India is one of the most sought-after destinations for affordable and world-class healthcare. Thousands of patients from Iraq travel to India each year to receive treatment in specialties such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, transplant surgery, and more.
Suppose you are considering medical treatment in India. In that case, this article provides complete information on obtaining a medical visa from Iraq, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step application instructions, and available support services.
What is a Medical Visa?
A Medical Visa (MED Visa) is a special visa issued to foreign nationals who need to undergo medical treatment in India. This visa allows the patient to stay in the country during the treatment period and can be extended if necessary.
Patients may be accompanied by up to two family members or caregivers, each of whom must apply for a separate Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX).
Medical visas are typically issued for treatments such as:
- Cardiac surgeries
- Organ transplants
- Cancer care
- Orthopedic procedures and joint replacements
- Neurosurgery
- Reconstructive or plastic surgeries
- Pediatric and congenital condition treatments
Eligibility Criteria for Iraqi Citizens
To apply for a medical visa to India from Iraq, the following conditions must be met:
- The primary purpose of travel must be to receive medical treatment.
- The treatment must be from a recognized and reputable Indian hospital or healthcare provider.
- A maximum of two family members can accompany the patient on Medical Attendant Visas.
- Iraqi citizens must possess Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates if required.
- A referral letter from an Iraqi doctor and an official invitation letter from an Indian hospital are mandatory.
Required Documents for Medical Visa Application
For the Patient:
- Refilled as a signed Indian Visa Application Form (apply online)
- Original Iraqi passport (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages)
- Photocopy of the passport bio page
- Two recent passport-size photographs (2×2 inches, white background)
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates (if applicable)
- Recent medical reports and diagnostic results (MRI, CT scan, lab tests, etc.)
- Real letter from a registered medical institution in Iraq
- An invitation letter from the Indian hospital detailing the diagnosis, treatment plan, doctor’s name, and hospital details
- Proof of financial means (recent bank statement or income certificate)
- Copy of confirmed round-trip flight tickets
For Medical Attendants:
- Copy of a valid passport
- Proof of relationship to the patient (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Proof of residence in Iraq (e.g., national ID, utility bill)
For Minors:
- Birth certificate
- Copies of both parents’ passports
- Notarized visa application signed by both parents
How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India
Step 1: Online Application
Go to the Indian Visa Online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. Select “Regular/Paper Visa Application.”
Fill out the application form:
- Page 1: Personal details, passport information, and family details
- Page 2: Choose “Medical” as the visa type; provide details about your condition, referring doctor in Iraq, and the Indian hospital
- Page 3: Residential address, contact info, references in Iraq and India
Upload a recent photograph or attach one later. Print and sign the completed form.
Step 2: Submit Documents
Submit the printed application form and supporting documents to:
Embassy of India – Baghdad, Iraq
Address: House No. 18, Street No.16, Mohalla No. 609, Al Mansour, Baghdad (Iraq)
Phone: + 964-7736770321 / + 964-7736770322
Email: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in
Website: https://www.eoibaghdad.gov.in
Visa fees must be paid at the embassy via approved methods. Cheques and online transfers are not accepted.
Visa Processing Time
Medical visa applications generally take 2 to 5 working days to process (excluding the date of submission).
To check your visa status, visit:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry.jsp
e-Medical Visa for Short-Term Treatment
Iraqi citizens are also eligible to apply for the e-Medical Visa, which is valid for up to 60 days and permits triple entry. This option is ideal for patients needing short-term care.
Apply online at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
Visa Validity and Extensions
Medical visas are typically granted for six months and may be extended if the treatment duration exceeds the initial validity. To apply for an extension, visit:
https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp
Popular Medical Procedures Covered by Visa
Patients from Iraq commonly travel to India for:
- Bypass and heart valve surgeries
- Kidney and liver transplants
- Chemotherapy and cancer radiation therapy
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Pediatric congenital surgeries
- Neurosurgical and spinal procedures
- Fertility and IVF treatments
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeries
Support Services for Iraqi Patients
Traveling abroad for medical treatment can be overwhelming, but help is available. Cikista offers personalized support services for Iraqi patients traveling to India for healthcare.
Cikista Services Include:
- Free consultations and second opinions from top Indian hospitals
- Assistance with obtaining invitation letters from hospitals
- Appointment scheduling with specialist doctors
- Visa guidance and document review
- Travel planning, including flight and hotel booking
- Airport pick-up and hospital transfer coordination
- 24/7 Arabic-speaking patient support
- Help with visa extension and FRRO registration in India
Contact Cikista
Email: info@cikista.com
Phone: +91 9063282679
Website: https://www.cikista.com
Final Checklist
- Completed and signed the visa application form
- Valid Iraqi passport and a photocopy
- Two passport-size photographs
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates (if applicable)
- Recent medical reports and test results
- Referral letter from an Iraqi doctor
- Invitation letter from an Indian hospital
- Bank statement or income proof
- Confirmed flight tickets
This comprehensive guide is designed to help Iraqi patients and their families navigate the medical visa process to India with ease. For expert support at every step—from hospital selection to visa documentation—get in touch with Cikista and take your first step toward better health in India.