Indian Medical Visa from Nigeria: Complete Patient Guide

India offers advanced and affordable treatment in specialties such as cardiac care, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, organ transplantation, and other specialized medical services. This guide explains the key requirements and application process for Nigerian patients.

What Is an Indian Medical Visa?

An Indian Medical Visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling to India for medical consultation, diagnosis, surgery, hospitalization, or specialized treatment. A family member or caregiver accompanying the patient may apply for the appropriate Medical Attendant Visa, subject to the appli cable rules.

Quick Reference Table

Eligibility

Nigerian citizens travelling to India for genuine medical treatment can apply for an Indian Medical Visa.

It may be used for:

• Cardiac treatment and surgery
• Cancer treatment
• Orthopedic surgery
• Neurology and neurosurgery
• Organ transplantation
• Kidney and liver treatment
• Spine treatment
• Specialized medical procedures

The final visa approval, validity, duration, and conditions are determined by the Indian authorities.

Important Note for Nigerian Applicants

As of the latest instructions issued by the High Commission of India in Abuja, there is currently no e - Visa facility for Nigerian nationals travelling to India .

Therefore, Nigerian applicants must submit their visa applications in person at the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General of India in Lagos, along with the required physical documents

Documents Required

Patient Documents

• Valid Nigerian international passport
• Passport photocopy
• Recent passport - size photographs
• Completed In dian visa application form
• Medical reports
• Medical referral, where applicable
• Indian hospital invitation/appointment letter
• Proof of financial capacity, if requested
• Any additional documents requested by the Indian Mission

The passport should have sufficient validity and blank pages for visa processing.

Medical Documents

Provide your latest medical records, such as:

• Doctor's reports
• Blood test reports
• CT/MRI/X - ray reports
• ECG/Echo reports
• Biopsy reports
• Prescriptions
• Previous discharge summaries
• Previous surgery records

Complete medical records help the Indian hospital assess the case and recommend the appropriate doctor and treatment.

Medical Attendant Visa to India from Nigerian

If you need a family member or caregiver to accompany you during your treatment in India, the accompanying person should apply for the appropriate Medical Attendant Visa, subject to the applicable visa requirements.

The attendant may be required to provide:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application
• Passport photographs
• Patient's medical and visa documents
• Indian hospital invitation letter
• Proof of relationship, where applicable
• Other supporting documents requested by the Indian Mission

Medical Attendant Requirement

Patients travelling to India for medical surgery should be accompanied by an attendant. The accompanying person should obtain the appropriate Medical Attendant Visa before travelling.

Step by Step Application Process from Nigerian for Indian Medical Visa

Step 1: Share Medical Reports

Send your latest medical reports to the Indian hospital or medical coordinator for review.

Step 2: Get a Medical Opinion

The hospital reviews the case and provides a preliminary treatment recommendation, doctor details, and estimated treatment cost, where applicable.

Step 3: Obtain the Hospital Letter

Receive the medical invitation/appointment letter from the Indian hospital.

Step 4: Complete the Visa Application

Complete the Indian visa application through the official Government of India visa portal. The regular visa process requires the completed application to be printed and submitted with the supporting documents

Step 5: Submit the Documents

Nigerian applicants must submit the application and physical supporting documents in person at:

• High Commission of India, Abuja, or
• Consulate General of India, Lagos

Applications are subject to document verification and the applicable submission procedure

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

The current High Commission instructions state that the visa fee for Nigerian nationals, irrespective of visa type and duration, is:

USD 250 or USD 585, plus USD 3 ICWF – confirm before paying

The payment is made in the equivalent Nigerian Naira through the designated bank counter at the Indian Mission. Fees are subject to change, s o applicants should confirm the latest fee before applying

Step 7: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, carefully check:

• Your name
• Passport number
• Visa category
• Visa validity
• Number of entries
• Date of expiry

Do not make final travel arrangements until the visa has been granted

Visa Fee Structure – 2026

Important: the current official Indian Consulate sources show different published visa-fee figures for Nigerian nationals, as above. Nigerian patients should therefore confirm the exact Medical Visa fee with the relevant Indian Mission before payment. Fees are subject to change, and the fee is a processing charge.

Indian High Commission & Consulate in Nigeria

Nigeria has two Indian diplomatic missions providing services relevant to Nigerian applicants: the High Commission of India, Abuja and the Consulate General of India, Lagos. The Consulate General in Lagos provides visa services to residents of Lagos and a defined group of southern Nigerian states, while the High Commission in Abuja serves the rest of Nigeria.

