India May Allow Visa-on-Arrival for Medical Tourists

India is poised to introduce visa-on-arrival access for medical and wellness tourists from the US and EU—revolutionising the health-travel ecosystem, and presenting compelling opportunities for B2B travel agents, consolidators and airline professionals targeting medical travel markets.

India Eyes Visa-on-Arrival for Medical & Wellness Travellers

India is on the cusp of a significant shift in inbound health-travel policy. According to recent statements from Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister, the government is actively considering offering Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facilities to medical and wellness tourists arriving from the United States and European Union countries.
This move signals India’s ambition to become a global hub for medical value travel by removing one of the key entry-barriers: advance visa processing.

Why This Matters for B2B Travel Professionals

Unlocking new market potential

With the global medical tourism market estimated around US$800 billion and expected to approach US$1 trillion when wellness is included, India is positioning itself to capture a bigger slice of this growth.
For travel agents, consolidators, corporate travel planners and airline partners, this equates to:

• Easier access for high-value patient travellers and their companions.

• New packages combining treatment + wellness stays.

• Synergies with existing inbound tourism and wellness supply chains.
  
  

Reduced friction = higher conversion

Visa processing has traditionally been a friction point in promoting medical travel. The introduction of VoA would simplify itineraries, reduce lead-time and improve client satisfaction.
As you craft proposals for hospital partners, wellness resorts or airlines, the prospect of lesser visa hassles becomes a major selling point.

Current Visa Framework (Until VoA Is Formalised)

Until the new scheme is officially notified, the prevailing visa categories apply:

1. Medical Visa (MV)

Designed for specialised treatments at recognised Indian hospitals. Requires application via Indian embassy/consulate.
Key items: valid passport (6+ months), hospital admission letter, proof of funds, confirmed flights.

2. e-Medical Visa

Applies to patients seeking treatment through the online portal at the Indian Visa Online website.
You’ll need to upload photo, passport details, hospital invitation letter, etc.

3. e-Medical Attendant Visa

For companions of the patient. Must be applied alongside the main medical visa.
Important: In cases of stay beyond the permitted duration, registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) may be required. 

What’s Changing & What to Monitor

What is under consideration

• Visa-on-Arrival or an advanced e-Visa variant for US & EU citizens travelling for medical/wellness purposes.

• Likely limited initially to countries with strong travel ties, mutual trust and compatibility.

• Could extend to wellness travel (e.g., yoga, Ayurveda retreats) in addition to conventional medical treatment.
  
  

Key questions to track

• Official roll-out date and airports/entry points where VoA will be available.

• Eligibility criteria: which US/EU countries, types of treatment/wellness included.

• Duration of stay permitted under the new scheme.

• Whether companion/attendant visas are included under the same facility.

• Changes to hospital accreditation or wellness-centre recognition requirements.

• Impact on airlines, inbound hospitality/ground-services and B2B partner networks.
  
  

Strategy for Travel Agents, Consolidators & Airline Professionals

For agents & consolidators

• Update your product portfolio: Prepare new packages that highlight streamlined entry via VoA once live.

• Partner with hospitals/wellness resorts: Emphasise faster visa access as a differentiator in your B2B offerings.

• Educate clients: Provide clients with clear guidance on current visa process vs. upcoming policy change to showcase readiness.
  
  

For airline professionals & corporate travel planners

• Leverage ancillary sales: Offer bundled travel plus treatment/wellness stay packages.

• Train your teams: Ensure sales staff understand the policy environment and can communicate opportunities to corporate clients seeking medical travel support.
  
  

For all stakeholders

• Keep tabs on official channels: The policy is not yet in force. Until then, continue operating under current rules.

• Prepare documentation checklists: Ensure hospital-invitation letters, treatment plans and flight bookings are ready well in advance.

• Highlight the value proposition: Combine India’s strengths (high-quality healthcare, cost-effectiveness, wellness systems like Ayurveda/yoga) with the ease of travel that VoA may bring.
  
  

Conclusion & Key Take-Away

For B2B travel professionals operating in the medical-travel and wellness-travel space, the potential introduction of visa-on-arrival access for US and EU visitors marks a pivotal opportunity. While still under consideration, the move could dramatically reduce entry hurdles and accelerate inbound growth.
In the meantime, strengthen your current frameworks around medical and e-medical visas, build partnerships, and position your offerings to swiftly capitalise once the new policy is rolled out. The future of medical value travel to India is looking more accessible—and that means a substantial market opportunity for you.

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