Medical Visa to India from Kenya: Step-by-Step

Last checked: 16 September 2026. The official sources for every fact are listed at the end of this guide.

The Indian medical visa works differently in each country, and for Kenya the requirements are set by the High Commission of India in Nairobi (with the Assistant High Commission in Mombasa serving the coast). This guide walks through them step by step, from the mission's own page.

Step 1 — Get your Indian hospital's invitation letter

The Nairobi mission requires a letter of invitation from an approved hospital or recognised doctor in India, naming the patient and any attendants, their passport numbers, the illness and the duration of treatment. You cannot apply without it. A coordinator arranges it once a hospital has reviewed your reports — see our invitation-letter guide.

Step 2 — Choose the right visa route

Many nationalities can apply for the e-Medical Visa online at the Government of India e-Visa portal; where the e-visa is not available for your case, you apply for a Medical Visa through the mission. Check the official portal for your eligibility, and note that the mission may require you — and each attendant — to attend in person for biometrics or submission. Confirm the current in-person requirement on the mission's page before you plan travel to the visa centre.

Step 3 — Know the timing

The Nairobi mission states that a Medical or Medical Attendant visa is normally issued in three working days. In an emergency it may be issued in one working day, excluding the day of submission and subject to paying the fee on the day you submit. A community-welfare surcharge applies to visa services. Apply well ahead of your treatment dates.

Step 4 — Attendants

Up to two family members can travel with you on Medical Attendant visas, granted co-terminous with your Medical Visa and to close relatives. Their names and passport numbers should appear on the hospital's invitation letter. See our attendant-visa guide.

Step 5 — If you are using SHA cover

If Kenya's Social Health Authority is funding treatment abroad, its pre-approval must be in place before you travel, and it requires a pro-forma invoice from the overseas hospital among other documents. Start that referral with your Kenyan hospital early — see the Kenya country guide.

*This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Confirm visa requirements with the relevant Indian mission and your treatment plan with a qualified doctor.*