India Medical Visa for Ethiopians: Requirements, Process & Documents

Individuals planning to travel to India for advanced medical care must apply for a medical visa before departure.

They must receive treatment at government-approved and reputed Indian hospitals that specialize in the specific medical condition being addressed. 

Patients are permitted to be accompanied by up to two medical attendants, who must be immediate family members.

Common medical treatments eligible under the Indian medical visa include cardiac procedures, neurological interventions, organ transplants, cosmetic surgeries, and therapies for congenital anomalies.

What is a Medical Visa?

A medical visa is a category of visa granted to individuals seeking healthcare services in another country.

• Many patients opt for treatment abroad to access specialized care, better facilities, or procedures not available in their home country.
• Medical visas are generally short-term visas aligned with the treatment period.
• Some countries also provide a medical attendant visa for close family members or caregivers traveling with the patient.
• A few nations offer multi-purpose visas that combine medical and non-medical travel permissions.

How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India

Step 1: Online Application

Depending on your region, you can apply for an Indian medical visa through either of these methods:

1. Online e-Visa: Ethiopia is eligible for the Indian e-Visa. Patients may apply for a six-month medical e-visa via Indian Visa Online Portal.
   
2. Embassy Submission: For longer-duration visas or special cases, applicants must apply in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
   
3. Regardless of the method, you must complete the visa application form and submit it along with the required documents.

Step 2: Submit Documents

Submit your application and documents in person to the Indian High Commission in Ethiopia

Indian High Commission in Ethiopia

Address: 224, Kebele 13/14, Woreda 07, Arada Sub-City,  Near Bel Air Hotel, Aware, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Phone: +251-11- 6362010

Email: hoc[dot]addisababa[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

Website: www.eoiaddisababa.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria for Ethiopian Citizens

Ethiopian passport holders may apply for an Indian medical visa if they fulfill the following conditions:

• The sole purpose of travel is to obtain medical treatment in India.
  
• The selected hospital is recognized by the Indian government.
  
• The patient is accompanied by up to two blood relatives or family members, who must apply separately for a Medical Attendant Visa.
  
• Valid Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates are required.

Preference is given to patients requiring treatment such as:

• Neurosurgery
• Cardiac conditions
• Organ transplants
• Cancer therapy
• Joint replacements
• Ophthalmic diseases
• Congenital disorders
• Cosmetic or plastic surgery

Required Documents for Medical Visa Application

1. Completed and signed visa application form with a recent passport-size photo.
   
2. Ethiopian passport valid for at least 6 months, with two blank pages.
   
3. A photocopy of the passport bio-page.
   
4. Two passport-size photographs with a white background.
   
5. Proof of residence in Ethiopia (utility bill or ID).
   
6. Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever and OPV).
   
7. Copy of the attendant’s passport and proof of relationship.
   
8. Referral letter from an Ethiopian hospital or physician confirming diagnosis and need for treatment in India.
   
9. An invitation letter from the Indian hospital, specifying treatment details and hospital contact information.
   
10. Medical reports, including scans or test results.
    
11. Bank statement or salary certificate as proof of financial means.
    
12. Confirmed return flight tickets.

Additional documents for minors:

• Birth certificate
  
• Passports of both parents
  
• Notarized visa application signed by parents

Indian e-Visa Application Instructions

1. Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in and select the “Regular/Paper Visa Application” option.
   
2. Complete all three pages of the online form with personal details, passport info, medical condition, and references.
   
3. Upload a recent color photo or attach it to the printed form later.
   
4. After submission, book an appointment at the embassy and print the completed application.
   
5. You can submit the printed form with documents at the embassy’s visa counter during working hours (9:00 AM—12:00 PM).

Visa Processing Fees for Ethiopian Citizens

• 6-month medical visa: USD 92 / ETB 2103
  
• 1-year medical visa or urgent processing: USD 132 / ETB 3017
  (Inclusive of a USD 2 ICFW fee)

Note:

• Payment is accepted by debit card or in cash at the Indian Mission. Cheques and bank transfers are not accepted.

Time Required for Visa Approval

• Processing time: 2 to 3 working days (excluding submission day)
  
• Check visa status at: Visa Status Inquiry

After Arrival in India: FRRO Registration

All international patients over 12 must register with the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival.

Documents for FRRO Registration:

• Original passport and visa
  
• 4 passport-sized photographs
  
• Copy of passport with visa details and entry stamp
  
• Proof of Indian residence
  
• Hospital confirmation letter with treatment details
  
• Latest medical records

If already admitted, a medical certificate with an attested photo may be submitted.

Indian Medical Visa Validity & Extension

• Indian medical visas are typically issued as 1-year, triple-entry visas.
  
• The visa’s duration begins from the date of issue.
  
• Patients requiring extended treatment may apply for a visa extension through the FRRO.

Documents for Extension:

• Completed visa extension form
  
• Original and copy of the passport
  
• Hospital letter confirming ongoing treatment
  
• Updated medical records
  
• Residential proof in India (lease agreement or utility bill)
  
• Attested photo on hospital certificate (if admitted)

Support Services for Ethiopian Patients

Traveling abroad for medical care can be overwhelming, but Cikista Health simplifies the journey for Ethiopian patients coming to India for treatment. Their experienced team offers personalized guidance every step of the way.

Services Offered:

• Free medical treatment opinion and hospital comparison
  
• Assistance with visa invitation letters from Indian hospitals
  
• Appointment scheduling with India’s top doctors
  
• Flight booking, hotel arrangements, and travel planning
  
• Airport pickup and comfortable local transportation
  
• 24/7 support with Amharic-speaking coordinators
  
• Help with FRRO registration and visa extension formalities

Contact Cikista 

Email: hello@cikista.com
WhatsApp: +91 9063282679
Website: cikista.com

Final Checklist for Ethiopian Patients

Before traveling to India for medical treatment, make sure you’ve arranged the following documents:

• Completed and signed Indian visa application form
  
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a photocopy
  
• Two recent passport-size photos
  
• Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates
  
• A referral letter from your doctor or medical institution in Ethiopia
  
• Invitation letter from the Indian hospital mentioning treatment details
  
• Latest medical reports, prescriptions, and diagnostic test results
  
• Proof of financial resources – recent bank statement or salary certificate
  
• Confirmed return flight tickets