Medical Visa from Bangladesh to India [2026 Complete Guide]
A comprehensive handbook for Bangladeshi citizens seeking specialized healthcare, surgery, cardiac care, oncology, or organ transplantation in India. Learn exact document prerequisites, IVAC center submissions, processing timelines, invitation letter protocols, and companion visa policies.
Understanding the Indian Medical Visa (MED Category)
Every year, over 250,000 Bangladeshi patients travel to India for specialized medical interventions including advanced cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplantation (liver, kidney, bone marrow), complex oncology/cancer care, orthopaedics, and reproductive medicine (IVF).
The High Commission of India (HCI) in Bangladesh issues a dedicated Medical Visa (MED) to ensure international patients receive expedited entry, legal residency throughout treatment, and access to top JCI and NABH-accredited medical institutions across major cities like Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
While tourist visas prohibit admission into hospital surgical suites and clinical procedures, an official Medical Visa (MED) grants legal permission for clinical inpatient admissions, multi-entry travel during long recovery periods, and authorization for companion Medical Attendant (MED-2) visas. Furthermore, Indian hospitals require an official Medical Visa for organ transplant surgeries and regulatory clearance with local state health boards.
Primary Medical Visa
Granted to the primary patient undergoing treatment. Usually valid for 6 months to 1 year with up to triple entries. Extendable in India via FRRO if the treating physician recommends prolonged hospitalization.
Medical Attendant Visa
Granted to up to two (2) immediate family members or caregivers traveling with the patient. Possesses identical validity, entry parameters, and extension rules as the patient's primary visa.
E-Medical Visa vs. Regular IVAC Paper Visa Comparison
Bangladeshi citizens can access two main pathways for Indian medical visas depending on treatment urgency, duration, and airport vs. land port preferences.
| Feature / Attribute | Regular IVAC Visa (Paper) | E-Medical Visa (e-Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Physical submission at local IVAC center in Bangladesh | 100% online portal submission |
| Passport Stamping | Physical sticker visa stamped in original passport | Electronic approval ETA letter via email |
| Processing Time | 5 to 10 working days | 72 to 96 hours (Fast-track) |
| Validity & Entries | Up to 6 months – 1 year (Triple/Multiple Entry) | 60 Days from arrival (Triple Entry) |
| Permitted Travel Ports | All Designated Air Ports & Land Ports (Benapole, Gede, Akhaura) | 28 Designated Airports & 5 Seaports (No land ports) |
| Extension Eligibility | Extendable in India via FRRO for long treatments | Non-extendable & non-convertible |
| Best Suited For | Complex surgeries, organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy, land port travel | Short consultations, urgent second opinions, eye care, flight travel |
Need an Indian Hospital Invitation Letter?
We coordinate directly with international medical desks at Apollo, Fortis, MGM Healthcare, Medicover, Artemis, Max, and Sarvodaya to issue official Visa Invitation Letters (VIL) within 24 to 48 hours.
⏱️ Visa Processing Time summary
- Regular IVAC Visa:5–10 Working Days
- Emergency Medical Visa:48–72 Hours
- E-Medical Visa:72 Hours
- Hospital Invitation Letter:24–48 Hours
Complete Document Checklist for Bangladesh Citizens
Ensure every mandatory document is prepared exactly to High Commission guidelines prior to attending your IVAC appointment in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, or Khulna.
1. Passport Prerequisites
- ✓Valid original passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from entry date.
- ✓Minimum of two (2) completely blank visa pages for entry stamps.
- ✓All previous old passports attached (if applicable).
2. Medical Invitation Letter (VIL)
- ✓Official government-approved Medical Visa Invitation Letter from accredited Indian hospital.
- ✓Must state patient's name, passport number, diagnosis, procedure, and doctor's name.
- ✓Shifa coordinates this directly with hospital desks (Apollo, Fortis, MGM, Medicover, etc.).
3. Bangladeshi Doctor Referral
- ✓Recommendation letter or prescription summary from a registered physician/specialist in Bangladesh.
- ✓Must clearly recommend specialized treatment abroad.
- ✓Include BMDC registration number of the referring doctor.
4. Financial Solvency Proof
- ✓Last 6 months updated bank statement showing sufficient funds (min 20,000–50,000 BDT balance).
- ✓OR International Credit Card endorsement on passport (minimum 150 USD equivalent).
- ✓Salary certificate or Trade License copy for business owners.
5. Utility Bill & NID Copy
- ✓National ID (NID) copy or digital Birth Certificate in English.
- ✓Recent utility bill copy (electricity, gas, water, landphone) issued within the last 3 months.
- ✓Utility bill address MUST match the current address on your visa application.
6. Photographs & Companion Docs
- ✓Two (2) recent 2x2 inch (50mm x 50mm) photographs on matte white background (80% face view).
- ✓For Medical Attendants (MED-2): Proof of relationship (NID, Birth Cert, or Marriage Certificate).
