India introduces new e-visa for tourists seeking medical services

India is introducing an innovative e-visa specifically for foreign nationals seeking medical services through traditional Indian medicine. This new type of visa, dubbed the Ayush Visa, represents a significant step in the development of medical tourism in the country and opens doors for those seeking alternative methods of treatment and wellness.

The Ayush Visa was introduced in August last year and has been made available online through the electronic visa system (e-Visa), making the visa process much easier for medical patients and their travelling companions. This initiative allows travellers to apply for an Aayush visa before arriving in India, providing convenience and ease in organising medical travel.

The term 'Ayush' is derived from the Sanskrit expression 'Ayusmanbhava', which means 'long life'. It encompasses various traditional and alternative systems of medicine practised in India such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. These medical systems are aimed at maintaining balance in the body, improving well-being and preventing diseases.

The Ayush e-visa provides two sub-categories: the Ayush e-visa for the patient and the Ayush e-visa for the accompanying person. You can apply for the visa by providing a copy of your passport, a photograph and a letter from an accredited medical organisation with patient information and treatment recommendations.

The Ayush visa is valid for 60 days, allowing three entries into the country during this period. Treatment is available at accredited hospitals and medical centres offering Ayush services.

This type of visa is part of the strategy to develop medical tourism in India, which is supported by the country's government. Through it, India aims to become a global centre for medical tourism, offering safe and effective treatment and recovery to patients from different countries.
The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, demonstrates India's commitment to integrate traditional medicine into global practice and create a favourable environment for the development of medical tourism in the country.