If a tourist visa holder has a minor medical condition that does not require hospitalization or prolonged treatment, they are allowed to receive treatment. Conversion to Medical Visa will be required only if the treatment exceeds 180 days or the stay stipulation period prescribed on the visa.
The conditions to convert a tourist visa into a medical visa in India are as follows:
- You must have a valid tourist visa issued by the Indian authorities.
- You must have a medical condition that requires immediate or specialized treatment that is not available in your home country or during your initial tourist visa period.
- You must have a medical report from a doctor in your home country stating your condition and the need for treatment in India.
- You must have a letter from a hospital in India confirming that they are willing to admit you for treatment and the estimated cost and duration of the treatment.
- You must have sufficient funds to cover your medical and travel expenses in India.
- You must apply online through the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration and submit a physical application to the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Regional Office (FRO).
- You must pay the application fee and give your biometrics if required.
- You must wait for the approval of your visa conversion, which may take up to 15 working days.
While India allows the conversion of certain visas to a medical visa under specific circumstances, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and limitations before proceeding.
Key Eligibility Points:
- Not Applicable to e-Tourist Visas: Conversion is not possible for visas obtained through the e-Tourist Visa scheme. You’ll need to directly apply for a medical visa instead.
- Demonstrated Medical Need: You must present a genuine medical requirement necessitating treatment at a recognized Indian hospital, with a duration not exceeding 6 months.
- Valid Tourist Visa: Your existing tourist visa must be valid at the time of application for conversion.
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- The India e-Medical visa is valid for 60 days.1
- The India e-Medical visa is a triple entry visa.
- The visa is for traveling to India for medical procedures, surgeries, or medical consultations.2
- Your passport must have 180 additional valid days after the end of your trip.
- Applicants must use the same passport as the one they’re applying with for the e-Medical visa.
- The E-Medical visa costs $144.64.
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Step-by-step Instructions for Converting a Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa in India
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to convert a Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa in India through the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration:
1. Visit the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
2. Click on the “Visa” tab and then select “Visa Conversion”.
3. Choose the type of visa you want to convert to, such as a Medical Visa.
4. Fill out the online application form with your current visa number, country of issue, expiry date, contact information, and other relevant details.
5. Upload the required documents, which may include a medical report from a doctor in your home country and a letter from an Indian hospital confirming their willingness to admit you for treatment.
6. Pay the application fee.
7. After submitting your online application, you must also submit a physical application to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Regional Office (FRO) in your area.
8. You can download the physical application form from the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.
Eligibility Criteria for Converting a Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa in India
- To be eligible for a medical visa, the medical condition must be severe and require immediate or specialized treatment that is not available in your home country or during your initial tourist visa period.
- You must provide strong medical reports from recognized doctors in India that outline the diagnosis, urgency of treatment, and estimated hospital stay.
- Confirmation of admission or appointment with a reputable hospital specializing in your condition strengthens your case.
- You must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover medical expenses and living costs during the extended stay.
- Additionally, you must not have overstayed your valid tourist visa duration at the time of seeking an extension.
What Type of Medical Conditions or Treatment are Eligible for the Visa Conversion?
Visa extension due to medical reasons during tourist visa stay: There are two scenarios where you may be able to extend your tourist visa based on medical grounds:
1. Emergency or urgent medical conditions: This could include sudden critical illness, unexpected complications arising during your tourist stay, or requiring immediate specialized treatment that is not available in your home country.
- The severity of the medical emergency: Documentation from a local doctor verifying the emergency and the necessity of continued treatment in that country is essential.
- Documentation: Provide official medical reports from a recognized hospital detailing the emergency, diagnosis, treatment plan, and estimated recovery time.
- Limited duration: The extension is likely granted only for the immediate recovery period, not long-term treatment.
- Strict adherence to regulations: Engaging in any unauthorized activities during the extension could jeopardize your visa status.
2. Ongoing treatment with established progress: If you have already started treatment in India during your tourist visa and have made significant progress that requires you to extend your stay to complete it, the authorities may consider your case.
- Pre-existing condition: The medical condition requiring treatment shouldn’t be known beforehand, and the need for extended care should arise unexpectedly during your visit.
- Specialist referral: If seeking treatment from a specific doctor, include a referral letter from the specialist highlighting the unique benefits of their care.
- Continuity of care: Documentation demonstrating the treatment’s complexity and the benefits of continuing it with the same doctor/hospital in that country is crucial.
- Proof of funds: The ability to cover the remaining treatment costs is essential.
Here are some of the medical conditions that may be eligible for medical visa conversion in India:
- Serious medical conditions that require specialized treatment not available in your home country
- Organ transplants
- Cancer treatment
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Bone marrow transplants
- Gene therapy
- Stem cell therapy
However, it is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the ultimate decision on whether or not to grant a medical visa conversion rests with the Indian authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get medical treatment in India on a Tourist Visa?
Using a tourist visa for medical treatment might be possible for minor or emergency care and follow-up consultations, but switching to a medical visa is likely required for prolonged treatment or hospitalization.
How can I get a medical visa for India?
You can get a medical visa for India at Visas for Future. Follow these simple step:
1. Go to the Visas for Future website and click Get Medical E-Visa Now.
2. Provide all information.
3. Pay the fee using your credit or debit card.
4. Wait for notification of your Medical E-Visa on your inbox.
Can I change my Tourist Visa to a work visa in India?
No, to work in India, you must apply for a work visa from an Indian embassy or consulate before your trip.
Can foreigners get medical treatment in India?
Yes, you can; foreigners can receive medical treatment in India as it has become a popular destination for medical tourism.
- DETAILS OF VISAS GRANTED BY INDIA. (2018). https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexIII_01022018.pdf [↩]
- DETAILS OF VISAS GRANTED BY INDIA. (2018). https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexIII_01022018.pdf [↩]
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Written by
Jenilyn Samortin 
Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "How to Convert a Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa in India?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/how-to-convert-tourist-visa-to-medical-visa-in-india/. Accessed on 29 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "How to Convert a Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa in India?." Visas For Future. September 29, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/how-to-convert-tourist-visa-to-medical-visa-in-india/.