If you're planning to travel from the United Kingdom to India for medical treatment, understanding the visa process is one of the most important first steps. This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for an e-Medical Visa to India from the United Kingdom, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, fees, and travel readiness.
India has become a trusted destination for UK patients seeking timely, cost-effective, and high-quality healthcare. Whether you're traveling for surgery, advanced diagnostics, or specialist consultation, this guide will help you navigate the visa process with clarity and confidence.
Can citizens of the United Kingdom get an e-Medical Visa for India?
Yes. UK citizens are eligible to apply for an e-Medical Visa to India online.
Who is eligible
- UK passport holders with valid travel documents
- Patients seeking medical treatment in a recognized Indian hospital
- Individuals with a confirmed hospital appointment or invitation
- Applicants with a valid email and payment method
Who is not eligible
- Individuals traveling for non-medical purposes
- Those without confirmed treatment plans
- Applicants with incomplete or invalid documentation
e-Medical Visa vs regular Medical Visa
| Feature | e-Medical Visa | Regular Medical Visa |
| Application process | Fully online | Embassy visit required |
| Approval format | Email (ETA) | Visa stamped in passport |
| Processing time | Faster | Slower |
| Best for | Planned short-term treatment | Complex or long-term cases |
What is an e-Medical Visa to India?
An e-Medical Visa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Government of India for patients traveling for medical treatment. It is applied for online and sent via email.
Validity and entries
- Typically valid for 60 days from arrival
- Allows triple entry during validity
Can it be extended or converted?
Extensions are generally not guaranteed and depend on medical necessity and approval from Indian authorities.
Documents required for an e-Medical Visa from the United Kingdom
Prepare the following documents before applying:
Document checklist
- Valid UK passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned passport bio page
- Hospital letter or treatment invitation
- Active email address
- Debit/credit card for payment
Passport requirements
- Minimum 6 months validity from arrival date
- At least 2 blank pages
Photograph and passport scan
- Clear, high-quality image
- Matching personal details
Hospital letter or invitation
This confirms your treatment plan and is essential for visa approval.
Email, payment method, and supporting details
Ensure access to email for receiving your visa and use a valid online payment method.
Vaccination or travel health notes
Follow general UK travel health guidelines when visiting India.
Need a hospital letter for visa planning? Talk to our care team.
How to apply for an e-Medical Visa to India from the United Kingdom
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to the Government of India’s official e-Visa website and begin your application process.
Step 2: Select e-Medical Visa
Choose the “e-Medical Visa” option from the list of visa categories to ensure your application is processed for medical travel.
Step 3: Fill in the online form
Complete the application form carefully by entering your personal details, passport information, hospital or treatment details, and your intended travel plans.
Step 4: Upload required documents
Upload all necessary documents, including your passport scan, photograph, and hospital letter, making sure they are clear and meet the specified format requirements.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee online
Proceed to pay the applicable visa fee using a valid online payment method, and double-check the current fee before completing the transaction.
Step 6: Receive the ETA by email
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email, which you should print and carry with you when traveling to India.
Processing time and when to apply
How early should patients apply?
Apply at least 2–4 weeks before travel to avoid delays.
What can delay approval?
- Incorrect or incomplete forms
- Poor-quality document uploads
- Mismatched personal details
- Late application
e-Medical Visa fees for United Kingdom citizens
The e-Medical Visa fee for United Kingdom citizens is approximately USD 80, although the exact amount may vary slightly depending on government updates or currency fluctuations. It is always recommended to verify the latest fee on the official Indian e-Visa portal before submitting your application.
How the fee is charged
- The visa fee is paid online at the time of application submission
- Additional charges such as bank processing or payment gateway fees may apply depending on your payment method
Make sure to keep a copy of your payment confirmation for reference after completing the transaction.
Entering India on an e-Medical Visa
Documents to carry while travelling
- Passport
- Printed ETA
- Hospital confirmation letter
- Travel itinerary
Arrival at approved airports
Enter India through designated international airports that accept e-Visas.
Can a family member accompany the patient?
Yes, family members can travel with the patient to India to provide support during treatment.
What is an e-Medical Attendant Visa?
An e-Medical Attendant Visa is a special visa issued to family members who are accompanying a patient traveling to India for medical treatment.
Who can apply as an attendant?
Close relatives of the patient, such as a spouse, children, or parents, are eligible to apply for an attendant visa.
How many attendants are allowed?
A maximum of two attendants can accompany one patient on an e-Medical Visa.
Why patients from the United Kingdom travel to India
Patients from the UK increasingly choose India for medical treatment due to long waiting times in public healthcare and high private treatment costs. India offers faster access to specialists and internationally accredited hospitals at significantly lower costs.
Popular treatments sought by UK patients
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Hip Replacement Surgery
- Proton Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Gender-Affirming Surgery
Why India is a preferred destination
- Treatment costs are often 60–80% lower than in the UK
- Access to globally trained doctors and modern hospitals
- Minimal waiting time compared to NHS queues
- English-speaking healthcare professionals
Treatment Cost Advantage in India
India provides high-quality care at a fraction of the cost compared to many countries
| Treatment Type | Starting cost in India | Starting cost in Turkey |
| Knee Replacement Surgery | $3,800 | $7500 |
| Hip Replacement Surgery | $3,900 | $10,000 |
| IVF treatment | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| Proton Therapy | $45,000 | $65,000 |
| Immunotherapy | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Gender-Affirming Surgery | $8,500 | $14,000 |
Assumption: 1 US Dollar (USD) = 0.92 Euro (EUR) (approx.)
NOTE: Actual conversion may vary from time to time.
How HOSPIDIO helps patients from the United KingdomHospital selection and appointments
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Shruti Verma has completed her M.Tech in Biotechnology with experience in medical writing and scientific content development. She specializes in translating complex biomedical and healthcare information into clear, accurate, and reader-friendly content for diverse audiences. When she is not designing content, probably she is designing graphics.
Guneet Bhatia is the Founder of HOSPIDIO and an accomplished content reviewer with extensive experience in medical content development, instructional design, and blogging. Passionate about creating impactful content, she excels in ensuring accuracy and clarity in every piece. Guneet enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, enriching her perspective. When she's not working, she cherishes quality time with her family, enjoys good music, and loves brainstorming innovative ideas with her team.