India has officially resumed its visa services for Afghan nationals as of April 2025, allowing patients from Afghanistan to once again access advanced medical care across top Indian hospitals.
With the launch of a dedicated online visa platform, Afghan citizens can now apply for medical visas more easily than before.
India remains a trusted destination for Afghan patients due to its high-quality healthcare, internationally accredited hospitals, skilled doctors, and affordable treatment in specialties like cardiology, oncology, organ transplants, orthopedics, and more.
This article provides a complete step-by-step guide on how Afghan citizens can apply for a Medical Visa to India, including eligibility, required documents, application process, and available patient support services.
Understanding India’s Medical Visa Process for Afghan Patients
India’s Medical Visa (MED Visa) enables Afghan citizens to access specialized treatment in accredited Indian hospitals.
From cardiac surgery and cancer care to organ transplants and orthopedic procedures, this visa category is tailored for patients requiring advanced healthcare unavailable in their home country.
The process also allows up to two close family members or attendants to accompany the patient for additional support, making the journey to recovery more manageable.
Eligibility Criteria for Afghan Citizens
To qualify for a medical visa from Afghanistan to India, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- The primary purpose of travel must be to receive medical treatment.
- The treatment must be scheduled in a recognized Indian hospital or healthcare facility.
- A maximum of two medical attendants can accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa.
- Afghan citizens must hold valid Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates, if applicable.
- A referral letter from a doctor or hospital in Afghanistan and an invitation letter from the Indian hospital are mandatory.
Required Documents for Medical Visa Application
For the Patient:
- Completed and signed Indian Visa Application Form (submitted online)
- Original Afghan passport (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages)
- Photocopy of passport’s main (bio) page
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (2×2 inches, white background)
- Yellow Fever and Polio Vaccination certificates (if applicable)
- Recent medical records and diagnostic reports (X-rays, blood tests, MRI, etc.)
- Referral letter from a recognized Afghan doctor or hospital
- An invitation letter from an Indian hospital detailing diagnosis, treatment plan, and the doctor’s name
- Proof of financial means (recent bank statement or income certificate)
- Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
For Medical Attendants:
- Copy of a valid passport
- Proof of relationship to the patient (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
- Proof of residence in Afghanistan (national ID or utility bill)
For Minors:
- Birth certificate
- Copies of both parents’ passports
- Notarized visa consent letter signed by both parents
How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India
Step 1: Fill out the Online Application Form
- Visit the Indian visa portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Choose “Regular/Paper Visa Application”
- Fill out the form with accurate personal, passport, and medical details
Page 1: Personal and passport info
Page 2: Select “Medical” as visa type and input medical case details
Page 3: Contact information and references in Afghanistan and India
Upload a recent photo or affix one later, then print and sign the form.
Step 2: Submit the Application and Documents
Submit the printed visa application and documents to:
Address: Wazir Akbar Khan Kabul, Afghanistan
Phone: 00-873-763095560
Website: https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/
Check the latest updates before submitting.
Visa Processing Time
Medical visa applications usually take 2 to 5 working days to process after submission. Processing times may vary depending on the Indian mission.
Track visa status at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry.jsp
e-Medical Visa Option for Afghan Nationals
Afghan nationals can also apply for an e-Medical Visa, valid for 60 days with triple entry. This option is best for short-duration medical treatment and is processed entirely online.
Apply at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
Visa Validity and Extension
A standard medical visa is usually valid for up to 6 months, depending on the treatment duration.
If your treatment requires a longer stay, you can apply for a visa extension via: https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp
Popular Treatments Sought by Afghan Patients
Afghan nationals commonly travel to India for:
- Open-heart surgeries and angioplasty
- Kidney and liver transplant surgery
- Cancer treatment and radiation therapy
- Spine and brain surgery
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Fertility and reproductive treatments
- Cosmetic and burn reconstructive surgery
- Pediatric surgeries and congenital corrections
Support Services for Afghan Patients
Navigating international healthcare can be difficult, especially in times of stress. Cikista provides complete support services for Afghan patients traveling to India for medical treatment.
Cikista’s Support Includes:
- Free medical opinions and second opinions from India’s top hospitals
- Assistance in obtaining hospital invitation letters
- Appointment scheduling with leading specialists
- Visa assistance and document review
- Help with travel bookings (flights, accommodation)
- Airport pick-up and hospital drop-off coordination
- 24/7 Dari- and Pashto-speaking support
- Visa extension help and FRRO registration in India
Contact Cikista
Email: info@cikista.com
Phone: +91 9063282679
Website: https://www.cikista.com
Final Checklist Before Applying
- Completed and printed the visa application form
- Valid Afghan passport and a photocopy
- Two passport-size photographs
- Vaccination certificates (if applicable)
- Latest diagnostic and medical reports
- Referral letter from an Afghan doctor
- Invitation letter from an Indian hospital
- Proof of financial means (bank statement/income proof)
- Confirmed round-trip flight booking
This guide is designed to simplify the medical visa process for Afghan patients seeking treatment in India. With Cikista’s dedicated support and India’s advanced medical care, you’re one step closer to recovery and well-being.
