Medical Visa from Kenya to India: Complete Guide 2026

Why Kenyans Choose India for Medical Treatment

Every year, thousands of Kenyan patients travel to India for advanced medical care. India offers the rare combination of world-class doctors, accredited hospitals, and affordable pricing — patients typically save 60-80% on procedures compared to Western alternatives, while receiving care from globally trained specialists.

The Indian Medical Visa (M-Visa) was specifically designed for international patients and their families, with streamlined documentation, multi-entry allowances, and extension options for ongoing treatment.

• NABH & JCI accredited hospitals across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad
• English-speaking medical teams — no language barrier for Kenyan patients
• Short waiting times for procedures that can take 6-12 months in private Kenyan or UK hospitals
• Direct flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL) — under 7 hours
• Visa available on attendant basis for up to 2 family companions

Types of Indian Medical Visas for Kenyan Citizens

Kenyan citizens have two main options when applying for a medical visa to India. Choosing the right one depends on your treatment duration and entry needs.

1. e-Medical Visa (Online — Recommended for Short Treatments)

The e-Medical Visa is the fastest, most convenient option for Kenyan patients seeking treatment of up to 60 days.

• Validity: 60 days from date of arrival
• Entries: Triple-entry allowed
• Processing time: 72 hours (typically 2-5 working days)
• Fee: Approx USD $82.50 (paid online)
• Application: 100% online via indianvisaonline.gov.in
• Best for: Cardiac procedures, orthopedic surgeries, dental work, eye surgery, cosmetic procedures, short-duration cancer treatment

2. Regular Medical Visa (Stamped — For Long Treatments)

For treatments lasting longer than 60 days or requiring multiple long stays, the Regular Medical Visa (stamped in passport) is the right choice.

• Validity: Up to 1 year, extendable in India
• Entries: Triple-entry, with extensions possible through FRRO
• Processing time: 3-5 working days at the Indian High Commission in Nairobi
• Fee: KSH 8,300 – 12,400 (varies by duration)
• Application: In-person at Indian High Commission, Nairobi (or Consulate in Mombasa)
• Best for: Cancer treatment, organ transplant, complex orthopedic reconstruction, IVF cycles, neurosurgery follow-ups

3. Medical Attendant Visa (M-X Visa)

Up to 2 attendants (family members or guardians) may accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa. The attendant visa is co-terminus with the patient's medical visa — same validity, same conditions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Kenya-to-India medical visa, the patient must:

• Be a citizen of Kenya (or other eligible passport-holder) with valid travel documents
• Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with two blank pages
• Have an invitation letter from a recognized hospital in India stating the diagnosis, proposed treatment, and expected duration
• Provide proof of financial capacity to cover treatment and stay costs
• Have completed required vaccinations (Yellow Fever, Polio — see below)
• Have a confirmed return ticket or onward travel arrangements

Documents Required (Complete Checklist)

Prepare these documents before starting the application. Missing documents are the #1 reason for visa delays.

Patient Documents

• ✅ Valid Kenyan passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
• ✅ Two recent passport-size photographs (51 × 51 mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
• ✅ Completed visa application form (online for e-Visa, printed for Regular)
• ✅ Hospital Invitation Letter from a registered Indian hospital — must include patient name, diagnosis, treatment plan, estimated duration, and estimated cost
• ✅ Medical reports / case history supporting the need for treatment in India
• ✅ Proof of funds: bank statement (last 3 months) or sponsorship letter
• ✅ Confirmed return air ticket (or proof of onward booking)
• ✅ Proof of residence in Kenya (utility bill, ID copy)
• ✅ Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (taken at least 10 days before travel)
• ✅ Polio vaccination certificate (taken at least 4 weeks before travel — for travellers under 15 years and others as required)

Attendant Documents (per family member accompanying)

• ✅ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• ✅ Two passport-size photographs
• ✅ Letter from the same Indian hospital confirming attendant relationship with patient
• ✅ Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• ✅ Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow this exact sequence to get your medical visa with no delays.

