How many days can a foreigner stay in India for medical reasons?
A foreigner may stay in India on medical grounds, and this varies depending on the kind of medical visa that they have. India provides medical e-visa and regular Medical Visas, which have a certain duration of validity, a limit of stay, and terms controlled by Indian immigration agencies.
Stay Duration on a Medical e-Visa for India
An Indian medical e-visa enables a foreigner to remain in India under the following conditions:
- Up to 60 days per visit, calculated from the date of arrival.
- Triple entry, meaning the patient may enter India up to three times within the visa’s validity period.
The Medical e-Visa is issued with a validity of 120 days from the date of grant, during which the holder may enter India up to three times, with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry. The traveler is allowed to be in India several times within this period. However, the stay must not exceed 60 consecutive days for each entry.
This visa is suitable for:
- Short-term medical treatment.
- Medical consultations, diagnostic examinations, or follow-up visits conducted in person.
- Treatments that do not require long-term hospitalization.
Medical e-Visas cannot be extended. In case the medical treatment has to proceed longer than the permitted period of stay, the patient must apply for a regular Medical Visa through the appropriate immigration authorities.
Stay Duration on a Regular Medical Visa
A regular Medical Visa, issued by an Indian embassy or consulate, allows a longer period of stay:
- An initial stay of up to six months, depending on nationality and medical requirements.
- The visa may be extended in India in genuine medical cases, subject to approval by the FRRO and supporting medical documentation.
Extensions are processed in India in the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and are provided based on:
- Medical reports from recognized Indian hospitals.
- Evidence of ongoing treatment being medically required.
- A valid passport and lawful visa status.
This visa is recommended for:
- Treatments that are long-term, like cancer treatment, organ transplantation, or major surgeries.
- Prolonged inpatient or healing span.
- Patients who need several follow-ups in a number of months.
Medical Attendant Visas
A Medical Attendant Visa can be applied for by foreign nationals who are accompanying a patient. The validity of a Medical Attendant Visa usually goes hand in hand with the medical visa of the patient. Medical Attendant Visas are generally granted with the same validity as the patient’s medical visa, and attendants must comply independently with all immigration, registration, and extension requirements.
Important Notes
- Overstaying on any medical visa may result in fines, exit delays, or restrictions on future visa applications.
- Registration with the FRRO is mandatory for stays exceeding 180 days.
- Any visa extensions are strictly given on a medical need to extend and official approval.
Conclusion
In summary, foreigners may stay in India for medical purposes for up to 60 days per entry on a Medical e-Visa, or for several months under a regular Medical Visa, which may be extended in genuine medical cases. Short-term treatments are best suited for Medical e-Visas, while long-term or complex treatments generally require a regular Medical Visa.
