Which Indian visa actually covers Ayurveda treatment, what the hospital letter must say, and how companions travel with you — checked against the official government portal.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nirmal P Raj & Dr. Chanthni Nirmal, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda) — Santhwana Siddha Clinic, Chalachal Siddha Varma Vidhyashala
Visa rules change and differ by nationality, so the only fully authoritative source is the official Indian e-Visa portal or your nearest Indian mission. This guide explains the categories and the process in plain language, based on the portal as we last checked it in October 2026 — treat it as orientation, then confirm every detail before you pay or book flights.
The most common first-timer mistake is applying for the wrong category. India's e-Visa system includes an e-Medical visa that can be used for treatment under the AYUSH systems of medicine (which includes Ayurveda), and a companion e-Medical Attendant visa. These sit alongside the ordinary tourist e-Visa, but they are not the same thing.
India issues visas by purpose of visit. For people travelling specifically to receive treatment under Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha or Homoeopathy (together called AYUSH), the government framework provides an AYUSH purpose within the medical visa categories. In the e-Visa system this appears as e-Medical (for AYUSH treatment) for the patient and e-Medical Attendant for a companion.
A short stay that is purely a holiday with a spa element is different from a prescribed treatment program at a hospital or clinic. If a physician is diagnosing a condition and admitting or treating you for a course of therapy, the medical/AYUSH category is the one that matches your purpose. If you are unsure which applies to your program, ask your clinic and your nearest Indian mission before applying.
There are two routes, and they suit different situations:
Requirements are set by the portal and can change, but for the e-Medical visa they have included:
A family member or companion travelling to support your treatment generally cannot ride on the patient's visa. They apply for an e-Medical Attendant visa linked to your application. The portal limits how many attendants can be attached to one patient (the figure has been two), and attendants usually need only their own passport details — but check the current rule when you apply.
The portal states a minimum lead time before arrival and a maximum window in which you may apply in advance. Do not leave this to the last week — apply once your clinic confirms your program dates and issues the hospital letter. Because the hospital letter is a prerequisite, ask your clinic for it early, usually right after you confirm your booking.
Published sources, including some official FAQs and secondary guides, state different figures for validity period, entries and extensions for the medical categories. That inconsistency is exactly why this page deliberately avoids quoting a single number. Read the live rules for your nationality on the official Indian e-Visa portal and, where it matters, confirm with your Indian embassy or consulate.
For treatment under Ayurveda and the other AYUSH systems, the relevant e-Visa category is e-Medical (with an AYUSH purpose), with e-Medical Attendant for a companion. Nationals not eligible for e-Visa apply for a regular AYUSH or medical visa through an Indian mission. Always confirm the category for your situation on the official portal.
A tourist visa is meant for tourism. If you are travelling for a prescribed treatment program at a hospital or clinic, the medical/AYUSH category matches your purpose of visit. If your trip is a holiday with a few spa sessions the answer may differ — ask your clinic and your Indian mission if you are unsure.
It is a letter from the treating hospital or clinic in India, on its letterhead, giving your name, nationality, passport number and the expected admission or treatment start date. You upload it with your e-Medical application, so request it from your clinic as soon as your booking is confirmed.
Companions generally apply separately for an e-Medical Attendant visa linked to your application. The portal limits how many attendants can accompany one patient, so check the current limit when you apply.
Published sources differ on validity, number of entries and extensions, so we do not quote a single figure here. Read the validity and extension rules for your nationality on the official Indian e-Visa portal before you plan the length of your stay.
No. You should secure your visa before you travel. Arriving without the correct, approved visa can lead to being refused entry.
We cannot apply on your behalf, but our team can explain which category fits your program and help your clinic issue the hospital letter you need to apply yourself on the official portal.