Planning medical treatment abroad can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding visa procedures. If you're traveling from Japan to India for specialized healthcare, this guide explains every step of the e-Medical Visa process clearly and simply.
India is now a preferred destination for Japanese patients seeking world-class treatments, advanced technology, and affordable care. This guide covers everything you need including eligibility, required documents, visa fees, processing time, and how a medical attendant can travel with you. Whether you're exploring treatment options or ready to apply, this guide will help you move forward confidently.
Can citizens of Japan get an e-Medical Visa for India?
Yes. Japanese citizens are eligible to apply for an e-Medical Visa to India. The process is completely online and involves the filling of application form, followed by upload of documents and the payment of the e-medical visa fee online. The medical visit permit is received over email in the form of a e-travel authorization (ETA).
What is an e-Medical Visa to India?
An e-Medical Visa is an electronically issued travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter India for medical treatment. It is applied online and approved 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 possible in specific medical cases but require approval from Indian authorities. Conversion to other visa types is generally restricted.
Who is eligible for e-medical visa to India?
You can apply if:
- You hold a valid Japanese passport
- You are seeking treatment at a recognized Indian hospital
- You have a confirmed medical need
- You are traveling specifically for medical purposes
Who is not eligible?
- Individuals traveling for non-medical purposes
- Those without a valid passport
- Applicants with incomplete documentation
Documents required for an e-Medical Visa from Japan
Prepare the following checklist before applying:
Passport requirements
- Valid for at least 6 months
- Minimum 2 blank pages
Photograph and passport scan
- Recent passport-size photo
- Clear scanned copy of passport bio page
Hospital letter or invitation
- Official letter from an Indian hospital
- Must mention treatment details and patient name
Email, payment method, and supporting details
- Active email ID
- International payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal)
Vaccination or travel health notes
- Follow current travel advisories (if any)
- Carry relevant medical records
Need a hospital letter for visa planning? Talk to our care team
How to apply for an e-Medical Visa to India from Japan
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Apply only through the official Indian visa website.
Step 2: Select e-Medical Visa
Choose the correct visa category to avoid delays. The selected category should be "e-medical visa" for the patient and "e-medical attendant visa" for the accompanying person.
Step 3: Fill in the online form
You will be asked to provide:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Hospital details
- Travel dates
Step 4: Upload required documents
Ensure all uploads are clear and match your application details.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee online
You will be prompted to pay the visa fee online using Debit / Credit card or PayPal. Once paid, a message will appear that the application is submitted and ETA will be received via email.
Step 6: Receive the ETA by email
Once approved:
- Print the ETA
- Carry it while traveling
Medical Visa Processing Time
How early should patients apply?
Apply at least 2 to 4 weeks before travel to allow time for approvals and planning.
What can delay approval?
- Incorrect or incomplete forms
- Poor-quality document uploads
- Mismatched passport details
- Late application
e-Medical Visa fees for Japan citizens
e-Medical visa fees for Japanese applicants is $80, with additional bank charges. It may change periodically.
How the fee is charged
- Based on nationality
- Paid online during application
- May include processing charges
Always verify the latest fee on the official portal before applying.
Entering India on an e-Medical Visa
Documents to carry while travelling
- Passport
- Printed ETA
- Hospital appointment letter
- Medical records
- Return/onward travel details
Arrival at approved airports
Entry is allowed through designated international airports. In the application, you will be asked to mention the port of entry and exit. Immigration officers will verify your documents upon arrival.
Can a family member accompany the patient?
Yes, attendants can travel with the patient.
What is an e-Medical Attendant Visa?
A visa issued to family members accompanying a patient traveling on an e-Medical Visa.
Who can apply as an attendant?
Close family members (spouse, children, parents) or a friend.
How many attendants are allowed?
Typically up to two attendants per patient are allowed to travel with the patient.
Why patients from Japan travel to India
Patients from Japan increasingly consider India for specialized medical treatment due to a combination of affordability, shorter waiting times, and access to internationally accredited hospitals, primarily for non-elective procedures. Many patients also prefer India for procedures that may involve long waiting periods or high costs in Japan (if being paid out of pocket).
Popular treatments sought by patients from Japan
Patients from Japan typically travel to India for the following treatments:
- Limb Lengthening (advanced orthopedic correction and height increase procedures)
- Full Mouth Dental Restoration (implants, crowns, and complete oral rehabilitation)
- Cosmetic Surgery (including rhinoplasty, liposuction, and reconstructive procedures)
- Complex Cancer Treatment (multidisciplinary oncology care, complex cancer surgery)
- Orthopedic Surgery (joint replacements, sports injury repair, and spine procedures)
These treatments are increasingly in demand due to India’s combination of experienced specialists, advanced infrastructure, and significantly lower treatment costs compared to some of the other popular medical tourism destinations.
Why India is a preferred destination for medical treatment?
India continues to attract patients from Japan selectively because it offers:
- Highly qualified doctors trained in global institutions
- Modern hospitals with international accreditations
- Advanced medical technologies and treatment protocols
- Cost savings of up to 60 to 80% compared to treatment in other countries
- Minimal waiting time for surgeries and procedures
For patients seeking a balance of quality, speed, and affordability, India has become a reliable destination for medical value travel.
Treatment cost advantage in India
One of the biggest reasons patients travel from Japan to India is cost savings for non-elective procedures.
| Procedure | Starting Cost in Thailand (in Yen) | Starting Cost in India (in Yen) |
| Limb Lengthening | ¥7,500,000 | ¥1,505,000 |
| Full Mouth Dental Restoration | ¥9,00,500 | ¥7,92,300 |
| Cosmetic Surgery | ¥5,00,500 | ¥4,75,500 |
| Complex Cancer Treatment | ¥4,500,000 | ¥1,426,200 |
| Orthopedic Surgery | ¥19,00,000 | ¥6,33,900 |
1 US Dollar = 158 Japanese Yen
Note: USD to JPY exchange rates vary over time, so approximate Yen values may fluctuate.
India offers high-quality treatment at significantly lower costs, making it a strong option for patients from Japan seeking affordable care.
How HOSPIDIO helps patients from Japan
HOSPIDIO supports patients throughout their medical journey.
Hospital selection and appointments
- Connect with top hospitals in India
- Get treatment plans and cost estimates
Visa guidance and travel planning
- Assistance with documentation
- Guidance on visa application steps
Arrival, stay, and support services
- Airport pickup
- Accommodation support
- Language assistance
Contact HOSPIDIO for hospital selection, visa guidance, and travel coordination.
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FAQs
Yes, Japanese citizens are eligible to apply online.
Passport, photograph, hospital letter, and payment method are essential.
Usually processed within a few working days, but apply early.
At least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
Yes, up to two attendants can accompany you.
Typically two per patient.
Yes, it is applied online and processed faster.
Extensions are possible in certain medical situations.
No, the process is fully online for e-Medical Visa.
You can enter through designated international airports in India.
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.