Planning medical treatment in India from Tanzania? The e-Medical Visa process is simpler than you think. With the right documents and guidance, most Tanzanian patients receive their medical visa approval within 24-48 hours.
This step-by-step guide, compiled by Health and Wellness Companion (HWC) based on helping hundreds of Tanzanian patients, walks you through every detail of the India medical visa application process—from required documents to arrival procedures.

What is an India Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa)?
The e-Medical Visa is a special visa category for foreign nationals traveling to India specifically for medical treatment, including medical check-ups, surgeries, and other healthcare procedures at recognized Indian hospitals.
Key Features of India Medical Visa:
- Processing Type: Electronic (e-Visa) – No embassy visit required
- Validity: 60 days from first entry into India
- Entries Allowed: Triple entry (can enter India 3 times within validity period)
- Processing Time: 24-48 hours (urgent), 3-5 days (regular)
- Fee: $80 USD (regardless of nationality)
- Application: 100% online process
Who Needs a Medical Visa to India?
All Tanzanian citizens traveling to India for medical treatment need a medical visa. This includes:
- Patients seeking surgery, diagnostic tests, or medical consultations
- Patients requiring follow-up care from previous treatment
- Patients traveling for alternative medicine treatments (Ayurveda, etc.)
- Patients seeking second medical opinions
Medical Attendant Visas: Up to 2 family members or companions can apply for Medical Attendant Visas to accompany the patient.
Required Documents for India Medical Visa from Tanzania
Gather these documents BEFORE starting your online application:
Document Checklist (Patient)
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival, at least 2 blank pages
- Passport Bio Page Scan: Clear, colored scan of passport photo page (PDF format)
- Recent Passport Photo: 2×2 inches, white background, JPEG format (10KB-1MB file size)
- Hospital Letter from India: Letter from recognized Indian hospital stating: Patient’s name and passport number, Diagnosis and recommended treatment, Tentative treatment dates, Hospital’s contact information and registration number
- Local Doctor’s Referral Letter: Letter from your Tanzanian doctor on official letterhead recommending treatment abroad
- Bank Statement: Last 3 months showing sufficient funds (minimum $2,000-3,000 balance recommended)
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: MANDATORY for all Tanzanian travelers to India
- Return Flight Tickets: Confirmed booking or reservation confirmation
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking near hospital or guest house confirmation
Document Checklist (Medical Attendant/Companion)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport bio page scan
- Recent passport photo
- Copy of patient’s medical visa approval
- Proof of relationship with patient (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Bank statement (last 3 months)
Step-by-Step India Medical Visa Application Process
Step 1: Get Hospital Letter from India
IMPORTANT: You MUST have a confirmed hospital appointment before applying for a medical visa.
How to Get Hospital Letter:
- Contact the Indian hospital directly (or use HWC’s coordination services)
- Submit your medical records and diagnosis
- Hospital reviews your case and provides treatment recommendation
- Hospital issues formal letter confirming appointment
- Letter sent to you via email (PDF format acceptable)
HWC Service: We coordinate with JCI-accredited hospitals in India and obtain this letter for you within 2-3 business days.
Step 2: Complete Online Application Form
Website: Indian Visa Online (Official Government Portal)
Direct Link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
Application Process:
- Visit the official Indian visa website
- Click “e-Medical Visa”
- Fill out the online application form with:
- Personal details (as per passport)
- Passport information
- Address in Tanzania
- Indian hospital details
- Planned travel dates
- Emergency contact information
- Upload required documents:
- Passport bio page (PDF)
- Passport photo (JPEG)
- Hospital letter (PDF)
- Review all information carefully
- Submit application
- Note down your Application ID
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Spelling name differently than passport
- Wrong passport number or expiry date
- Uploading photos/documents in wrong format or size
- Not matching hospital details exactly as on hospital letter
- Using unofficial/fake visa websites (always verify URL)
Step 3: Pay Visa Fee
Fee Amount: $80 USD (for Tanzanian citizens)
Payment Methods: Credit card, debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
After submitting the application, you’ll be redirected to the payment gateway. Complete payment immediately to avoid application expiry.
Payment Confirmation: You’ll receive an email confirmation with payment receipt. Keep this for your records.
Step 4: Wait for Processing & Approval
Processing Time:
- Urgent Processing: 24-48 hours (most applications)
- Regular Processing: 3-5 business days
- Peak Season: Up to 7 days (December-January, July-August)
Tracking Your Application:
- Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
- Click “Visa Status Enquiry”
- Enter your Application ID and Passport Number
- Check status: “Under Process” → “Granted” or “Rejected”
Step 5: Receive e-Visa via Email
Once approved, you’ll receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email in PDF format.
IMPORTANT ACTIONS:
- Download and save the ETA PDF
- Print at least 3 copies (airline check-in, immigration, keep one with you)
- Verify all details are correct (name, passport number, validity dates)
- If any error, contact Indian embassy immediately
Arrival Process in India with Medical Visa
At the Airport (Check-in in Tanzania)
When checking in for your flight at Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro Airport:
- Present your passport and printed e-visa
- Show yellow fever vaccination certificate (MANDATORY)
- Airline will verify visa validity
- Receive boarding pass
Upon Arrival in India (Immigration)
At Indian airport immigration counter:
- Join the “e-Visa” queue (separate from regular visa queue)
- Present:
- Passport
- Printed e-visa
- Yellow fever certificate
- Hospital appointment letter (carry physical copy)
- Immigration officer will:
- Verify your documents
- Take biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
- Stamp your passport
- Collect baggage and exit through customs
Expected Time: 15-30 minutes at immigration (if queue is short)
FRRO Registration (Within 14 Days)
All medical visa holders must register with FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival.
