness centre accredited and registered with the government authorities concerned.
06e-Ayush documentsThe e-Visa portal asks for the same hospital letter as for an e-Medical visa.
07AttendantsFor e-Ayush Attendant visas the portal asks for the scanned passport bio page.
08Visas issued123 regular Ayush, 221 e-Ayush and 17 e-Ayush Attendant visas by 4 December 2024.
A grid of eight facts about India’s Ayush visa covering its purpose, start date, scope, sub-categories, qualifying centres, documents, attendants and numbers issued.

Why did India create a separate Ayush visa?

The government announced the Ayush visa in August 2023 as part of its Heal in India initiative. It gives people seeking Indian systems of medicine their own category, instead of fitting them into the medical visa. The Press Information Bureau states that it was inserted as Chapter 11A of the Visa Manual.

Which centres qualify?

A December 2024 government reply says treatment must be at a hospital or wellness centre accredited and registered with the government authorities concerned. It names accreditation through NABH and hospitals accredited by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine. Ask any centre for its accreditation details before you apply.

How do you apply for an e-Ayush visa?

Apply on the official e-Visa portal. The portal asks for your passport bio page and a letter on the centre’s letterhead with your details and the date of admission. The same timing rules apply as for other e-Visas. Apply at least four days before arrival.

Ayurveda supports care, it does not replace it

Ayush therapies are offered as supportive wellness. They should never replace treatment your doctor recommends. Tell every doctor about any Ayush treatment you have.

How common is the Ayush visa?

It is still small. By 4 December 2024, 123 regular Ayush visas, 221 e-Ayush visas and 17 e-Ayush Attendant visas had been issued, according to the government.

Questions people ask

Should I use an e-Medical or e-Ayush visa for an Ayurveda programme?

The Ayush visa is meant for people whose sole purpose is treatment through Ayush systems. If you are travelling for hospital treatment, the e-Medical visa is the usual route. Check the purposes listed on the official e-Visa portal and ask the centre which letter it will issue.

Can someone travel with me on an Ayush visa?

Yes. There are Ayush Attendant and e-Ayush Attendant visas. For the e-Ayush Attendant visa the official portal asks for the scanned passport bio page. Confirm current attendant rules on the portal before you apply.

Sources

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

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