India has become one of the world’s leading destinations for advanced and affordable healthcare. Every year, a growing number of patients from Somalia travel to India to access high-quality treatments in areas such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, organ transplants, and neurosurgery.
If you’re planning to seek medical care in India, this comprehensive guide explains how to apply for a medical visa from Somalia. It covers eligibility, required documents, step-by-step application procedures, and available support services.
What is a Medical Visa?
A Medical Visa (MED Visa) is issued to foreign nationals who need to travel to India for specialized medical treatment. This visa allows patients to remain in India during treatment and can be extended if necessary.
Patients are allowed to bring up to two close family members as attendants. Each accompanying person must apply for a separate Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX).
Medical visas are commonly granted for treatment such as:
- Cardiac surgery and procedures
- Organ transplantation (liver, kidney, etc.)
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
- Orthopedic and joint replacement surgery
- Neurosurgery and spine procedures
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries
- Pediatric congenital treatments
Eligibility Criteria for Somali Citizens
To apply for a medical visa to India from Somalia, you must meet the following conditions:
- Your primary purpose for travel must be to receive medical treatment.
- The treatment must be at a recognized and reputable Indian hospital.
- A maximum of two family members may accompany you on attendant visas.
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all travelers over six months of age.
- A referral letter from a licensed doctor in Somalia and an invitation letter from an Indian hospital are required.
Required Documents for Medical Visa Application
For the Patient:
- Completed and signed Indian Visa Application Form (apply online).
- Original Somali passport (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages).
- A photocopy of the passport bio page.
- Two recent passport-size photographs (2×2 inches, white background).
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates.
- Recent medical records, diagnostic test results (MRI, blood reports, etc.).
- Referral letter from a medical facility or doctor in Somalia.
- An invitation letter from an Indian hospital mentioning diagnosis, treatment plan, and the attending physician’s details.
- A recent bank statement or income certificate to confirm financial capability.
Proof of round-trip airline tickets.
For Medical Attendants:
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Proof of relationship to the patient (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Proof of Somali residency (national ID or 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. Choose “Regular/Paper Visa Application.”
Complete the form with:
- Page 1: Personal, passport, and family details
- Page 2: Visa type (Medical), medical condition, Indian and Somali hospital details
- Page 3: Address, contact information, and references in both countries
Upload a recent photo (or attach it later). Print and sign the form under the photo and on the last page.
Step 2: Submit Documents
Submit the signed application form and supporting documents to the Indian Mission in Mogadishu:
Embassy of India – Nairobi, Kenya.
Address: 260 United Nations Crescent, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya.
Phone: +254-20-2222567, +254-733666195
Website:https://www.hcinairobi.gov.in/
Visa fees must be paid in the accepted mode at the visa center. Cheques and online transfers are not accepted.
Visa Processing Time
Processing typically takes 2 to 5 working days, not including the date of submission.
Check your visa application status here:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry.jsp
e-Medical Visa for Short-Term Treatment
Somali citizens are also eligible for India’s e-Medical Visa, valid for 60 days and allowing triple entry. This is ideal for follow-ups or short treatments.
Apply online at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
Visa Validity and Extensions
Medical visas are typically issued for six months. If your treatment plan requires additional time, apply for an extension via the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO):
https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp
Popular Medical Procedures Covered by Visa
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve surgery
- Liver and kidney transplantation
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Hip and knee replacements
- Spinal decompression and fusion
- Pediatric surgery for birth defects
- Fertility treatments and IVF
- Burns and reconstructive surgery
Support Services for Somali Patients
Navigating treatment in a foreign country can be overwhelming. Cikista offers dedicated services for Somali patients coming to India for medical care.
Cikista’s Services Include:
- Free medical opinions from India’s top hospitals
- Help with invitation letters and doctor appointments
- Visa support and document verification
- Travel and hotel arrangements
- Airport pick-up and hospital transfers
- 24/7 Arabic-speaking support
- FRRO and visa extension assistance
Contact Cikista
Email: info@cikista.com
Phone: +91 9063282679
Website: https://www.cikista.com
Final Checklist
- Completed and signed the visa application form
- Valid Somali passport and photocopy
- Two passport-sized photos
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates
- Medical reports and referral letters
- Indian hospital invitation letter
- Proof of financial means
- Confirmed flight tickets
This guide is designed to help Somali citizens confidently navigate the process of securing a medical visa to India. With the right documents and expert assistance from Cikista, your journey toward better health can begin smoothly and successfully.
