The Government of India has introduced online medical and wellness visas to make it easier for international patients to travel to the country for treatment and traditional therapies. Under the new arrangement, these digital visa options are now open to visitors from 171 nations, significantly expanding access compared with earlier provisions.
This move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Medical Value Travel (MVT), positioning India as a preferred destination for high-quality and cost-effective healthcare. Offering procedures such as heart surgery, knee replacements, cosmetic operations, and dental care at competitive prices, India is already attracting growing numbers of international patients.
In 2024, the number of foreign visitors arriving for medical reasons reached 644,387, marking nearly a 252 % increase over figures seen in 2020 and reflecting robust global demand for Indian healthcare services.
Beyond conventional medical care, India’s healthcare ecosystem integrates both modern treatment and traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and other AYUSH modalities. To support this, the government’s visa framework now includes e-Ayush visas, designed specifically for travelers seeking wellness or therapeutic care under India’s traditional medical systems.
Authorities are also working with the Service Export Promotion Council under the Commerce Ministry to market India’s medical tourism capabilities more widely, including through the national portal indiahealthcaretourism.com.
India’s medical tourism sector continues to expand rapidly. With steady policy support, improved travel facilitation, and a strong emphasis on integrating digital services, the industry is projected to grow significantly in coming years.