India e-Medical Visa for UK Patients: Fee USD 25 (£20), Process & Documents 2026

🇬🇧United Kingdom → India · e-Medical Visa Guide

India e-Medical Visa for United Kingdom Patients: Fees, Process & Documents

UK patients travelling to India for medical treatment need an India e-Medical Visa, which costs USD 25 (approximately £20) and is applied for entirely online. With NHS waiting lists stretching to 18 months or more for elective procedures, India offers the same quality of care at JCI-accredited hospitals for 60–80% less than UK private rates.

Visa Fee
USD 25
Processing
3–5 business days
Validity
60 days from date of issue
Attendant Fee
USD 25 per attendant

Official India e-Medical Visa Fee for United Kingdom Nationals

USD 25

The India e-Medical Visa fee for UK nationals is USD 25 (approximately £20 at current exchange rates). This fee is payable online by credit or debit card and is non-refundable.

Payment is made in USD on the official portal. The GBP equivalent varies with the exchange rate at the time of payment.

What Is the India e-Medical Visa?

The India e-Medical Visa (e-MV) is an electronic visa issued by the Government of India specifically for patients travelling to India for medical treatment. It is available to nationals of over 160 countries, including United Kingdom, and is applied for entirely online through the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in.

The e-Medical Visa allows a stay of up to 60 days per visit per visit and is valid for 60 days from date of issue from the date of issue. It is a triple-entry visa, meaning you can enter India up to three times within the validity period — useful if you need follow-up treatment.

Importantly, the e-Medical Visa also covers one attendant (a family member or caregiver) who can accompany the patient under a separate e-Medical Attendant Visa, which costs USD 25 per attendant.

The visa is linked electronically to your passport — there is no sticker or stamp required before travel. Immigration officers verify it digitally on arrival at designated Indian airports.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1
Obtain hospital invitation letter from India
Contact Medworth or your chosen JCI-accredited hospital in India. They will issue an official invitation letter on hospital letterhead stating your name, diagnosis, proposed treatment, and estimated duration of stay.
2
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill the application
Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Select "Medical" as the visa category. Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel details, and upload all required documents.
3
Pay USD 25 visa fee online
Pay USD 25 (approximately £20) using a credit or debit card. The payment is processed securely on the government portal. Keep the payment receipt.
4
Receive your e-Medical Visa by email
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You will receive the e-Medical Visa as a PDF to your registered email address. Print two copies to carry with you.
5
Travel to India and clear immigration
Present your printed e-Medical Visa, passport, and hospital invitation letter at immigration. Direct flights from London (LHR, LGW) serve Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kochi. Flight time is approximately 9–10 hours.
6
Register with FRRO if staying beyond 180 days
If your treatment requires a stay longer than 180 days, register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Medworth can assist with this process.

Documents Required for India e-Medical Visa

Valid UK passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Recent passport-size photograph
White background, taken within the last 6 months
Hospital invitation / appointment letter
From the Indian hospital on official letterhead, stating diagnosis, treatment, and estimated duration
Medical records / diagnosis report
From your UK GP or specialist confirming the condition requiring treatment
Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statement showing ability to cover treatment and stay costs
Return flight ticket (or itinerary)
Confirmed or provisional booking
Accommodation details in India
Hotel booking or hospital accommodation confirmation
Travel insurance documentation
Strongly recommended — ensure it covers medical treatment abroad

All documents must be uploaded as clear scanned copies (JPEG or PDF). The hospital letter must be on official letterhead and include the patient's name, diagnosis, proposed treatment, and estimated duration of stay.