High Commission of India, Abuja

The High Commission of India in Abuja is India’s principal diplomatic mission in Nigeria. Applicants outside the Lagos Consulate’s jurisdiction should contact the High Commission regarding regular Indian visa and consular services.

Consulate General of India, Lagos

The Consulate General of India, Lagos provides Indian visa services to Nigerian nationals and foreign residents in its jurisdiction.

Indian Visa Jurisdiction in Nigeria

This distinction matters, because Nigerian patients should approach the correct Indian Mission for their place of residence.

Consulate General of India, Lagos

The Lagos Consulate currently provides visa services to residents of:

• Lagos
• Abia
• Akwa Ibom
• Ogun
• Anambra
• Bayelsa
• Ondo
• Ebonyi
• Cross River
• Osun
• Enugu
• Delta
• Oyo
• Imo
• Edo
• Rivers

High Commission of India, Abuja

Nigerian applicants residing outside the Lagos Consulate’s listed jurisdiction should contact the High Commission of India, Abuja for the applicable visa procedure.

Useful Links

• Indian Visa Online (official) – www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/
• High Commission of India, Abuja – www.hciabuja.gov.in/
• Consulate General of India, Lagos – cgilagos.gov.in/

Applicants should confirm the latest fees, submission timings and document requirements with the relevant Indian Mission before applying, and should be cautious of unofficial websites offering Indian visa services.

Vaccination Requirements for Nigerian Travellers

Nigerian travellers to India should pay particular attention to vaccination requirements.

The High Commission of India in Abuja currently states that:

• Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory, except for infants under six months and applicable exempt categories.
• Polio vaccination is required for Nigerian nationals.
• Travellers should carry a valid polio vaccination certificate showing at least one dose of bOPV or IPV administered within the previous 12 months and at least 4 weeks before arrival in India

Applicants should verify the latest health and vaccination requirements before travelling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering passport details incorrectly
• Submitting incomplete or outdated medical reports
• Applying without the required hospital invitation letter
• Choosing the wrong visa category
• Not carrying the required vaccination certificates
• Booking non - refundable travel before visa approval
• Paying unauthorized agents promising faster visa approval
• Not checking the latest requirements of the Indian Mission
• Arriving for submission without the required physical documents

Before Travelling to India

Once your visa is approved, make sure you:

• Check all details on your visa
• Carry your original passport and visa
• Carry your original medical reports
• Keep your hospital appointment/invitation letter
• Confirm your hospital appointment
• Carry the required vaccination certificates
• Keep important medical documents in your hand luggage
• Keep copies of your important documents

Frequently Asked Questions By Nigerians about Medical Visa to India

Can Nigerian citizens apply for an Indian Medical Visa from Nigeria to India?

Yes. Nigerian citizens travelling from Nigeria to India for medical treatment can apply for an Indian Medical Visa through the appropriate Indian Mission in Nigeria. The Consulate General of India, Lagos specifically provides Medical Visa services to applicants residing within its jurisdiction.

Is the Indian Medical Visa available for Nigerian patients travelling from Nigeria to India?

Yes. Nigerian patients who require medical treatment in India can apply for the appropriate Indian Medical Visa after obtaining the required supporting medical and hospital documents.

What documents do Nigerian patients need for an Indian Medical Visa from Nigeria?

Nigerian patients should prepare a valid passport, completed Indian visa application, photographs, passport copy, Nigerian identification and address documents, medical reports, Indian hospital appointment or acceptance documentation and other supporting documents requested by the Indian Mission.

Do Nigerian patients need medical reports from a doctor in Nigeria for an Indian Medical Visa?

Yes. Nigerian patients should provide relevant medical reports and treatment information from their doctor or hospital in Nigeria to support the need for medical treatment in India.

Do Nigerian patients need an Indian hospital invitation letter for an Indian Medical Visa?

Yes. Nigerian patients should obtain an Indian hospital appointment, acceptance or invitation letter before submitting their Indian Medical Visa application. The hospital documentation should clearly identify the patient and proposed treatment.

What should an Indian hospital letter contain for a Nigerian Medical Visa applicant?

The Indian hospital letter should contain the Nigerian patient's correct name and passport details, together with relevant consultation, treatment, admission or appointment information. Any accompanying Medical Attendant information should also be correctly reflected where required.

Can a Nigerian family member accompany a patient to India on an Indian Medical Attendant Visa?

Yes. An eligible Nigerian family member or attendant can apply for the appropriate Indian Medical Attendant Visa to accompany a Nigerian patient travelling to India for medical treatment, subject to the current Indian visa rules.

How many Nigerian attendants can accompany a patient to India on an Indian Medical Visa?

