India's New Medical Visa Rules 2026: What International Patients Need to Know

India has announced new medical visa rules to make travelling for treatment easier for international patients. Under the new system, medical visas will generally be valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing patients to return to India for follow-up appointments without applying for a new visa each time.

The government has also introduced clearer visa categories for patients and their attendants, along with shorter application forms.

The new rules were announced on 11 November 2026 and are expected to come into effect by the end of 2026. Until then, patients should follow the existing visa requirements.

What Changed in India's Visa System in November 2026?

On 11 November 2026, India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced changes to simplify the visa process for foreign visitors, including those travelling for medical treatment.

The changes are intended to make visa applications easier and reduce confusion when selecting the correct visa.

Here are the main changes:

• Longer medical visa validity: Medical visas will generally be valid for one year and allow multiple entries.

• Four medical visa categories: Separate visas for patients receiving hospital treatment, patients seeking AYUSH treatment and their attendants.

• Shorter application forms: The number of fields has been reduced by 65%–70%.

• Fewer visa categories: Main visa categories have been reduced from 13 to 9.

• New short-visit option: The 30-day Visitor Visa (V-1) will cover medical consultations and certain short treatments.

• Continued online applications: India's e-Visa facility currently covers citizens of 172 countries.

These changes are part of India's Heal in India initiative, which aims to make medical treatment in India more accessible to international patients.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India.

Are India's New Medical Visa Rules Already in Effect?

Not yet. Although the government announced the changes on 11 November 2026, the new system is expected to become operational by the end of the year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is updating its online visa systems to support the revised categories and application forms.

Here is the current status:

Important for patients: If you are planning to travel to India soon, check the requirements on the official Indian Visa Online portal before submitting your application.

What Are the M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4 Medical Visas?

Under the new India medical visa rules 2026, medical visas are divided into four categories.

Each category serves a different purpose.

M-1 Visa: For Hospital Treatment

The M-1 visa is intended for patients travelling to India for medical treatment outside the AYUSH system.

This may include:

• Cancer treatment

• Heart surgery

• Liver or kidney transplantation

• Knee replacement or spine surgery

• Other hospital-based treatments

Under the new framework, the M-1 visa, including its e-Visa version, will generally be issued for one year with multiple entries.

This can be particularly useful for patients who need treatment over several months.

M-2 Visa: For Patients' Attendants

The M-2 visa is intended for a person accompanying an M-1 medical visa holder.

For example, if a patient travels to India for cancer treatment, a family member may apply for an M-2 visa to accompany them during their stay.

The government has confirmed this visa category, but the detailed conditions, including the number of attendants allowed per patient, have not yet been announced.

M-3 Visa: For AYUSH Treatment

The M-3 visa is intended for international patients seeking treatment through recognised Indian traditional medicine systems.

AYUSH includes:

• Ayurveda

• Yoga and Naturopathy

• Unani

• Siddha

• Sowa-Rigpa

• Homoeopathy

Like the M-1 visa, the M-3 visa will generally offer one-year validity with multiple entries.

M-4 Visa: For AYUSH Patients' Attendants

The M-4 visa is for family members or attendants travelling with an M-3 visa holder.

For example, if a patient visits India for an Ayurveda treatment programme, their accompanying family member may apply for an M-4 visa.

The detailed visa conditions are still awaited.

Medical Visa or Visitor Visa (V-1): Which One Should You Choose?

India has also announced a new Visitor Visa (V-1) for short visits.

This visa will allow eligible travellers to visit India for 30 days with multiple entries. It includes activities such as medical consultations and short-duration treatment.

The right visa depends on why you are travelling and how long you expect to stay.

For example: If you are visiting India only to meet a specialist and discuss treatment options, a Visitor Visa may be suitable.

However, if you are travelling for surgery or a longer treatment programme, an M-1 medical visa would generally be more appropriate.

Always confirm the visa category with your hospital and the official visa authorities before applying.

Why Is the One-Year Multiple-Entry Medical Visa Important?

One of the biggest changes is the longer validity of medical visas.

Under the existing India e-Medical visa system, the visa has generally been valid for 60 days from the first arrival, with three entries.

This can be challenging for patients whose treatment requires multiple hospital visits.

The new one-year multiple-entry medical visa is expected to make these journeys more convenient.

1. Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment may involve several chemotherapy or radiotherapy sessions, followed by scans and consultations.

With a longer-validity visa, patients may be able to return home between treatment stages and travel back to India for scheduled appointments.

2. Organ Transplantation

Patients undergoing a liver or kidney transplant often need medical evaluations before surgery and regular follow-up appointments afterwards.

A one-year visa could make it easier to plan these visits without repeated visa applications.

3. Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery

Patients travelling for procedures such as knee replacement in India or spine surgery may require rehabilitation and follow-up consultations.

Multiple-entry visas can offer greater flexibility when planning these appointments.

4. Fertility Treatment

Some fertility patients may need more than one IVF cycle, with appointments spread over several weeks or months.

Longer visa validity can make repeat visits easier to organise.

Overall, the new system is expected to help patients manage their treatment schedules with fewer visa-related interruptions.

However, a one-year visa does not automatically guarantee permission to remain continuously in India for one year. The permitted duration of stay will depend on the final visa conditions.

Old vs New: India's Medical Visa Rules Compared

Here is a comparison of the existing e-Medical visa arrangements and the announced changes.

How to Apply for an Indian Medical Visa?

The medical visa application process is expected to become simpler once the new system is introduced.

Until then, you can prepare for your trip using the existing application process.

Step 1: Choose a Hospital in India

Start by selecting the hospital where you want to receive treatment.

You can share your medical reports with the hospital or treating specialist to obtain a treatment recommendation and estimated cost.

