If you are coming to India for cancer treatment, you will almost certainly need an e-Medical visa, and your companions will need e-Medical Attendant visas. The rules below come from India's official e-Visa portal[c1][c2]. Cancer care often runs for weeks or months (a transplant or CAR-T course, or radiotherapy over several weeks), so the validity and entry rules matter more than they do for a short operation.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general awareness and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. For diagnosis or treatment decisions, consult a qualified specialist.
Check before you apply. Visa rules change. Many older guides online still quote a 60-day, triple-entry medical e-visa; the official portal currently states one year and multiple entries. Always confirm on the portal before you apply or pay.
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The e-Medical Visa: Key Rules
| Rule | What the official portal says |
|---|
| Validity | One year (365 days) from the date of arrival in India[c1] |
| Entries | Multiple[c1] |
| When to apply | At least 4 days before your date of arrival, within a window of 120 days[c1] |
| Passport | At least six months of validity when you apply[c1][c2] |
| Hospital letter | Required: a letter from the hospital in India, on its letterhead, giving the date (or tentative date) of admission[c1] |
| Attendants | Only two e-Medical Attendant visas are granted against one patient's e-Medical visa[c1] |
| Where you can arrive | Designated airports and seaports listed on the portal (36 airports and 38 seaports at the time of writing)[c1] |
| Extension | The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted into another visa type[c1] |
The portal page we checked does not set a maximum stay for each visit, so ask the Indian mission or the hospital if you plan a very long continuous stay.
Documents You Need
For the patient
- A scanned copy of the passport bio page showing your photograph and details[c1].
- A recent front-facing photograph on a white background[c1].
- The hospital letter described above[c1]. Ask the hospital to put your full name and passport details on it so that it matches your application.
For each attendant
- A scanned copy of the passport bio page. The portal lists no hospital letter for attendants[c1].
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Choose the hospital and get the letter. You need the hospital's letter before you can apply, so decide on the centre first. This is the step where most delays happen; if you send us your reports we can ask the hospital to issue it.
- Check your passport and nationality. The e-Visa is open only to nationals of the countries listed on the portal, and your passport needs six months' validity when you apply.
- Apply online on the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa), uploading the documents above. Apply at least 4 days before you arrive, and no more than 120 days before.
- Pay the fee. The portal says the fee is non-refundable once submitted, because it covers processing of the application[c1]. Check the current amount on the portal.
- Receive your authorisation by email. The portal sends an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to your email. Print it and carry it with your passport[c1].
- Arrive at a designated airport or seaport. The visa is stamped by immigration on arrival[c1]. Carry the hospital letter, your reports and your return details.
Use only the official portal. Other sites that charge extra to "process" an e-Visa are not the government.
Attendant Visas for Family or Carers
The e-Medical Attendant visa lets a relative or carer travel with you. It has the same validity as the patient's visa: one year from arrival, with multiple entries[c1]. The limit is two attendants per patient[c1]. If three people want to travel, one will need a different visa.
What the e-Visa Does Not Allow
- Extension or conversion. The portal states the e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible[c1]. If your treatment is likely to outlast the visa, ask the hospital and the Indian mission what the options are before you travel.
- Protected, restricted and cantonment areas. The e-Visa is not valid for visiting them[c1].
- Refunds. The fee is non-refundable once submitted[c1], so check every detail before you pay.
If Your Country Is Not Eligible
The e-Medical visa is only available to citizens of the countries and territories listed on the portal, which at the time of writing lists 175[c1]. If yours is not on the list, contact the Indian embassy or high commission in your country about a regular Medical visa. The hospital letter is still the key document.
Planning the Visa Around Your Treatment
A one-year, multiple-entry visa is useful because many cancer treatments are not a single trip. Examples that run across weeks or visits:
- CAR-T therapy: the manufacturer describes a process of about six to ten weeks, with four or more weeks near the hospital after infusion. See our NexCAR19 guide.
- Stem cell or bone marrow transplant: a long hospital stay followed by close follow-up. See our bone marrow transplant guide.
- Radiation therapy: typically a daily schedule over several weeks. For proton therapy, see our proton beam therapy guide.
Treatment dates can move, so apply for the visa once the hospital has confirmed a start date, and do not buy non-refundable tickets until your visa authorisation arrives. For typical package prices by cancer type, see our cancer treatment cost pages.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Medical Visa
How long is the India e-Medical visa valid?
The official portal states one year (365 days) from the date of arrival, with multiple entries[c1].
How many family members can come with me?
Two. Only two e-Medical Attendant visas are granted against one patient's e-Medical visa[c1].
Do I need a letter from the hospital?
Yes. The patient's application needs a letter from the hospital in India, on its letterhead, showing the date or tentative date of admission[c1].
How early should I apply?
At least 4 days before arrival, and within a 120-day window before your arrival date[c1]. Leave more than the minimum in case a document is queried.
Can I extend my e-Medical visa if treatment takes longer?
The portal says the e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible[c1]. Ask the hospital and the Indian mission about options before you travel.
Is the visa fee refundable?
No. The portal states the e-Visa fee is non-refundable once submitted[c1].
Which airports can I land at?
Only the designated airports and seaports listed on the e-Visa portal[c1]. Check the current list before booking your flight.
Can ArogyaJivan get the visa for me?
No agent can issue the visa; only the Indian authorities do. We can arrange the hospital letter, check your documents and explain the steps. Send us your details and we will tell you what is needed for your case.
Discover the Best Oncologists and Cancer Hospitals in India
When it comes to cancer treatment, finding the right specialist and hospital can make a significant difference in the outcome. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the top oncologists and cancer hospitals across major cities in India, ensuring that you have access to the best care available.
Top Oncologists in Major Cities
For those seeking expert oncologists, we have identified the best specialists in key cities:
Leading Cancer Hospitals
In addition to finding the right specialist, choosing the right hospital is crucial for comprehensive cancer care. Here are the top hospitals in major cities:
Get more indepth information on Cancer treatments and their costs
Conclusion
Finding the right oncologist and hospital is the first step in your cancer treatment journey. Explore the links above to learn more about the top specialists and hospitals in your area.
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