Visa and Travel Guide for European Patients Visiting India for Medical Treatment

Of all the questions prospective patients ask Incostra before booking their first trip to Delhi, logistics questions rank second only to clinical ones. And the most common logistics question, by some margin, is: 'How does the visa work?'

The short answer is: it is simpler than you think. India has a dedicated visa category specifically designed for medical travellers — the e-Medical Visa — and for European nationals it is applied for entirely online, typically approved within 24–72 hours, and involves no embassy visits or in-person appointments. This guide walks you through every step, from which visa to apply for through to your arrival in Delhi.

Section 1: Which Visa Do You Need?

This is the first point of confusion for most patients. There are several visa categories for India: tourist (e-Tourist), business (e-Business), and medical (e-Medical). For patients travelling to India specifically for medical treatment, the correct choice is the e-Medical Visa — not the tourist visa.

The e-Medical Visa is specifically designed for patients seeking medical treatment at Indian hospitals or clinics. It is valid for 60 days (with the possibility of two extensions up to 180 days total), allows triple entry, and is accepted at all major Indian airports. Travelling on a tourist visa for medical purposes is technically outside the permitted activities of that visa and is not recommended.

The e-Medical Visa also permits one accompanying person (a family member or carer) to apply for an e-Medical Attendant Visa — useful for patients who prefer to travel with a companion.

Section 2: e-Medical Visa Requirements for European Nationals

Who qualifies?

Citizens of the United Kingdom, all EU member states, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Switzerland are eligible to apply for the e-Medical Visa. The process is identical for all these nationalities.

Documents required

You will need to upload the following when completing your online application:

• Valid passport — must have at least six months validity beyond your planned travel date, with at least two blank pages
• Passport-style photograph — taken against a white background, maximum 1MB file size, JPEG format
• Medical appointment letter — a letter from your treating clinic in India confirming your appointment, the nature of treatment, and expected dates. Incostra provides this letter as part of your pre-travel package.
• Proof of return travel — your return flight booking or itinerary
• Payment card — the application fee is approximately USD $25 (paid online)
• Step 1: Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select 'Apply for e-Visa'
• Step 2: Choose 'e-Medical Visa' as the visa category
• Step 3: Complete the application form — takes approximately 15–20 minutes. You will need your passport details, travel dates, and the name and address of the clinic you are visiting
• Step 4: Upload your photograph and the required supporting documents
• Step 5: Pay the application fee (approximately USD $25) by card
• Step 6: You will receive an application reference number by email immediately
• Step 7: Your e-Visa decision will be emailed to you — typically within 24–72 hours for European nationals. Occasionally it takes up to 96 hours during peak periods
• Step 8: Print the e-Visa approval email and bring it with you. You will present it alongside your passport at immigration on arrival in India
• Current medications list — bring enough for your entire trip plus one week extra. Carry medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels
• Medical history summary — if you have any significant medical conditions, bring a brief written summary from your GP
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — particularly important if you are having a hair transplant or any procedure involving the head. Button-up shirts are ideal.
• Compression garments if advised — your clinical team will specify if these are needed for your procedure
• A good novel — recovery days are restful. Plan for it.
• Portable neck pillow for the flight home — if you have had a scalp procedure, sleeping or resting in an upright position is more comfortable

No supporting financial documents or travel insurance certificates are required for the e-Medical Visa application (though travel insurance covering medical treatment abroad is strongly recommended regardless).

Section 3: The Application Process Step by Step

The entire application is completed at indianvisaonline.gov.in — the official Indian government visa portal. Be wary of third-party sites that charge processing fees; the official portal is the correct and lowest-cost option.

Important: apply at least five to seven days before travel to allow for any delays. Most applications are approved well within this window, but giving yourself buffer time reduces stress.

Section 4: Flights — Best Routes from Europe

Delhi is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL), which is well-connected to all major European cities. Most patients fly into Terminal 3, which handles all international arrivals.

From the UK

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Delhi are available daily with Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Flight time is approximately 9 hours. Indirect routes via Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Doha (Qatar Airways) add two to four hours but are often significantly cheaper — typically £380–£600 return in economy, compared to £550–£900 for direct.

From Germany

Lufthansa operates direct flights from Frankfurt to Delhi (approximately 8.5 hours). Indirect options via Middle East hubs are well-priced from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Typical economy return fares: £350–£600.

From France and the Netherlands

Air France flies direct Paris–Delhi (approximately 8.5 hours). From Amsterdam, KLM connects via Amsterdam with a partner carrier, or indirect routes via Middle East hubs are straightforward. Typical fares from Paris or Amsterdam: £370–£620 return economy.

Timing relative to your procedure

Plan to arrive in Delhi at least one full day before your procedure — ideally two days. Long-haul flights cause mild dehydration and disrupt sleep, both of which can affect wound healing and anaesthetic tolerance. Arrive rested. We recommend scheduling your procedure for day two or three of your stay, not day one.

Section 5: What to Pack

Packing for a medical trip differs slightly from a holiday. Beyond normal travel essentials:

Section 6: Arrival in Delhi

At the airport

Immigration at Terminal 3 uses e-gate technology for e-Visa holders — present your printed visa approval and passport at the immigration desk. The process is typically smooth and takes 15–30 minutes. Baggage collection follows in the arrivals hall.

SIM card

Airtel and Jio have kiosks in the arrivals terminal. A local SIM card with data (approximately 1.5–2GB per day) costs around 500 rupees (approximately £5) and is highly recommended — it enables navigation, communication with your Incostra coordinator, and WhatsApp calls home.

Currency

Indian rupees are the local currency. ATMs in the arrivals terminal dispense rupees; the exchange rate is fair. Alternatively, exchange currency before travel. Major hotels and clinics accept card payment; local restaurants and smaller shops often prefer cash.

Airport transfer

Incostra arranges airport pickup as part of the patient package. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name card. The drive from IGI Airport to Gurugram (where most partner clinics are located) takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Section 7: What Incostra Handles vs What You Handle

The logistics of a Delhi medical trip are genuinely straightforward once you know the steps. Thousands of European patients travel to India for medical treatment each year, and the infrastructure — visa systems, airport services, clinic coordination — is designed to support them. Incostra's job is to make sure nothing falls through the gaps on your particular journey.