Indian medical visa is a special category that is meant for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India. It differs from a standard tourist visa as it allows a you to enter and stay in India for receiving medical care.
This is a crucial distinction as it allows for longer stays that are tailored to treatment durations at a recognized Indian hospital. This visa acknowledges the specific needs of international patients, facilitating access to a wide spectrum of healthcare services.
The medical visa allows you to get critical surgeries from organ transplant to advanced therapies and chronic conditions.
To be eligible for an Indian medical visa, applicants must meet specific criteria showing genuine need for medical treatment in India. Important conditions include:
Seeking specialized medical treatment: The applicant must be seeking treatment for a major condition such as organ transplant, neurosurgery, spine surgery, cardiac conditions, cancer, joint replacement and other significant diseases that require urgent medical attention.
Treatment at a recognized hospital: India has state-of-the-art medical institutions that are sought-out for their sophisticated treatment. You must have a recognized medical institution in India.
Referral from home country: This is something that’s recommended instead of something that’s mandatory. You must have a referral from a medical professional or hospital in their country. With medical tourism, a visa invitation letter from the Indian hospital substitutes this referral.
These were some of the most important criteria for an Indian medical visa. You can apply for this visa even for general check-up or minor procedures. If you just want to get a routine consultation, you may opt for second opinion or an online consultation.
Valid Kenyan passport (6+ months validity)
2 recent passport photos (2x2 inch, white background)
Referral letter from Kenyan doctor/hospital
Appointment letter from recognized Indian hospital
Proof of financial means (bank statements/sponsor letters)
Completed online application form
Visa fee payment receipt (~$80-$120 USD)
Notes:
2 attendants permitted (must apply separately)
Initial validity: 1 year (multiple entries)
Maximum stay: 180 days (extendable via FRRO)
Obtain referral from your doctor
Get appointment confirmation from Indian hospital
Collect all medical reports and treatment plans
Select "Medical Visa" option
Fill application carefully (all details must match passport)
Upload required documents
Print completed application form
Book appointment at Nairobi or Mombasa center
Submit documents in person at VFS center:
Printed application form
Original passport
Photographs
Medical documents
Fee payment proof
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Normal processing: 5-7 working days
Expedited processing available (extra fee)
Track status online using reference number
Collect passport with visa stamp from VFS center
Gather Documents: Medical reports, referral & appointment letters
Online Application: Complete at [India Visa Online ]
Book Appointment: At VFS Global Kenya centers (Nairobi/Mombasa)
Submit In-Person: With biometrics collection
Processing: 5-7 working days
Collection: Passport with visa stamp
Register with FRRO within 14 days if staying >180 days
Attendants apply for "MED-X" visa
No e-visa option for medical cases
Passport with visa
Hospital documents
Financial proof
Insurance (recommended)
FRRO papers (if long stay)
Indian High Commission, Nairobi: +254 20 242 3000
VFS Kenya: [ www.vfsglobal.com/india/kenya ]