India e-Medical Visa 2026: Application & Attendant Guide

2026 Medical Travel Guide

Your hospital in India has confirmed an appointment or sent you a treatment letter. Now you need to arrange the visa.

If your spouse, child or another family member is travelling with you, they’ll need to check their visa requirements too.

You can apply for an India e-Medical Visa online if your passport is eligible. The application is fairly straightforward, but it’s better to have the hospital documents ready before opening the form.

Here’s what you need to know before applying in 2026.

Last verified: 26 October 2026

Which Visa Do You Need?

India offers separate e-Visa categories for patients and people accompanying them.

e-Medical Visa

For eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for medical treatment at a hospital or healthcare facility.

e-Medical Attendant Visa

For family members or attendants accompanying a patient travelling for treatment. Each traveller must apply separately.

Example: If your father is travelling to India for heart surgery and you plan to stay with him, he would apply for an e-Medical Visa while you would apply for an e-Medical Attendant Visa.

India allows up to two e-Medical Attendant Visas for one e-Medical Visa holder, subject to eligibility and approval.

Check your passport nationality on the official Indian e-Visa website . Living in an eligible country doesn’t automatically make your passport eligible.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Apply for an India e-Medical Visa Online

The application is completed through the Government of India’s website.

Open the Official Portal
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and select the e-Visa application option.
Choose Your Visa Category
Select e-Medical Visa for the patient or e-Medical Attendant Visa for the accompanying person.
Fill in Your Details
Enter your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and travel details exactly as shown on your passport.
Upload the Documents
Upload your photograph, passport scan and hospital letter where required. Make sure the files are clear.
Review the Application
Check every field again, especially your passport number, date of birth and email address. Save your application ID.
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay through the official payment system. Keep the payment confirmation.
Check Your Application Status
Use the portal’s Check Your Visa Status option. Wait until your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) shows GRANTED.

2026 Visa Update

What Changed for India’s Medical Visa in 2026?

1 Year Updated visa category listing

India’s updated e-Visa category listing shows one-year validity with multiple entries for e-Medical Visas.

The newer listing also shows one-year validity for e-Medical Attendant Visas.

Some older government FAQ text still mentions 60 days. Check the conditions shown during your application and on the visa actually granted to you.

A one-year visa validity period does not automatically permit a continuous one-year stay.

When Should You Apply, and What Does It Cost?

Application Timing

Eligible applicants can apply up to 120 days before arrival, but the application must be submitted at least four days before travel.

Four days is not a guaranteed approval time. Apply earlier when possible.

Visa Fees

Visa fees vary by nationality. Payment-processing charges may also apply.

Check the fee on the official portal before paying. Visa processing fees are non-refundable, including when an application is rejected.

Avoid unofficial visa websites. Be careful with websites promising guaranteed approvals or expensive emergency processing. The Indian government does not offer an official express e-Visa fee.

Travel Checklist

What Should You Check Before Flying to India?

Once your ETA is granted, download or print a copy and keep it with your passport.

Check that the name and passport details on your ETA are correct.
Confirm that your arrival airport is authorised for e-Visa entry.
Carry your hospital letter and appointment details.
Keep your accommodation address and important medical reports available.
Check the free e-Arrival Card , which can be completed within 72 hours before arrival.
Check whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required based on your travel route or history.

Zinek Healthcare

Need Help Getting Your Hospital Documents Ready?

Some families already have a hospital letter. Others are still looking for a hospital or waiting for a specialist to review medical reports.

Zinek Healthcare can help coordinate hospital options, doctor appointments, written treatment estimates and requests for hospital documents.

The team can also assist with travel planning, airport pickup and accommodation arrangements.

Medical decisions remain with the doctors, and visa approvals remain with Indian immigration authorities.

Share Reports & Request an Estimate Visit Official Visa Portal

Zinek cannot guarantee visa approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two family members travel with one patient?

Yes. India allows up to two e-Medical Attendant Visas against one patient’s e-Medical Visa, subject to eligibility and approval.

Is a hospital letter compulsory for the e-Medical Visa?

Yes. Patients need a letter from the Indian hospital mentioning the proposed treatment or admission date and relevant patient details.

Can I apply without a confirmed travel date?

You need a proposed arrival date and supporting hospital details. Confirm the expected treatment schedule with the hospital before applying.

How long is an India e-Medical Visa valid in 2026?

The updated visa category listing shows one year with multiple entries. Check your granted visa for the exact validity and permitted stay conditions.

Can Zinek Healthcare approve my medical visa?

No. Zinek can help coordinate hospital documentation and guide you to the official application process. Only Indian authorities can approve or reject a visa.

Official References

Visa eligibility, validity, fees and document requirements may change. Always confirm the latest rules on the official Indian government website before submitting an application or booking travel.