Step 2: Get a Hospital Invitation Letter

Ask the Indian hospital to provide a medical visa invitation letter.

The letter should include relevant information about your planned treatment and proposed date of admission or consultation.

Step 3: Select the Correct Visa Category

Choose the category that matches your treatment.

Under the new system:

• M-1 will be for hospital-based medical treatment.

• M-3 will be for AYUSH treatment.

• M-2 and M-4 will be for accompanying attendants.

Until these categories become operational, follow the options available on the official application portal.

Step 4: Apply Through the Official Website

Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in to begin your visa application.

Choose the appropriate visa option and complete the application form.

Under existing e-Visa guidance, eligible applicants can generally submit a medical e-Visa application at least four days before arrival and up to 120 days in advance.

These timelines may change when the new system becomes operational.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

Upload the required documents, including your passport details, photograph and hospital letter, according to the instructions on the portal.

Make sure that all information matches your passport.

Step 6: Apply for Your Attendant's Visa

If a family member or another attendant is travelling with you, they will need a separate visa application.

The application should clearly show that they are accompanying you for medical treatment.

Step 7: Keep Your Medical and Travel Documents Ready

Before travelling, keep copies of your visa, hospital invitation letter and medical records.

These documents may also be useful during future treatment visits.

Documents Required for an Indian Medical Visa

The final document checklist for the new M-1 to M-4 visa categories has not yet been published.

However, international patients can prepare the following documents based on existing medical visa requirements:

• A valid passport

• A recent passport-size photograph

• A copy of the passport's information page

• An invitation letter from the Indian hospital

• Medical reports related to the planned treatment

• A referral letter from your treating doctor, if applicable

• A separate passport and visa application for each accompanying attendant

Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality, treatment and visa category.

Always check the official requirements before applying.

What Are the New Indian Medical Visa Fees and Processing Times?

As of 12 November 2026, the Indian government has not announced the updated fees or processing times for the new M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4 visas.

Under the existing system, visa fees may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the visa type.

The time required to process an application may also differ.

For accurate information, check the fees and processing details shown on the official Indian Visa Online portal.

Frequently Asked Questions About India's New Medical Visa Rules 2026

1. What is India's new medical visa for 2026?

India has announced four medical visa categories: M-1 for hospital treatment, M-2 for attendants of M-1 patients, M-3 for AYUSH treatment and M-4 for attendants of M-3 patients. The new system is expected to become operational by the end of 2026.

2. How long will India's new medical visa be valid?

The new M-1 and M-3 medical visas, including their e-Visa versions, will generally be valid for one year with multiple entries. The final visa conditions will apply once the new system becomes operational.

3. Are the new medical visa rules in effect now?

Not fully. The government announced the changes on 11 November 2026, but implementation is expected by the end of 2026. Patients should continue following the existing visa rules until the new system is introduced.

4. Can a family member travel with me on a medical visa?

Yes. Under the new framework, family members or other eligible attendants accompanying M-1 patients can apply for M-2 visas. Attendants accompanying M-3 patients can apply for M-4 visas. The detailed conditions are still awaited.

5. Can I visit India for a medical consultation on a Visitor Visa?

Under the announced framework, the 30-day V-1 Visitor Visa will cover medical consultations and certain short-duration treatments. For surgery or longer hospital treatment, a medical visa will generally be more suitable.

6. Is there a separate visa for Ayurveda treatment?

Yes. The new M-3 visa is intended for patients travelling to India for AYUSH treatment, including Ayurveda. An accompanying attendant may apply under the M-4 category.

7. Has the Indian medical visa fee changed?

The government has not yet announced new fees for the M-1 to M-4 visa categories. Applicants should check the official Indian Visa Online portal for the latest fees applicable to their nationality.

8. Do I need an invitation letter from an Indian hospital?

Under the existing medical visa process, an invitation letter from the treating hospital is generally required. The final checklist for the new M-1 visa has not yet been published, so applicants should check the official requirements before applying.

Planning Medical Treatment in India? Vaidam Health Can Help

Planning medical treatment abroad involves more than choosing a hospital. From finding the right specialist to arranging accommodation and travel, there are several things to consider.

Vaidam Health helps international patients plan and coordinate their medical treatment journey worldwide.

Our team can assist you with:

• Finding the Right Hospital: Connecting you with suitable hospitals and experienced specialists based on your medical needs.

• Medical Report Review: Sharing your medical reports with specialists for an initial assessment.

• Treatment Plans and Cost Estimates: Helping you understand available treatment options and estimated expenses.

• Visa Assistance: Coordinating hospital invitation letters and guiding you through the medical visa application process.

• Travel Arrangements: Assisting with airport transfers, local transportation and travel planning.

• Accommodation Support: Helping you find suitable accommodation near the hospital for you and your attendant.

• Language Assistance: Helping arrange interpreters when needed to make communication with medical teams easier.

• Hospital Appointments: Coordinating consultations, hospital visits and treatment schedules.

• Follow-up Care: Helping you stay connected with your treating hospital for follow-up consultations after treatment.

While visa approvals are decided solely by the Government of India, having the right documents and support can make planning your treatment journey easier.

Share your medical reports with Vaidam Health to explore your treatment options and get assistance with your medical journey.

Sources

• Press Information Bureau: Government of India rationalises Indian visa regime (Ministry of Home Affairs, 11 November 2026)

• Indian Visa Online, Government of India (official visa portal)

• High Commission of India, Malta: Advisory on e-Visa

• Consulate General of India, San Francisco: e-Visa

• Embassy of India, Paris: e-Visa

• Business Standard: Govt overhauls visa regime, cuts categories from 13 to 9 (12 November 2026)

• NDTV: India overhauls visa rules, categories cut from 13 to 9