India May Soon Offer Visa-on-Arrival for Medical Tourists from the US and Europe

India is exploring a major policy shift that would make medical and wellness travel significantly easier for citizens of the United States and several European Union (EU) countries.

The Indian government is considering granting visa-on-arrival access to medical tourists from these nations, aiming to remove a key barrier for people seeking treatment or wellness stays in the country.

India’s Push for Global Medical Hub Status

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal shared this update during the CII Health Summit, adding that the government is open to feedback from the medical community on improving import tariffs for medical equipment.

Goyal said the proposal for visa-on-arrival or e-visas is being seriously considered for countries where India has strong travel ties and mutual trust, such as the US and EU nations.

Market Opportunity

Minister Goyal said the global medical tourism market already stands at about $800 billion and could soon hit $1 trillion with wellness and fitness included. He believes India can lead this growth by combining modern healthcare, affordable costs, and traditional wellness systems like Ayurveda and yoga.

What Visa-on-Arrival Means

If the policy is implemented, medical travellers from the US and designated EU nations would no longer need to complete the often complex visa application process in advance. Instead, they could:

• Fly in directly: Arrive at a major Indian airport.
• Obtain a Visa-On-Arrival: Receive their entry permit directly at the airport counter.

This change directly addresses one of the most common friction points—the visa process—for those already planning a trip to India for medical value travel, be it for complex surgical care or a dedicated yoga-based recovery retreat.

Current Visa Requirements

The Visa-On-Arrival scheme for medical travellers is still under consideration and is not yet the current policy. Until an official announcement is made, travellers must follow the existing procedures:

1. Medical Visa (MV)

The Medical Visa (MV) is for specialised treatment in a recognised Indian hospital or wellness centre. Requires applying at an Indian embassy/consulate.

• Key Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), Letter of admission from the hospital, Proof of Funds, Flight Bookings & Care Plan.

2. e-Medical Visa

The e-Medical Visa is for individuals seeking medical treatment. Applied for entirely online via the Indian Visa Online portal.

• Key Requirements: Online application form, uploaded photo, passport details, and Hospital invitation letter.

3. e-Medical Attendant Visa

The e-Medical Attendant Visa is for those accompanying a patient. It is worth noting that this visa must be applied for alongside the e-Medical Visa application.

• Key Requirements: For specialised treatment in a recognised Indian hospital or wellness centre. Requires applying at an Indian embassy/consulate.

Important Note

If you travel to India on a Medical Visa and plan to stay beyond the permitted duration, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO). Always verify the registration rules based on how long you intend to stay.

Action Plan for Future Medical Travellers

If you are someone who is planning a medical or wellness trip to India in the near future, here is how you should prepare:

1. Monitor Official Channels: Keep an eye out for official announcements from the Indian government regarding the visa-on-arrival policy roll-out.
2. Plan for the Current Rules: Assume you will need to apply for the standard Medical (MV) or e-Medical Visa until the new policy is officially confirmed.
3. Secure Documentation: Choose your facility carefully and ensure you obtain the necessary admission letter from the recognised hospital or wellness centre well in advance.
4. Passport Check: Confirm your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining and sufficient blank pages.
5. Insurance is Key: While the focus is on treatment, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and travel disruptions.

Final Thoughts

India is clearly signalling its commitment to becoming a leading destination for medical and wellness travel, with the proposed visa-on-arrival for US and EU citizens being a game-changer for accessibility. While this promising option is being developed, secure your trip by following the current Medical Visa and e-visa guidelines.