India is a globally recognized destination for advanced, affordable medical care.
Each year, hundreds of patients from Zambia travel to India for treatments ranging from organ transplants and cardiac surgery to oncology, neurology, and joint replacements.
This article provides all the necessary information about obtaining a medical visa from Zambia to India, including eligibility, documentation, the application process, and support services.
What is a Medical Visa?
A Medical Visa (MED Visa) is a visa issued to foreign nationals seeking specialized medical treatment in India. It allows the holder to stay in the country for the duration of the treatment and can be extended if required.
Patients can be accompanied by up to two attendants who are close family members, each of whom must apply separately for a Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX).
Patients requiring treatments such as organ transplants, cardiac procedures, joint replacements, cancer treatment, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, gene therapy, and treatment of congenital disorders are generally prioritized for medical visas.
Eligibility Criteria for Zambian Citizens
- The sole purpose of travel must be to receive medical treatment in India.
- The patient must seek treatment from a recognized and specialized Indian hospital or medical facility.
- A maximum of two attendants may accompany the patient on a separate medical attendant visa.
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates are required for all applicants over six months of age.
- A referral letter from a Zambian doctor and an invitation letter from an Indian hospital are mandatory.
Required Documents for Medical Visa Application
a) For the Patient:
- Completed and signed Indian Visa Application Form: Apply Online
- Original Zambian passport (valid for at least six months with two blank pages)
- A photocopy of the passport bio page
- Two recent passport-size photographs (2 ” x2 “, white background)
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates
- Medical reports and test results (CT, MRI, blood tests, etc.)
- Referral letter from a Zambian medical institution
- Invitation letter from the Indian hospital, specifying the doctor’s name, treatment plan, and patient details
- Recent bank statement or salary certificate to prove financial ability to support the treatment
- Copy of confirmed return flight tickets
b) For Medical Attendants:
- Copy of the attendant’s passport
- Proof of relationship with the patient (e.g., birth or marriage certificate)
- Proof of residence in Zambia (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill)
c) For Minors:
- Birth certificate
- Copy of both parents’ passports
- Notarized visa application signed by both parents
How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India?
Step 1: Online Application
Visit the Indian Visa Online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. Select “Regular/Paper Visa Application.”
Complete the form by filling out:
- Page 1: Personal information, passport details, residential address, and family details
- Page 2: Visa type (Medical), medical condition, hospital details in Zambia and India, and previous travel history
- Page 3: Current residence and contact details, references in Zambia and India
Upload your passport photo or attach it later. Once complete, print the form and sign below the photograph and at the bottom of the second page.
Step 2: Submit Documents
Submit your application and documents in person to the Indian High Commission in Lusaka:
Indian High Commission in Zambia
Address: 1 Pandit Nehru Road, Longacres, Lusaka
Phone: +260-211-251222 / 251211
Email: cons.lusaka@mea.gov.in
Website: https://www.hcizambia.gov.in
Submission Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
Visa fees are payable at the counter via debit card (1–2% surcharge applicable).
Bank account details for payment will be provided at the mission counter. Cheques and transfers are not accepted.
Visa Processing Time
- Processing typically takes 2 to 5 working days from the date of submission, excluding the application day.
- To check your visa status, visit the Visa Status Enquiry portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Check the Visa Fees Schedule here
- Where to apply: Directly at the High Commission in person
e-Medical Visa for Short-Term Treatment
Zambian citizens are also eligible for the e-Medical Visa, which is valid for 60 days and allows triple entry. This option is ideal for short-term treatment. Apply at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
Visa Validity and Extensions
Medical visas are generally issued for up to six months. If treatment extends beyond the initial period, patients may apply for an extension through the FRRO portal: indianfrro.gov.in
Popular Medical Procedures Covered by Visa
- Cardiac surgeries (bypass, valve replacement)
- Organ transplants (kidney, liver)
- Oncology treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
- Neurosurgery and spinal procedures
- Joint replacements
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries
- Fertility and IVF treatments
- Pediatric surgery for congenital disorders
Support Services for Zambian Patients
Navigating medical travel can be complex. Cikista Health provides end-to-end assistance to ensure a smooth experience for Zambian patients seeking treatment in India.
Services Offered:
- Free medical treatment opinion and hospital comparison
- Assistance with visa invitation letters from Indian hospitals
- Appointment booking with top specialists
- Travel planning, ticketing, and hotel bookings
- Airport pickup and transportation
- 24/7 language-supported coordination
- Help with FRRO registration and visa extensions
Contact Cikista
Email: hello@cikista.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 9063282679
Website: cikista.com
Final Checklist
- Indian visa application form (completed and signed)
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Recent photographs
- Yellow Fever and Polio Vaccination Certificates
- Referral letter from Zambian doctor
- Invitation letter from Indian hospital
- Medical reports and test results
- Financial proof (bank statement or salary certificate)
- Confirmed return tickets
This comprehensive guide is designed to help patients and their families navigate the Indian medical visa process with confidence.
For professional help throughout the process, contact a medical travel expert like Cikista Health for a free consultation and visa support..
