India offers a wide range of medical options for patients around the globe. It is the key reason for patients, especially those from Nigeria, seek high-quality, affordable medical treatment. Beforehand, obtaining a medical visa is an important procedure.

Why India for Medical Treatment?

• World-Class Medical Facilities: India has renowned hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly skilled doctors and surgeons, providing a high standard of care.
• Cost-Effective Procedures: Compared to Western countries, medical procedures in India are significantly more affordable, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious patients from Nigeria.
• Diverse Specialties: Indian hospitals offer a wide range of specialties, catering to a vast spectrum of medical needs.

Major Treatment Areas for Nigerians in India

• Organ Transplants: Organ transplantation offers a lifeline for Nigerians with organ failure. India has emerged as a leader in this field, providing hope and expertise at a lower cost.
• Oncology: Cancer treatment can be expensive in Nigeria. India offers advanced cancer care options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, often at a fraction of the cost in Nigeria.
• Cardiology: Heart disease is a leading health concern in Nigeria. India excels in advanced cardiac procedures like bypass surgery, valve replacements, and angioplasty, at a significantly lower cost than in Nigeria.
• Orthopedics: Joint replacements and complex bone surgeries are popular treatment areas for Nigerians seeking expertise and affordability in India.

Medical Visa Process

Eligibility:

-You must seek treatment at a reputable/recognized hospital in India and have a medical report outlining your condition.

-Proposed treatment plan, and estimated costs.

-Two medical attendants (family members or close associates) can accompany you.

Documents:

1. A valid original passport for at least six months,

2. A duplicate of the passport's data page,

3. Two pictures with a light background (50 × 50 mm, or 2 x 2 inches), in size. Attach photos to your forms using the space provided in the box on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.

4. A properly completed online visa application form. Please sign your form in the space provided beneath the photo on page 1 and at the bottom of page 2. The signatures on your passport and your own signature must match.

5. The applicant must submit their own contact information, including an email address. IF THE VISA IS FOUND TO BE FALSE OR BY SOMEONE ELSE, IT MAY BE REFUSED.

6. A well-known hospital or medical institute should provide a referral letter in the original on letterhead with contact information, duly stamped and signed, outlining the patient's illness and the reason for being referred to the established, specialized, and recognized medical institute/hospital in India for medical treatment.

7. Typed invitation letter from an Indian hospital on letterhead duly stamped and signed with contact details.

8. A verified three-month bank statement or bank guarantee letter in the applicant's name, attesting to the applicant's ability to pay for living and medical expenditures in India during the medical treatment. If there is sponsorship, a copy of the sponsor's identity card or passport and an affidavit from the sponsor must be attached.

9. Previous medical records and the Indian hospital's discharge report must be provided to the application if follow-up treatment is required (the consular officer will verify the originals).

10. Patients must affix copies of all records of their medical care in Nigeria, such as CT, MRI, and X-ray reports, if applicable (originals to be confirmed by the Consular Officer)

10. Transplant patients must provide a report on the donor's and patient's compatibility.

11. The patient and attendant, including immigration, will be the responsibility of the Indian hospital until they depart from India. The invitation letter must mention this endeavor.

Fees and Processing:

-The processing fee is $252 and can be paid online or at the embassy. Processing time is two to three working days. So plan appropriately, and send in your application as soon as possible.

Flight Information

Popular flight routes from Nigeria to India are;

• Lagos (LOS) to Delhi (DEL): This is the most popular route, with several airlines offering direct flights.
• Lagos (LOS) to Mumbai (BOM)
• Abuja (ABV) to Bengaluru (BLR)
• Kano (KAN) to Delhi (DEL)

Airlines in Nigeria-India Routes

• Ethiopian Airlines
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Air India

Additional Information

• Find a list of recognized Indian hospitals for medical visas on the website of the High Commission of India in Abuja, Nigeria: https://hciabuja.gov.in/pages/MTMy
• Contact the High Commission of India in Abuja for any questions or clarifications.
• Contact details;

-Address:

High Commission of India Abuja (Nigeria),

364, Cadastral Zone, Central Business District (CBD),

Off Constitution Avenue, FCT, Abuja.

-Tel: (+234)7080622800 /801 /802 /803 /804

-Emergency Contact no: +234-(0)9070343860

-Fax: (+234) 7080622805

-Email: info.abuja@mea.gov.in