You or your loved one flying to India for medical treatment? You are not alone. Each year, several patients from Kenya prefer India for quality and affordable medical treatment. However, before flying, the first and most significant thing is to obtain an Indian medical visa from Kenya.
This book will guide you through each step of the way — step by step — in plain and easy-to-understand English. If you require cancer therapy, heart surgery, an organ transplant, or other advanced care, we will assist you like a friend each step of the way.
Why are Kenyan patients choosing to be treated in India?
Let us first understand why India has become a favorite among Kenyan patients before we begin the visa process:
- Cost-effective and globally acclaimed treatment
- Extremely well-trained physicians and experts
- High-level surgical techniques and advanced hospitals
- Decreased operation waiting time
- English-speaking medical staff
Hospitals such as Apollo Hospitals are well known to treat foreign patients from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and other many African nations.
Now that you understand why India is the best option, let’s proceed to how to proceed with applying for a medical visa from Kenya.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Obtain an Indian Medical Visa from Kenya
Step 1: Know What a Medical Visa Is
A MED Visa is a special patient visa for patients who want to travel to India for urgent medical treatment or surgery. It generally has a validity of up to 6 months and can be extended based on how long your treatment is going to take.
It is only for the person who is traveling for medical reasons, not for leisure or employment.
Step 2: Obtain a Medical Invitation Letter from an Indian Hospital
This is your most important paper you need to begin your application with.
- Call a renowned Indian hospital (e.g., Apollo Hospitals).
- Post your medical reports or diagnosis.
- Your case will be reviewed by the hospital, and they will issue you a Medical Invitation Letter along with your treatment plan and estimated price.
Tip: If you have no idea how to contact a hospital, you can call us, and we will introduce you to the appropriate hospital — like a friend.
Step 3: Obtain the Required Documents
Here is an overview of all the papers you will require:
- Original passport (with a minimum of 6 months’ validity and two vacant pages)
- White background passport size photo
- Scan of your passport bio-data page
- Medical invitation letter from the Indian hospital
- Proof of diagnosis or medical history.
- Round-trip airfare ticket (optional but suggested)
- Bank statement or financial evidence to demonstrate that you can pay for expenses
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Polio vaccination certificate (in certain regions)
Retain both the photocopies and the original copies.
Step 4: Fill out the Indian Visa Application Online.
Follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official Indian Visa Online website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Select “Regular Visa Application.”
- Note down your own information and itinerary.
- In “Purpose of Visit,” select “Medical.”
- Upload passport photo and passport scan
- Submit the application
Once you submit, you will have a Visa Application ID. Make a note of it — you will use it to track your visa status.
Step 5: Make an Appointment at the Indian High Commission in Nairobi
Once you’ve filled the form, you will have to schedule an appointment at the Indian High Commission in Nairobi for the submission of documents and taking of biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Address of Indian High Commission:
Indian High Commission, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
Be sure to take
- A photocopy of your visa application form.
- All required documents
- Visa fee (pay in cash or follow instructions on the page)
Step 6: Take the Visa Appointment
On your appointment day:
- Arrive on time
- Dress humbly
- Submit your documents to the visa officer.
- Offer fingerprints and a photo for biometric data.
- Request the visa processing time
Tip: Remain polite and calm. The officers are there to assist you.
Step 7: Wait for Visa Approval
The visa will typically be available in 3 to 5 working days. Occasionally it will be faster or slightly longer based on application volumes.
You can verify the status of your visa on the Indian visa website by entering your Application ID.
After being approved, you will receive a Medical Visa Sticker on your passport.
Congratulations — you are now ready to travel to India to undergo your treatment!
Who Can Travel with You?
You are able to bring two medical attendants, i.e., a caregiver or family member. They will need a Medical Attendant Visa (MED X Visa) and will need to submit the same documents with your medical visa.
Travel Tips for Kenyan Patients Traveling to India
- Pack your prescription and medical records.
- Keep vital drugs with a prescription note.
- Have the hospital’s contact details handy.
- Maintain some cash in USD or INR.
- Prebook accommodation (patient guesthouses are available in some hospitals)
Why would you choose Apollo Hospitals?
Apollo Hospitals is India’s number one hospital group with:
- Over 70 large hospitals in big cities.
- Great doctors and surgeons
- Advancing technology in surgery, cancer, organ transplant, and others.
- Special assistance services for foreign patients
- Swahili & English-speaking coordinators
A number of Kenyan patients have undergone serious treatments at Apollo, and their recovery tales are an inspiration to others.
❤️ Kenyan Patients’ True Stories
“I found out that I had kidney failure and I was scared. Apollo Hospitals did everything — from getting my visa to my surgery. I am back home and healthy now.”
— Joseph, Nairobi
My mother suffered from a heart condition. We weren’t able to afford treatment here. Apollo assisted us, and their physicians were extremely nice.
— Lilian, Mombasa
“Cancer frightened me, but Apollo reassured me. I had chemotherapy and surgery there, and I’m now in remission. They treated me like family.”
— Mercy, Kisumu
Having difficulty? Talk to us like a friend.
We know how complicated the visa process is, and we are here to assist you like a friend. If you require:
A reliable Indian hospital
Assist in acquiring an invitation letter Treatment cost projections or second opinions. Visa facilitation Travel and accommodation facilitation Just dial Apollo Hospitals Information Centres at: Kenya | Ethiopia | Tanzania | Uganda Our friendly staff will guide you step by step — from your first call to when you are fully recovered.
Last Thoughts Receiving treatment in India could turn your life around. But it all begins with a small step — applying for your medical visa from India to Kenya. Take the step boldly, and we shall walk with you. Your future is worth your health. Let’s keep it safe — together.
