Indian Medical Visa for South African Citizens

Is a South African eligible for the e-Medical visa?

Yes. South Africa is entry 148 on the portal's list of e-Visa countries, and the High Commission of India in Pretoria confirms on its own pages that the e-Visa covers Medical and Medical Attendant applicants from South Africa and Lesotho.

What does the e-Medical application need?

• The passport's bio page, scanned.
• The Indian hospital's letter on its letterhead, with the date or tentative date of admission suggested.

What are the steps online?

1. The partner hospital, which is FRRO-registered like every Jivo partner hospital, issues the Visa Invitation Letter, and Jivo arranges it with the hospital for every patient.
2. At indianvisaonline.gov.in the applicant completes the e-Visa (e-Medical) form and uploads the passport page and the hospital letter. The portal accepts the application from 120 days ahead and asks for it at least 4 days before arrival.
3. The Electronic Travel Authorisation is emailed to the applicant, who carries it to the immigration checkpoint in India.
4. Every attendant files an e-Medical Attendant application separately, with a ceiling of two per e-Medical visa.

How long does a decision take?

The portal states no overall processing time, only that a re-upload request normally reaches the applicant by email within 24 hours of submission, and that Granted or Rejected follows by email.

What does the visa cost?

The visa fee is set by the Government of India and paid online with the application (or at the Indian mission for a paper visa); Jivo confirms the current fee with you before you apply.

What does the High Commission in Pretoria ask for on the regular route?

The High Commission of India in Pretoria, which works with Consulates General in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, sets out the following for a regular medical visa:

• A signed visa application form with a recent photograph.
• The passport copy, with the original.
• A recommendation from a South African or Lesotho doctor advising specialised treatment in India.
• A letter of admission from the recognised hospital or treatment centre in India.
• Proof of finances for the treatment and other expenses, and proof of residence.
• A travel itinerary.

How long does the e-Medical visa last?

The e-Medical visa lasts 60 days, counted from first arrival. Multiple entries within that period are allowed and are stamped on the passport.

If treatment takes longer than the visa allows, the hospital and the Jivo team help the patient apply for an extension on the e-FRRO portal.