India is one of the top global destinations for high-quality, affordable medical care.
Each year, many patients from Uganda travel to India for specialized treatments like heart surgery, organ transplants, cancer care, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and fertility services.
This guide explains how to apply for a medical visa from Uganda to India, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, and support services to make the journey smooth.
What is a Medical Visa?
A Medical Visa (MED Visa) is granted to foreign nationals who need advanced medical treatment in India.
It permits entry into the country specifically for medical care and allows patients to stay throughout the treatment period. If the treatment takes longer than expected, the visa can be extended.
Patients are also allowed to bring up to two close family members, who must apply separately for a Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX Visa).
This visa is commonly issued for treatments such as:
- Organ transplants
- Cardiac surgery
- Joint replacements
- Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
- Neurosurgery
- Reconstructive and plastic surgery
- Congenital disorder treatments
- Fertility and IVF procedures
Eligibility Criteria for Ugandan Citizens
To be eligible for an Indian medical visa, Ugandan patients must meet the following conditions:
- The sole purpose of travel must be medical treatment.
- The patient must seek treatment at a recognized hospital or medical center in India.
- A maximum of two attendants (close relatives) may accompany the patient.
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all travelers over 6 months old.
- A referral letter from a Ugandan medical institution and an invitation letter from an Indian hospital are required.
Required Documents for Medical Visa Application
a) For the Patient:
- Completed and signed Indian Visa Application Form (apply online)
- Original Ugandan passport (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages)
- Photocopy of passport bio page
- Two recent passport-size photographs (2×2 inches, white background)
- Yellow Fever and Oral Polio Vaccination certificates
- Medical reports and test results (CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, etc.)
- Referral letter from a registered Ugandan doctor or hospital
- An invitation letter from the Indian hospital with details of treatment and the doctor
- Recent bank statement or employer’s salary certificate
- Copy of confirmed round-trip flight tickets
b) For Medical Attendants:
- Copy of the attendant’s passport
- Proof of relationship to the patient (e.g., birth or marriage certificate)
- Proof of residence in Uganda (e.g., utility bill, ID)
c) 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: Fill Out the Online Application
Go to the official Indian visa portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Select “Regular/Paper Visa Application” and complete the following:
- Page 1: Personal and passport details, current and permanent address
- Page 2: Visa type (Medical), illness description, hospital details in India and Uganda, past travel history
- Page 3: Local contact info and references in both countries
Upload your passport photo online, or attach a printed one later. After completing the form, print and sign on both pages.
Step 2: Submit Documents in Person
Submit the printed application and supporting documents at the Indian High Commission in Kampala:
Indian High Commission in Uganda
Address: 11 Kyadondo Road, Nakasero, Kampala
Phone: +256-41-4344631; +256-41-4342994
Email: hoc.kampala@mea.gov.in
Website: https://hcikampala.gov.in/
Submission Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
Visa fees are paid at the counter, usually via debit card. The mission will share payment instructions. Cheques and bank transfers are not accepted.
Visa Processing Time
- Visa processing generally takes 2 to 5 business days (excluding the day of application submission).
- You can check your visa status here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry.jsp
e-Medical Visa Option
- Ugandan citizens can also apply for an e-Medical Visa, suitable for short-term treatment (up to 60 days) with triple entry allowed.
- Apply here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
Visa Validity and Extensions
- Typically, the Indian medical visa is issued for up to 6 months.
- If treatment continues beyond this period, you can apply for an extension through the FRRO portal: https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp
Popular Medical Procedures Covered by Visa
- Cardiac procedures (bypass surgery, valve repair)
- Kidney and liver transplants
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- Spine and brain surgery
- Hip and knee replacements
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
- Fertility and IVF treatment
- Pediatric care and congenital corrections
Support Services for Ugandan Patients
Navigating international medical travel can feel overwhelming. Cikista Health offers end-to-end support to help Ugandan patients access top healthcare in India seamlessly.
Services Include:
- Free medical opinions and hospital selection support
- Fast invitation letters from Indian hospitals
- Doctor appointments and treatment planning
- Travel, flight, and hotel assistance
- Airport pickup and hospital transfers
- Multilingual coordination and 24/7 helpline
- Help with FRRO registration and visa extension in India
Contact Cikista
Email: hello@cikista.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 9063282679
Website: https://www.cikista.com
Final Checklist
- Completed Indian visa form (signed)
- Valid passport + photocopy
- Recent photographs
- Yellow Fever & Polio certificates
- Referral from a Ugandan doctor
- Invitation from an Indian hospital
- Test reports and diagnosis documents
- Proof of financial means
- Confirmed return ticket
This detailed guide aims to simplify the medical visa process from Uganda to India and empower patients with clear, actionable steps.
For expert help with visas, hospitals, and travel planning, get in touch with Cikista for a free consultation and end-to-end support.
