This guide covers every step for Papua New Guinean patients traveling to India for medical treatment — from gathering documents in Port Moresby to landing in India.
What Is an Indian Medical Visa?
An Indian Medical Visa (MED) is a special visa category issued by the Government of India specifically for foreign nationals traveling to India for medical treatment. It is different from a tourist visa and cannot be used for treatment purposes.
Two visa types exist: the MED visa (issued to the patient) and the MED-X visa (Medical Attendant Visa, issued to accompanying family members). A maximum of 2 attendants may travel with a single patient.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | e-Medical Visa | Regular Medical Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 60 days | Based on treatment duration |
| Entry | Triple entry | Single or triple entry |
| Processing | 3-5 days (online) | 3-5 working days (embassy) |
| Fee (approx.) | USD 25 | Based on treatment duration |
| Embassy visit required | NO | Yes |
Eligibility
Papua New Guinea citizens with a valid Papua New Guinea passport are eligible to apply for an Indian Medical Visa if the purpose of travel is medical treatment at a recognized Indian hospital. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine medical need, hold an invitation/appointment letter from an Indian hospital, and carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of arrival.
Documents Required
Patient Documents
- Valid Papua New Guinea passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival, with at least 2 blank pages)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (white or light background)
- Completed online visa application form
Medical Documents
- Referral letter from a registered Papua New Guinea doctor, stating the medical condition and confirming the need for treatment abroad
- All relevant investigation reports (blood tests, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, biopsy reports, etc.)
- Invitation/appointment letter from a recognized Indian hospital (on official letterhead, signed and stamped, including patient name, passport number, treatment recommendation, cost estimate, and appointment date)
Financial and Supporting Documents
- Bank statements for the last 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds to cover treatment and stay
- Return flight itinerary
For MED-X (Attendant) applicants: All of the above plus a copy of the patient’s visa application and proof of relationship to the patient.
Health Certificate Requirement
Papua New Guinea is not classified as a Yellow Fever-endemic country. Travelers from Papua New Guinea are not required to present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate when arriving in India.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1 — Get a medical opinion from a hospital in India. Share your reports to receive a treatment recommendation, cost estimate, and formal invitation letter.
- Step 2 — Collect all required documents. Obtain the referral letter from your local doctor and gather all medical investigation reports.
- Step 3 — Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. For e-Medical Visa: complete the online form. For Regular Medical Visa: select Papua New Guinea, select Port Moresby as the Indian Mission, and choose Medical Visa.
- Step 4 — Book and attend your embassy appointment (Regular Visa only). Appear in person at the Indian Mission in Port Moresby with originals and two printed copies.
- Step 5 — Receive your visa. Collect your stamped passport during the collection window.
- Step 6 — For e-Visa holders: confirm ETA status is GRANTED before traveling. Carry a printed copy of the ETA.
Visa Fee Structure (2026)
| Visa Duration | Fee (PGK) | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 months | ~USD 80 equiv. in PGK | ~USD 80 |
| 6 months to 1 year | ~USD 120 equiv. in PGK | ~USD 120 |
| e-Medical Visa | Online payment | ~USD 25 |
All visa fees and processing times are subject to change. Verify current amounts directly with the Indian Mission before submitting.
Processing Time
Standard processing time for a Regular Medical Visa is 3-5 working days after appointment. e-Medical Visa approvals are typically delivered within 3-5 days of online submission. Total realistic timeline from first contact with a hospital to departure: 7-14 business days. Track visa status at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Indian Mission in Port Moresby — Contact Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Section 7, Lot 30, Lawes Road, Granville, P.O. Box 86, Waigani NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea |
| Phone | +675-321-4291 / +675-321-0528 |
| cons.pmoresby@mea.gov.in | |
| Visa submission hours | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Monday-Friday) |
| Passport/visa collection | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday) |
| Website | indianvisaonline.gov.in |
Extending Your Medical Visa While in India
If your treatment takes longer than the visa validity allows, you can extend your Medical Visa while remaining in India. Submit extension requests to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in the state where treatment is being received. Extensions are granted on medical grounds with a letter from your treating hospital.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not providing the local Papua New Guinea doctor’s referral letter — this is non-negotiable and the most frequent rejection reason
- Submitting a hospital invitation letter that was not emailed to the consulate directly from the hospital’s official email address
- Name mismatches between the passport and hospital documents
- Late planning — begin the process at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date
- Applying without a hospital letter that includes all required details: patient name, passport number, diagnosis, treatment plan, cost estimate, and appointment date
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a referral letter from a Papua New Guinea doctor mandatory?
Yes. A referral letter from a registered Papua New Guinea doctor is a non-negotiable requirement for the Indian Medical Visa. It must state your medical condition, confirm why treatment is required abroad, and be on official letterhead with the doctor’s registration number. Applications submitted without this letter are routinely rejected.
2. How long does it take to get an Indian Medical Visa from Papua New Guinea?
e-Medical Visa: 3-5 business days online. Regular Medical Visa via Indian Mission in Port Moresby: 3-5 working days post-appointment. Total realistic timeline: 7-14 business days.
3. What is the difference between an e-Medical Visa and a Regular Medical Visa?
The e-Medical Visa is fully online, requires no embassy visit, valid 60 days with triple-entry. The Regular Medical Visa requires an in-person appointment in Port Moresby and can be issued for up to 6 months or longer.
4. How many family members can accompany a patient on a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X)?
Up to 2 family members or caregivers may accompany the patient on a MED-X visa. Each must apply simultaneously with proof of relationship.
5. Can I extend my Indian Medical Visa if treatment takes longer than expected?
Yes. Apply to the FRRO in the treatment city with a hospital extension letter before your visa expires.
6. What happens if my visa application is rejected?
Common reasons: missing local referral, hospital invitation not from official email, name mismatches, insufficient finances. Re-apply after addressing the issue.
All visa fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change by the Government of India. Always verify current details at indianvisaonline.gov.in or directly with the Indian Mission in Port Moresby before submitting your application.