How to Register:
- Option 1 (Recommended): Hospital’s international patient department handles registration
- Option 2: Hotel can assist with registration
- Option 3: Visit nearest FRRO office in person
Required Documents for FRRO:
- Passport with visa stamp
- Address proof in India (hotel booking)
- Hospital admission letter or appointment confirmation
- Passport-size photographs (2)
HWC Service: We coordinate with hospital staff to ensure your FRRO registration is completed hassle-free.
Common Medical Visa Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Medical visa rejection rates for Tanzanian applicants are low (under 5%) if documents are complete. Here are common reasons for rejection:
| Rejection Reason | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Incomplete hospital letter | Ensure letter includes hospital registration number, patient diagnosis, treatment dates, and doctor’s signature |
| Invalid passport photo format | Use exactly 2×2 inches, white background, JPEG format, 10KB-1MB file size |
| Insufficient funds in bank statement | Show minimum $2,000-3,000 balance for last 3 months |
| Passport validity less than 6 months | Renew passport before applying if expiry is near |
| Missing yellow fever certificate | Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry certificate |
| Mismatch in personal details | Triple-check all details match passport exactly |
| Hospital not recognized | Choose hospital from approved list (JCI/NABH accredited hospitals preferred) |
Medical Visa Extension (If Treatment Takes Longer)
If your medical treatment requires more time than the initial 60-day visa validity:
Extension Process:
- Visit nearest FRRO office at least 1 week before visa expiry
- Bring:
- Passport and current visa
- Hospital letter explaining need for extension
- Medical reports showing ongoing treatment
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Fill out extension application form
- Pay extension fee (varies, approximately $50-80)
- Receive extension stamp (usually 30-60 additional days)
HWC Service: We assist with visa extension applications and hospital letter coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get an India medical visa from Tanzania?
A: Most medical visas are approved within 24-48 hours of application. During peak seasons, it may take 3-5 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before planned travel to allow buffer time.
Q: Can I apply for a medical visa without a hospital appointment?
A: No. A confirmed hospital appointment and letter from a recognized Indian hospital is mandatory for medical visa application. You cannot apply without it.
Q: Do I need to get the yellow fever vaccine for India?
A: YES. Yellow fever vaccination is MANDATORY for all travelers from Tanzania to India. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Q: Can my family accompany me on a medical visa?
A: Yes. Up to 2 family members or companions can apply for Medical Attendant Visas. They need your medical visa approval copy and proof of relationship.
Q: Which Indian airports accept e-Medical Visas?
A: E-Medical Visas are accepted at these airports (as of 2025):
- Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport)
- Bangalore (Kempegowda International Airport)
- Chennai (Chennai International Airport)
- Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport)
- Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport)
Most Tanzanian patients fly to Delhi or Mumbai for medical treatment.
Q: What if I need emergency medical treatment and don’t have time for a medical visa?
A: For genuine medical emergencies, you can apply for an emergency medical visa through the Indian High Commission in Dar es Salaam. Processing can be expedited to same-day approval with proper documentation and medical emergency proof.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for India medical visa?
A: Travel insurance is not mandatory for visa approval, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance should cover:
Cost Summary: India Medical Visa from Tanzania
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Medical Visa Fee | $80 |
| Yellow Fever Vaccination (if not already done) | $30-50 |
| Document printing and scanning | $5-10 |
| Medical Attendant Visa (per person, if applicable) | $80 |
| Total (Patient only) | $115-140 |
| Total (Patient + 1 Attendant) | $195-220 |
How HWC Assists with India Medical Visa Process
Health and Wellness Companion (HWC) provides complete visa assistance services as part of our medical tourism coordination:
HWC Visa Support Includes:
- Hospital Letter Coordination: We obtain the required hospital appointment letter from JCI-accredited hospitals in India
- Document Review: We verify all your documents are complete and in correct format BEFORE you apply
- Application Guidance: Step-by-step assistance filling out the online form
- Application Tracking: We monitor your application status and notify you of approval
- Medical Attendant Visas: Coordinate visa applications for family members/companions
- FRRO Registration: We work with hospital staff to complete your FRRO registration
- Extension Assistance: If treatment takes longer, we help with visa extension process
- Emergency Support: 24/7 assistance if visa issues arise
Result: Over 98% of HWC patients receive their medical visa approval on first attempt within 48 hours.
Quick Reference Checklist: India Medical Visa Application
Print this checklist and check off each item as you complete it:
- ☐ Passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- ☐ Passport bio page scanned (PDF format)
- ☐ Recent passport photo (2×2 inches, white background, JPEG)
- ☐ Hospital appointment letter from Indian hospital
- ☐ Local doctor’s referral letter
- ☐ Bank statement (last 3 months, $2K+ balance)
- ☐ Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- ☐ Return flight tickets booked
- ☐ Hotel/accommodation booking confirmation
- ☐ Online application completed at indianvisaonline.gov.in
- ☐ Visa fee paid ($80 USD)
- ☐ Application ID saved
- ☐ E-visa received via email and printed (3 copies)
- ☐ FRRO registration plan arranged
Contact HWC for Medical Visa Assistance
Health and Wellness Companion (HWC)
Physician-Led Medical Tourism Coordination
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +255 784 864 414
✉️ Email: care@hw-companion.com
🌐 Website: hw-companion.co.tz/
📍 Office: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Visa Assistance Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EAT
Emergency Support: 24/7 for active patients
Disclaimer: Visa requirements and processes are subject to change by the Government of India. Always verify current requirements on the official Indian visa website before applying. HWC provides guidance based on current regulations but cannot guarantee visa approval, which is at the discretion of Indian immigration authorities.
Sources: Indian Visa Online (Official Government Portal), Bureau of Immigration India, Ministry of Home Affairs India, HWC patient visa data 2020-2025.



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