In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the number of Nigerians seeking medical visa from Nigeria to India. This trend is a result of India’s reputation for providing high-quality medical care, advanced medical technology, and reduced treatment costs.
Whether you are planning a medical trip or assisting a loved one who is at the point of processing a medical visa from Nigeria to India, this article will walk you through the entire step from understanding what a medical visa is to successfully arriving in India for treatment.
What is a Medical Visa?
A medical visa is a type of visa issued to people who specifically want to travel to a foreign country for the sole purpose of medical treatment. This visa allows you to enter and receive medical care within the country as stated on the visa.
In this contest of travelling from Nigeria to India, a medical visa allows you as a Nigerian to enter India to receive adequate medical care in an Indian hospital or facility.
How to apply for an Indian medical visa from Nigeria
The process of travelling from Nigeria to India for medical treatment involves a number of steps:
Before starting your application, ensure you meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria for Medical Visa to India
- The purpose of requesting a medical visa must be solely for medical treatment.
- You must have a referral letter from a Nigerian hospital and an invitation letter from a reputable, accredited Indian hospital or healthcare facility.
- You must possess valid Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates. The OPV certificate is valid only for a year from the administration date. Also, getting the Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory except for infants under six months.
Required Documents for Medical Visa to India from Nigeria
After confirming your eligibility, you can proceed to gather the following documents
- An original passport valid for six months or more. Ensure to also have photocopies of your passport
- Recent passport photographs
- Proof of residential address
- Completed visa application form
- Medical documents
- You must have a referral letter from a Nigerian hospital stating your diagnosis and the reason for referring you to the concerned hospital in India.
- An invitation letter from a reputable Indian hospital, stating the nature of the medical treatment to be undertaken along with the start and end date of the treatment
- Copies of your test report including copies of CT Scan/MRI/X-ray reports (as applicable).
- Should it be a follow-up treatment, you must provide the previous medical records and discharge statement given to you by the Indian hospital from your previous medical trip.
- A certified bank statement and guarantee letter issued by the bank to certify that you are financially fit to cover your medical and living expenses while in India.
Indian Medical Visa Application Method
To apply for a medical visa to India, you need to complete a visa application form. This application form can either be completed online at the Indian embassy website or collected at no cost at the Indian High Commission in Lagos or Abuja. It is advisable to always use the online method.
Online visa application/e-visa application
STEP 1. Once you are on the online registration portal, select ”Regular Visa Application” as shown in the image below. This will then automatically open a new tab on your system.
STEP 2. The new tab takes you to an online visa application page where you will be requested to complete some questions.
- Indian Mission: if you are in Nigeria, it can either be Abuja or Lagos. So click whichever of the embassies is closest to you from the drop-down menu.
- Nationality: Choose ‘Nigerian’ from the options in the drop-down menu
- Date of Birth: Enter the day, month and year you were born.
- Email: Enter your email address and confirm it in the next column
- Expected date of Travel: This may not be accurate, but it should be close to the actual date you will travel.
- Visa type: Click on the dropdown arrow and click on Medical visa. If you will be travelling with an attendant, let him or her click on Medical Attendant while filling out the form.
- Access code: To confirm that you are not a robot, re-enter the access code in the space provided below.
After completing this stage, you then click continue.
STEP 3. On submitting this, you will be directed to the application form proper. Questions will include;
- Applicant’s details: All the information must be filled in as it appears on your passport.
- Passport details; Enter your passport number, place and date of issue, expiry date etc. You will be asked if you possess any other valid passport or Identification certificates. If YES, enter the information required, if not, just click ‘NO’ and continue.
STEP 4. Moving to the next page on the form, your address details, family details (including details of your spouse), and Profession/Occupation details are required.
All aspects of this page are important, so you are expected to complete it as required.
STEP 5. On this page you will be required to fill in information like details of visa sought, SAARC country visit details, reference and photo upload. Each tab is explained below.
- Details of Visa sought: This includes the details of the hospital and doctor in your home country (Nigeria) and that of the hospital in India. Details of the hospital and Doctor in India can be derived from the quotation and invitation sent by the hospital through your medical tourism agency.
- Nature of illness: This can also be found in your invitation.
- Duration of Visa: This will be determined by the estimated time of stay given by the hospital
- Number of entries: This depends on the medical procedure and if there will be a need to return to India
- Purpose of visit: Put ’medical treatment of self’. If you will be accompanied by a relative or attendant, let him or she select ‘Medical assistant’ from the drop-down menu
- SAARC Countries visit details: If you have visited any South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation country in the last 3 years, simply give details, If not click ‘No’.
- Reference: Provide the name, address and phone number of your reference. The details of the Indian hospital can be documented as the India reference, while your Nigerian doctor or travel tourism agency can be documented as your Nigeria reference
After entering the details, you will be required to upload your passport photograph. In a situation where the passport photograph isn’t available, just go ahead and click save and continue.
STEP 6. Now all information entered from the beginning of the form will be brought in this page for you to view and edit where necessary. If any mistake is found, click ‘Modify/Edit’ if not; click ‘Verified and Continue’.
STEP 7. After completing the form, you will be redirected to a page to select a day for the interview from the available dates and confirm the appointment.
Upon confirming the appointment date, the form will automatically download to your system as a PDF file. You are expected to print out the form, attach a 2” by 2” passport photograph with your name and signature behind it and prepare for your interview.
How much is a medical visa from Nigeria to India?
The cost of an Indian medical visa is Two hundred and fifty-two US dollars ($252) only. This fee is paid directly to the Indian High Commission.
However, note that the cost is subject to change as it is the current price as of the time of writing this article.
How long does it take to get an Indian medical visa?
The processing time for an Indian medical visa from Nigeria usually takes a minimum of three working days. However, the processing time may vary for very special cases.
You can track your application status online using your passport number and Application ID on the receipt issued by the Indian Mission/Agent where you have submitted your application.
What is the validity period of the Indian Medical Visa and Visa Extension for patients from Nigeria?
A Medical Visa may be valid for up to one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less.
In a situation where treatment extends beyond the visa validity period, you can apply for a visa extension. Here is what you need to know;
- A Medical Visa can be extended up to a year by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office
Requirements include;
- Completed visa extension application form
- A letter from the treating hospital stating the need and duration for the Visa extension. The letter must carry your Visa Number, Visa Type, Validity date, Date of issue, and Place of issue.
Post Arrival in India, Important things you should do:
Upon arriving, you are required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of your arrival in India. Registration is only mandatory if your Visa is valid for a period exceeding 180 days. If your medical visa is valid for 180 days or less, you do not need to register.
Where can I find more information about the Indian Medical Visa for Citizens of Nigeria?
For more information about India Medical Visa for Nigerians, you can visit;
Indian’s Ministry of Home Affairs Website: https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexIII_01022018.pdf
Indian Visa Website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
India’s High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria: https://hciabuja.gov.in/pages/MTE1
Medical Visa Assitance by Medvisit
Medvisit is Nigeria’s premier medical tourism company, dedicated to facilitating access to superior healthcare solutions for individuals across the nation. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including medical travel coordination, concierge medicine, and international second opinion services.
We can assist you with the following;
1. Finding the right hospital for proper treatment
2. Facilitating your visa invitation letter facilitation
3. Appointment coordination with Indian hospitals
4. Travel arrangements
4. Emergency services and language support
5. FRRO registration and visa extension aid
If you need help in applying for a medical visa to India, call us on 08182522015 or send an email to [email protected].