This guide covers every step for Bangladesh patients traveling to India for medical treatment — from gathering documents in Dhaka 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). For Bangladeshi nationals, up to 3 attendants may travel with a single patient — a special bilateral provision.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Bangladesh Medical Visa |
|---|---|
| e-Visa | NOT AVAILABLE — apply via IVAC only |
| Application route | In person at IVAC (Indian Visa Application Centre) |
| Processing time | 2-3 working days after IVAC submission |
| Medical attendants allowed | Up to 3 (special bilateral provision) |
| Government visa fee | FREE under India-Bangladesh bilateral agreement |
| IVAC service charge | Payable — check ivacbd.com |
| IVAC website | ivacbd.com |
Eligibility
Bangladesh citizens with a valid Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background, 2×2 inch, taken within 3 months)
- Completed Indian visa application form (printed from indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa)
- Photocopy of all used passport pages (and all previous passports, if any)
Medical Documents
- Referral letter from a registered Bangladesh 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)
Financial and Supporting Documents
- Bank statements for the last 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds
- 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
Bangladesh is not classified as a Yellow Fever-endemic country. Bangladeshi travelers 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 — Fill the online application form at indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa. Select Regular/Paper Visa Application. Do NOT use the e-Visa portal. Select Bangladesh and your nearest IVAC centre. Select Medical Visa. Print the completed form.
- Step 3 — Book an IVAC appointment at ivacbd.com using your application reference number.
- Step 4 — Attend your IVAC appointment. Bring: original passport, printed application form, all original medical documents, two photographs, and copies of all supporting documents.
- Step 5 — Track your application at ivacbd.com. Standard processing is 2-3 working days after IVAC submission.
- Step 6 — Collect your passport from the IVAC centre when notified. Check all visa details carefully before travel.
Visa Fee Structure (2026)
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Indian Government Visa Fee | FREE — waived under bilateral India-Bangladesh agreement |
| IVAC Service Charge | Check ivacbd.com — mandatory and non-refundable |
| Medical Visa (all durations) | Government fee waived; IVAC charge applies |
Processing Time
Standard processing time from Bangladesh is 2-3 working days after submission at IVAC (Sunday-Thursday working week). Track your application at ivacbd.com.
Indian High Commission in Dhaka — Contact Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | High Commission of India, House 2, Road 142, Gulshan-1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh |
| Phone | +880-2-9889339 / +880-2-9882713 |
| cons.dhaka@mea.gov.in | |
| Visa submission | Through IVAC centres only (Sunday-Thursday) |
| Passport collection | Through IVAC centres only |
| Website | ivacbd.com / hcidhaka.gov.in |
Extending Your Medical Visa While in India
Bangladeshi nationals must register with the FRRO/FRO within 24 hours of arrival. Extension applications are submitted to the FRRO/FRO in the city where treatment is being received, before the current visa expires. A hospital letter confirming ongoing medical need is required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not providing the local Bangladesh doctor’s referral letter — non-negotiable and the most frequent rejection reason
- Submitting a hospital invitation letter not emailed from the hospital’s official email address
- Attempting to apply for an e-Visa — Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible
- Not registering with the FRRO within 24 hours of arrival — stricter requirement for Bangladeshi nationals
- Name mismatches between passport and hospital documents
- Late planning — begin the process at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Bangladeshi nationals apply for an Indian Medical e-Visa online?
No. Bangladeshi passport holders are explicitly excluded from India’s e-Visa system, including the e-Medical Visa. All Bangladeshi nationals must apply in person through an IVAC (Indian Visa Application Centre) in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, or Sylhet. Book your appointment at ivacbd.com.
2. How many attendants can accompany a Bangladeshi patient?
Bangladeshi patients are permitted to travel with up to 3 Medical Attendants (MED-X visa), compared to the standard limit of 2 for most other nationalities. This is a special provision under India’s bilateral arrangements with Bangladesh. Each attendant must apply at IVAC simultaneously with the patient.
3. What does the Indian Medical Visa cost for Bangladeshi nationals?
The Indian government visa fee is waived for Bangladeshi nationals under the bilateral India-Bangladesh agreement. However, IVAC service charges are mandatory and must be paid at the time of application. Check ivacbd.com for the current applicable fee.
4. How long does Indian Medical Visa processing take from Bangladesh?
Standard processing time is 2-3 working days after submission at an IVAC centre (Sunday-Thursday working week). For genuine medical emergencies, priority processing may be available — ensure your hospital invitation letter clearly states the urgency. Track at ivacbd.com.
5. Is a referral letter from a Bangladeshi doctor mandatory?
Yes. A referral letter from a registered Bangladeshi doctor is mandatory. It must state your medical condition, explain why treatment is required abroad, and be on official letterhead with the doctor’s registration details. Even with a comprehensive Indian hospital invitation letter, the local referral cannot be omitted.
6. What is the FRRO registration requirement for Bangladeshi patients in India?
Bangladeshi nationals on Indian Medical Visas are required to register with the FRRO/FRO within 24 hours of arrival in India — stricter than most other nationalities who have 14 days. Registration must be done at the FRRO/FRO in the city where you receive treatment.
7. Can I extend my Medical Visa while in India?
Yes. Bangladeshi nationals can apply for a visa extension at the FRRO/FRO in the city where treatment is being received, before the current visa expires. You must provide a letter from your treating hospital confirming the ongoing treatment plan. Given the 24-hour FRRO registration requirement, engage with the FRRO early if you anticipate needing an extension.
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 High Commission in Dhaka before submitting your application.