The permitted number depends on the applicable Indian Medical Attendant Visa rules and the patient's visa category. Nigerian patients should confirm the current requirement with the relevant Indian Mission before applying.

How much does an Indian Medical Visa cost for Nigerian patients in 2026?

The current official Indian Consulate sources show different published visa-fee figures for Nigerian nationals: one current fee page lists US$250 + US$3 ICWF, while a separate fee chart effective 1 April 2026 lists US$585 + US$3 ICWF. Nigerian patients should therefore confirm the exact Medical Visa fee with the relevant Indian Mission before payment.

Which Indian Mission should Nigerian patients use for an Indian Medical Visa?

Nigerian patients should apply through the Indian Mission covering their place of residence. The Consulate General of India, Lagos covers Lagos and 15 other listed southern Nigerian states; applicants outside that jurisdiction should contact the High Commission of India, Abuja.

Can Nigerian patients in Lagos apply for an Indian Medical Visa through the Indian Consulate in Lagos?

Yes. Nigerian patients residing within the Lagos Consulate's jurisdiction can apply through the Consulate General of India, Lagos. The Consulate specifically states that it issues Medical Visas and other visa categories to residents within its jurisdiction.

Can Nigerian patients in Abuja apply for an Indian Medical Visa through the Indian High Commission in Abuja?

Yes. Nigerian patients residing outside the Lagos Consulate's listed jurisdiction should contact the High Commission of India, Abuja regarding the appropriate regular Indian Medical Visa submission procedure.

Where can Nigerian patients submit an Indian Medical Visa application in Nigeria?

Nigerian patients can submit their applications through the Indian Mission applicable to their jurisdiction. The Consulate General of India, Lagos accepts visa applications Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Do Nigerian patients need to complete the Indian Medical Visa application online?

Yes. The Indian Consulate in Lagos instructs visa applicants to complete the Regular Visa Application online and then submit the required printed application and supporting documents. Applicants applying through Lagos must select "Indian Mission: Nigeria Lagos".

Do Nigerian patients need Yellow Fever vaccination for an Indian Medical Visa?

Yes. Nigerian residents travelling to India should comply with India's Yellow Fever vaccination requirement and carry the appropriate vaccination certificate. The Indian Consulate in Lagos specifically identifies Yellow Fever vaccination as compulsory for travellers from Nigeria, subject to applicable exemptions.

Do Nigerian patients need polio vaccination for travel from Nigeria to India?

Yes. The Indian Consulate in Lagos states that OPV/IPV vaccination is mandatory for residents of Nigeria travelling to India, subject to the conditions specified by the Consulate. Nigerian patients should carry the relevant vaccination certificate.

Can a Nigerian patient travel from Nigeria to India before the Indian Medical Visa is approved?

No. Nigerian patients should obtain the appropriate Indian Medical Visa before travelling from Nigeria to India for medical treatment. The Consulate also states that acceptance of a visa application does not automatically guarantee visa issuance.

Is Indian Medical Visa approval guaranteed for Nigerian patients?

No. An Indian Medical Visa is not a guaranteed entitlement. The Consulate states that a visa can be denied and that acceptance of an application does not automatically guarantee grant of the visa.

Can Nigerian patients book their flight to India before receiving an Indian Medical Visa?

Nigerian patients should avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements before receiving the Indian Medical Visa. The Consulate General of India, Lagos specifically advises applicants that flight tickets may be booked after receipt of the visa.

Where can Nigerian patients check the latest Indian Medical Visa requirements before travelling to India?

Nigerian patients should check the latest information directly with the High Commission of India, Abuja, the Consulate General of India, Lagos where applicable, and the official Government of India visa system. The Lagos Consulate also warns applicants to be cautious of fake websites offering Indian visa services.

Can Nigerian citizens apply for an Indian e - Medical Visa?

No. According to the latest instructions of the High Commission of India in Abuja, there is currently no e - Visa facility for Nigerian nationals. Applications must be submitted in person at HCI Abuja or CGI Lagos.

How long does the visa process take?

Processing time varies depending on the individual application, document verification, and any required visa clearances. The High Commission states that processing times vary from case to case. Applicants should therefore allow sufficient time and avoid confirming travel arrangements before rece iving the visa.

Important Note

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa rules, fees, documentation, processing times, vaccination requirements, and eligibility conditions may change. Applicants should verify the latest requirements directly with the High Commission of India in Abuja, Consulate Gene ral of India in Lagos, and the official Government of India visa portal before applying or travelling. Visa approval is subject to the decision of the competent Indian authorities.