Travel and Stay in India from South Africa

Is there a direct flight from South Africa to Delhi?

Neither Johannesburg nor Cape Town has a non-stop flight to Delhi. From Johannesburg (JNB), which serves Pretoria, and from Cape Town (CPT), the usual routing is one stop, via Abu Dhabi on Etihad, Doha on Qatar Airways, Dubai on Emirates, or Addis Ababa on Ethiopian. From Johannesburg a one-stop journey takes about 12.5 to 13.5 hours, from Cape Town about 16 to 27.

Who books the flight?

The patient books the flight with the airline or a local agent once the visa is granted.

What does Jivo do once the visa is granted?

Jivo organises the hospital appointment in advance and guides medical passengers on the airline's fit-to-fly requirements, so that approval comes in time.

Who collects a South African patient at the airport?

Jivo organises the airport pickup and offers budget accommodation options near the hospital, with their costs.

How long does a stay in India run?

Expect eight to ten weeks in India for a kidney transplant, and three to four for a nephrectomy.

An aortic valve replacement typically needs two to three weeks in India. Kidney stone surgery and HoLEP each typically need three to four weeks, and vitreoretinal surgery two to three.

These ranges are guidelines, rarely exact, and the specialist confirms each patient's expected stay.

Who is with the patient in India?

In India, a Jivo case manager and a counterpart from the hospital team coordinate the day-to-day treatment steps and the patient's well-being, so someone is always with the patient.

What does a January arrival look like in Delhi?

Before departure, the Jivo team shares a pre-travel checklist with each patient, including the expected weather in Delhi for the travel dates.

For the visas, see the e-Medical visa and attendant visa guides.