This guide covers every step for Gambian patients traveling to India for medical treatment — from gathering documents in Banjul 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
Gambia citizens with a valid Gambia 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 Gambia 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 Gambia 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
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (mandatory)
- 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.
Yellow Fever Certificate — MANDATORY
Gambia is classified as a Yellow Fever endemic/risk country. India requires all travelers arriving from Gambia to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (ICVP/Yellow Card). The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Without it, travelers will be quarantined for up to 6 days on arrival.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1 — Get a medical opinion from a hospital in India.
- Step 2 — Collect all required documents.
- Step 3 — Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. For e-Medical Visa: complete the online form. For Regular Medical Visa: select Gambia and Indian Embassy Dakar as the mission.
- Step 4 — Book and attend your embassy appointment (Regular Visa only).
- Step 5 — Receive your visa.
- Step 6 — For e-Visa holders: confirm ETA status is GRANTED.
Visa Fee Structure (2026)
| Visa Duration | Fee (GMD) | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 months | ~USD 80 equiv. in GMD | ~USD 80 |
| 6 months to 1 year | ~USD 120 equiv. in GMD | ~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 Banjul — Contact Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Indian Embassy Dakar, Senegal (accredited for Gambia) |
| Phone | +221-33-869-4700 (Dakar) |
| cons.dakar@mea.gov.in | |
| Visa submission hours | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Dakar (Monday-Friday) |
| Passport/visa collection | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Dakar (Monday-Friday) |
| Website | indianvisaonline.gov.in |
Note: Gambian applicants are strongly advised to apply for the e-Medical Visa online, as there is no resident Indian Mission in Banjul. For Regular Medical Visa, applicants must travel to or post documents to the Indian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
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
- Forgetting the Yellow Fever vaccination — must be administered at least 10 days before travel
- Not providing the local Gambia doctor’s referral letter — non-negotiable
- Submitting a hospital invitation letter not emailed from official email
- Name mismatches between passport and hospital documents
- Late planning — begin at least 2-3 weeks before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Yellow Fever certificate really required?
Yes. India requires a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate from all travelers from Gambia. Vaccinate at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you face up to 6 days quarantine on arrival.
2. Is a referral letter from a Gambia doctor mandatory?
Yes. A referral letter from a registered Gambia doctor is non-negotiable. It must state your condition, confirm treatment abroad is required, and be on official letterhead.
3. How long does it take to get an Indian Medical Visa from Gambia?
e-Medical Visa: 3-5 business days online. Regular Medical Visa via Indian Embassy Dakar: 3-5 working days post-appointment. Total: 7-14 business days.
4. What is the difference between an e-Medical Visa and a Regular Medical Visa?
e-Medical Visa: fully online, no embassy visit, 60 days, triple-entry. Regular: in-person at Indian Embassy Dakar, up to 6 months or longer.
5. How many family members can accompany a patient on a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X)?
Up to 2 family members on a MED-X visa. Each must apply simultaneously with proof of relationship.
6. Can I extend my Indian Medical Visa if treatment takes longer than expected?
Yes. Apply to the FRRO with a hospital extension letter before your visa expires.
7. What happens if my visa application is rejected?
Common reasons: missing local referral, hospital letter not from official email, name mismatches. Re-apply after addressing the cause.
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 Banjul before submitting your application.