India e-Medical Visa: Key Facts for United Kingdom Patients

DetailInformation
Visa Typee-Medical Visa (e-MV)
Applicant NationalityUnited Kingdom
Visa FeeUSD 25
Attendant Visa FeeUSD 25 per attendant
Processing Time3–5 business days
Validity60 days from date of issue
Maximum Stay per Visit60 days per visit
Number of EntriesTriple entry
Application Portalindianvisaonline.gov.in
Visa FormatElectronic (no sticker required)
Eligible Entry PointsDesignated international airports & seaports
ExtensionPossible via FRRO/FRO in India (up to 6 months)

Tips for United Kingdom Patients Applying for India Medical Visa

  • Apply for your e-Medical Visa at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date.
  • The hospital invitation letter is the most critical document. Medworth arranges this for all patients.
  • Direct flights from London Heathrow to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore take approximately 9–10 hours.
  • Consider travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad.
  • Keep two printed copies of your e-Medical Visa — one for immigration and one as a backup.
  • India is 4.5–5.5 hours ahead of UK time. Plan for jet lag recovery time before your procedure.
  • Many UK patients of South Asian origin have family in India who can provide additional support during recovery.
  • Medworth has English-speaking coordinators for UK patients.

Frequently Asked Questions — India Medical Visa for United Kingdom Patients

How much is the India medical visa fee for UK patients?

The India e-Medical Visa fee for UK nationals is USD 25 (approximately £20 at current exchange rates). This is the official fee set by the Government of India, payable online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The fee is non-refundable.

How long does it take to get an India medical visa from the UK?

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date. There is no need to visit the Indian High Commission in London or any consulate — the entire process is online.

Can I use the India medical visa to bypass NHS waiting lists?

Yes. Many UK patients travel to India specifically to avoid NHS waiting lists, which can stretch to 18 months or more for procedures like knee replacement, hip replacement, and cardiac surgery. India offers the same procedures at JCI-accredited hospitals within 2–4 weeks of booking.

Will my NHS or private health insurance cover treatment in India?

NHS treatment is not available abroad. Some UK private health insurance policies may offer limited overseas coverage — check with your insurer. Many UK patients pay out-of-pocket in India and still save significantly compared to UK private rates.

Can my family member accompany me to India on a medical visa?

Yes. One family member or caregiver can accompany you on an e-Medical Attendant Visa, which also costs USD 25. They must apply separately on the same portal.

How much can UK patients save on medical treatment in India?

UK patients typically save 60–80% compared to UK private hospital rates. Cardiac bypass surgery costs approximately £7,000–£12,000 in India versus £30,000–£50,000 privately in the UK. Knee replacement costs £4,500–£7,500 in India versus £12,000–£20,000 privately in the UK.

Is India safe for medical treatment for UK patients?

Yes. India's top hospitals are JCI-accredited — the same international standard as leading UK hospitals. Many senior doctors in Indian hospitals have trained or worked in the UK. Medworth only works with JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals.

Can I extend my India medical visa if my treatment takes longer?

Yes. You can apply for a visa extension through the FRRO in India. Extensions are typically granted for up to 6 months for genuine medical cases. Medworth can assist with the FRRO extension process.

Indian Embassy / High Commission in United Kingdom

While the e-Medical Visa is applied for entirely online, you may contact the Indian Embassy or High Commission in United Kingdom for queries about your application status or special circumstances.

Indian High Commission / Embassy:London (High Commission of India), Birmingham, Edinburgh (Consulates)
Visit Embassy Website

How Medworth Helps United Kingdom Patients with the Medical Visa

Navigating the India e-Medical Visa process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a health concern. Medworth's patient coordinators guide United Kingdom patients through every step:

Hospital Invitation Letter
We arrange the official invitation letter from your chosen JCI-accredited hospital — the most critical document for your visa application.
Document Checklist
We provide a personalised checklist of every document you need, translated into simple language, so nothing is missed.
Application Guidance
Step-by-step guidance on filling the online application form correctly to avoid rejections or delays.
Attendant Visa Support
We help your accompanying family member apply for the e-Medical Attendant Visa simultaneously.
FRRO Extension
If your treatment extends beyond your visa validity, we assist with the FRRO extension process in India.
24/7 Coordinator
A dedicated Medworth coordinator is available around the clock via WhatsApp for any visa or travel queries.

Ready to Plan Your Medical Trip to India?

Book a free consultation with a Medworth specialist. We'll confirm your treatment plan, arrange the hospital invitation letter, and guide you through the entire visa process — at no extra cost.