Ayush visa vs medical visa for India — what is the difference?
By Priya Nair (Rohan Mehta is a medical tourism researcher and health journalist based in Delhi. He has reported on hospital tourism across Thailand, Turkey, South Korea and Central Europe, covering procedural costs, accreditation standards and practical logistics for Indian patients travelling abroad.) · Published · 8 min read
India introduced the Ayush visa specifically for foreign nationals seeking traditional medicine treatments. Here is how it differs from the standard medical visa and who should apply for which.
Quick answer
India's Ayush visa (introduced 2023) is for foreign nationals coming to India specifically for treatment under AYUSH systems — Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. The medical visa is for foreign nationals seeking treatment at recognised allopathic (modern medicine) hospitals. The key differences: Ayush visas require a letter from a NABH-accredited or government-recognised AYUSH hospital, while medical visas require documentation from a recognised allopathic hospital. Both allow up to one year of stay with extensions possible. This article primarily helps Indian travel professionals and NRIs understand the visa categories when advising foreign clients or family members planning treatment in India.
What is the Ayush visa?
The Ayush visa is a dedicated visa category announced by the Indian government to promote medical value travel in traditional medicine systems. It covers treatment under the five AYUSH disciplines:
- Ayurveda: Panchakarma, Rasayana therapy, treatment at registered Ayurveda hospitals
- Yoga and Naturopathy: Therapeutic yoga programmes at recognised institutions
- Unani: Traditional Unani medicine treatment
- Siddha: Tamil traditional medicine system
- Homeopathy: Treatment at registered homeopathy institutions
The visa is available through the Indian e-visa portal and through Indian missions abroad. Applicants need a letter from a NABH-accredited AYUSH hospital or a hospital recognised by the Ministry of AYUSH confirming the treatment plan. The visa is typically issued for up to 60 days with the possibility of extension up to one year based on treatment requirements.
This visa category is relevant for India's growing position as a wellness tourism destination and for travel professionals advising international clients.
What is the medical visa?
India's medical visa has existed for many years and covers foreign nationals seeking allopathic (modern/Western medicine) treatment in India. This includes surgeries, organ transplants, cancer treatment, cardiac procedures, orthopaedic surgery and other treatments at recognised hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS and other accredited facilities.
Requirements include a recommendation letter from a recognised Indian hospital, medical records documenting the condition, and evidence of financial means to cover treatment costs. The medical visa allows multiple entries, initially for up to one year with extensions possible for up to three years for serious conditions requiring prolonged treatment.
Up to two medical attendant visas (MX visa) can be issued alongside each medical visa, allowing family members to accompany the patient.
Key differences between Ayush and medical visa
Here is a clear comparison:
- Treatment type: Ayush visa = traditional/alternative medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy). Medical visa = allopathic/modern medicine (surgery, diagnostics, specialised treatment).
- Hospital requirement: Ayush visa requires a letter from a NABH-accredited AYUSH hospital or Ministry of AYUSH-recognised institution. Medical visa requires documentation from a recognised allopathic hospital.
- Duration: Both allow stays of up to one year, extendable. Ayush visas for shorter treatment programmes (e.g., 21-day Panchakarma) may be issued for shorter periods.
- Attendants: Both categories allow medical attendant visas for accompanying family members.
- Fee: Visa fees vary by nationality. Check the Indian e-visa portal or the Indian mission in the applicant's country for current fee schedules.
- Application process: Both can be applied for through the e-visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) or through Indian embassies and consulates.
Who should apply for which?
Practical guidance for common scenarios:
- A foreign national coming for Panchakarma treatment in Kerala: Ayush visa
- A foreign national coming for a hip replacement at Apollo Hospital: Medical visa
- A foreign national coming for a yoga therapy programme at a recognised institution: Ayush visa
- A foreign national coming for IVF treatment in India: Medical visa
- A foreign national coming for a general health check-up at a modern hospital: Medical visa (or tourist visa for short check-ups)
- A foreign national combining Ayurveda treatment with general tourism: Ayush visa covers the treatment component; check if the stay duration aligns with tourism plans
Note: for short treatment visits that fall within the duration of a tourist visa or e-tourist visa, some visitors may find the tourist visa sufficient. However, using the correct visa category provides better documentation and may help with insurance claims or medical record authentication. Consult the Indian embassy in the applicant's country for guidance on specific cases.
Relevance for Indian travel professionals
If you work in the Indian travel or wellness tourism industry, understanding these visa categories is important for advising international clients. India's medical value travel market is growing — the government's Heal in India initiative actively promotes both allopathic and AYUSH medical tourism.
Key resources for travel professionals:
- Ministry of AYUSH: see our Ayurveda retreats guide for domestic wellness tourism context
- Indian e-visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in for current visa categories and fees
- NABH accreditation: check nabh.co for the list of accredited AYUSH hospitals
- Heal in India portal: healinindia.gov.in for medical value travel resources
For flight connections to Indian wellness destinations, search on FlightGPT.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indians apply for an Ayush visa?
No. The Ayush visa and medical visa are for foreign nationals seeking treatment in India. Indian citizens do not need a visa to access AYUSH or medical treatment within India.
Can I get an Ayush visa for a yoga retreat in Rishikesh?
Only if the yoga retreat is at a recognised therapeutic institution (not a casual retreat or ashram). The Ayush visa is intended for structured treatment programmes at accredited facilities, not general yoga holidays. A tourist visa is more appropriate for casual retreats.
How long does the Ayush visa take to process?
E-visa processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days. Consular visa processing varies by country — allow 2 to 4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your treatment start date.