- ✓NOC from employer or educational institution (if applicable).
Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) Locations in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi citizens can submit physical medical visa applications at any designated IVAC center across Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barisal, and Comilla.
Dhaka (Jamuna Future Park)
Jamuna Future Park, Floor-G, Block-C, Pragati Sarani, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM (Submission), 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Delivery)
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Chittagong
1871 CDA Avenue, Avenue Tower (2nd Floor), Sholashahar, Chittagong
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM (Submission)
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Sylhet
Rose View Complex, Shahjalal Uposhahar, Main Road, Block-D, Sylhet-3100
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM (Submission)
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Khulna
City Inn Hotel Building, B-4, Majed Sarani, KDA Avenue, Khulna
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM (Submission)
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Rajshahi
Morium Ali Tower, Holding No-18, Greater Road, Barnali More, Rajshahi
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Rangpur
JL No-133, Ground Floor, Station Road, Dhap, Rangpur
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Barisal
Bogra Road, Near South King Hotel, Barisal
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Comilla
Victoria College Road, Kandirpar, Comilla
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Hotline: +880 9612 333 000
Step-by-Step Medical Visa Application Process (7 Steps)
Follow this clear 7-step roadmap to ensure a seamless medical visa approval without administrative rejections or delays.
Clinical Case Assessment & Hospital Selection
Send your medical records, doctor prescriptions, diagnostic reports (MRI, CT scan, biopsy), and patient summary to Shifa Global Care. Our medical panel reviews your case and matches you with top accredited Indian hospitals (e.g., Medicover, MGM Healthcare, Pace, Sarvodaya, Gleneagles, Artemis, Apollo, Fortis, Max).
Hospital Invitation Letter (VIL) Issuance
Shifa coordinates with the selected Indian hospital's International Patient Desk to issue an official Medical Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) on hospital letterhead. The hospital sends copy directly to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka/Chittagong and emails a copy to you.
Online Application Filling (`indianvisaonline.gov.in`)
Fill out the official online visa application form. Select Medical Visa as the visa category, input hospital invitation details, port of entry, and upload a recent 2x2 inch photo matching government specs.
IVAC Processing Fee Payment & Slot Booking
Pay the standard IVAC visa processing fee (typically 800 BDT) online via bKash, Nagad, or credit card, and print out the payment confirmation receipt and appointment token slip.
Physical Document Submission & Biometrics at IVAC
Visit your selected IVAC center (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, etc.) on your appointment date. Submit physical application forms, original passport, utility bill, bank statement, doctor referral, and hospital invitation letter. Complete biometric fingerprint scanning.
Visa Processing & Stamping (5–10 Working Days)
The High Commission of India reviews the case. You can track passport status online using your Web Application ID. Once approved, collect your stamped passport from IVAC or via courier delivery.
Travel Arrangement & Airport Pickup
Notify Shifa Global Care of your travel date and flight/train details. Our team arranges airport pickup, wheelchair or ambulance transport, hotel/guest house accommodation near the hospital, and priority doctor appointment scheduling upon arrival.
How Shifa Global Care Simplifies Your Medical Visa Journey
We take the stress out of medical travel so you and your family can focus entirely on healing and recovery.
Direct Hospital Invitation Letters
Fast-track issuance of official VIL letters directly from premier Indian hospitals within 24 to 48 hours.
Document Audit & Pre-Screening
Thorough audit of NID, utility bills, doctor referrals, and bank statements before IVAC submission to prevent rejections.
Attendant Visa (MED-2) Support
Concurrent filing for up to 2 companions with relationship documentation review.
Airport Pickup & Ambulance
Dedicated driver or medical ambulance waiting at Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, or Mumbai airports upon landing.
Accommodation & Interpreter
Budget-friendly hotels/guest houses near the hospital and dedicated Bengali speaking care coordinators.
FRRO Registration & Visa Extension
On-ground guidance for FRRO registration in India if your treatment extends beyond 180 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is an Indian Medical Visa valid for Bangladeshi citizens?
Standard Indian Medical Visas (MED) are typically issued for 6 months up to 1 year with triple or multiple entries permitted. If treatment requires a longer stay, the visa can be extended locally in India through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Can I travel by land port (Benapole / Gede / Akhaura) on a Medical Visa?
Yes! Regular IVAC paper medical visas permit entry and exit through major land ports including Benapole-Petrapole, Darshana-Gede, Akhaura-Agartala, as well as international airports. Note that E-Medical Visas (e-Visa) are restricted to designated airports only.
How many medical attendants can accompany the patient?
Up to two (2) medical attendants (family members or caregivers) are permitted to accompany the patient under Medical Attendant (MED-2) visas. Attendant visas share the exact same validity as the patient's medical visa.
How much bank balance is required for an Indian Medical Visa?
Applicants should present a 6-month bank statement showing an active balance of at least 20,000 to 50,000 BDT per applicant, or a valid international credit card endorsement on their passport (minimum $150 USD).