1. Get a Hospital Invitation Letter

   Contact your chosen Indian hospital (or have RaFa Medi Tours arrange this for you). Send your medical reports — the hospital will respond with an official invitation letter on letterhead, signed by the treating doctor, with full treatment plan and cost estimate. This is the most important document.

2. Complete Required Vaccinations

   Get Yellow Fever vaccination at any KEMRI-approved centre at least 10 days before travel. If you're under 15 or arriving from certain regions, complete the Polio vaccine at least 4 weeks before.

3. Apply for the Visa

   For e-Medical Visa: Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in, upload scanned documents, pay the USD $82.50 fee online with credit card.

   For Regular Medical Visa: Submit application in person at the Indian High Commission, Nairobi (or Mombasa Consulate) with all original documents and pay the KSH fee.

4. Wait for Approval

   e-Medical: receive the e-Visa PDF by email in 2-5 working days. Print and carry it for boarding.
   Regular Medical: collect your stamped passport from the High Commission after 3-5 working days.

5. Travel to India

   Fly into one of the designated entry airports (see list below). Carry your visa PDF, invitation letter, vaccination certificates, and medical reports in hand luggage.

6. FRRO Registration (within 14 days of arrival)

   If your visa is for longer than 60 days, you MUST register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) at indianfrro.gov.in within 14 days of arrival. Your hospital will assist with this.

Indian Embassy & Consulate Contacts in Kenya

🇮🇳 High Commission of India — Nairobi

• Address: Jeevan Bharati Building, Harambee Avenue, P.O. Box 30074-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
• Phone: +254-20-222566 / +254-20-222567
• Email: hoc.nairobi@mea.gov.in
• Website: hcinairobi.gov.in
• Visa hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00-12:00 (submission), 16:00-17:00 (collection)

🇮🇳 Consulate General of India — Mombasa

• Address: Bank of India Building, Nkrumah Road, P.O. Box 90164, Mombasa, Kenya
• Phone: +254-11-224433 / +254-11-228048
• Email: cgi.mombasa@mea.gov.in

Designated Entry Airports for Medical Visa Holders

Medical visa holders must enter India through one of these airports:

• Mumbai (BOM) — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
• Delhi (DEL) — Indira Gandhi International Airport
• Chennai (MAA) — Chennai International Airport
• Bangalore (BLR) — Kempegowda International Airport
• Hyderabad (HYD) — Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
• Kolkata (CCU) — Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
• Ahmedabad (AMD), Kochi (COK), Goa (GOI), Trivandrum (TRV), and others

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Kenyan Patients

Below is a typical budget guide for a 14-day medical trip from Kenya to India. Actual costs vary by procedure and hospital.

• e-Medical Visa fee: USD $82.50 (~ KSH 10,700)
• Round-trip flight Nairobi ⇄ Mumbai/Delhi: KSH 70,000 – 110,000
• Yellow Fever vaccination: KSH 3,500 – 5,000
• Hotel/serviced apartment near hospital: USD $25 – 80 per night
• Local transport (airport pickup, hospital, food): USD $15 – 30 per day
• Medical treatment: Varies — typically 60-80% lower than US/UK pricing

RaFa Medi Tours handles all logistics including airport pickup, accommodation, language translators, and hospital appointments — so you focus entirely on getting better.

Top Indian Hospitals Preferred by Kenyan Patients

• Apollo Hospitals — Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi (cardiac, cancer, transplant)
• Fortis Healthcare — Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore (orthopedics, neurosurgery)
• Max Super Speciality — Delhi NCR (oncology, IVF)
• Manipal Hospitals — Bangalore (multi-specialty)
• Wockhardt Hospitals — Mumbai (cardiac, joint replacement)
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital — Mumbai (advanced surgery, robotics)

All RaFa Medi Tours partner hospitals are NABH & JCI accredited, with dedicated international patient desks and Kiswahili-speaking coordinators available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions