Indian Medical Visa from Somalia: 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 Somali patients travelling to India for medical treatment.

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 a Medical Attendant Visa, subject to the applicable rules.

Quick Reference Table

Eligibility

Somali 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, and conditions are determined by the Indian authorities.

Important Information for Somali Applicants

For Somali patients travelling to India for medical treatment, there is an important difference from countries such as Nigeria, Iraq or Bangladesh: India does not currently have a resident Indian Embassy in Somalia. The former Indian mission in Mogadishu was closed following the Somali civil war. India currently handles Somali visa matters through Indian missions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya.

The Embassy of India, Addis Ababa has been handling visa services for Somali nationals since 1 November 2022. The High Commission of India, Nairobi also provides visa services to Somali nationals, in addition to its Somalia-related diplomatic accreditation. Somali applicants can therefore use either mission.

Somali applicants should follow the latest instructions issued by whichever mission they intend to apply through, since requirements and procedures can differ between the two.

Important Requirement for Somali Applicants at Addis Ababa

The Embassy of India, Addis Ababa states that Somali nationals applying there should:

• Be physically present at the Mission when seeking the visa
• Have an Ethiopian immigration arrival stamp in their passport
• Submit the required original documents
• In critical medical cases, a close blood relative may approach the Mission on behalf of the patient with the required application documents

This is particularly important for Somali patients planning medical treatment in India.

Documents Required

Patient Documents

According to the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa's guidelines for Somali nationals, the following documents are required:

• Original Somali passport
• Photocopy of the passport's front page
• Completed Indian Visa application form
• Medical report from a local doctor/hospital
• Medical Visa Letter from the Indian hospital
• Certificate of Non-Criminal Record
• Latest bank statement
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Polio vaccination certificate
• Photocopy of the US dollar currency notes submitted as the visa fee
• Any additional documents requested by the Embassy

The Medical Visa Letter from the Indian hospital should clearly mention the patient's name, passport details, attendant's details, treatment information, and other relevant medical information.

Medical Documents

Provide your latest medical records, such as:

• Doctor's reports
• Blood tests
• CT/MRI/X-ray reports
• ECG/Echo reports
• Biopsy reports
• Prescriptions
• Previous discharge summaries
• Previous surgery records
• Local doctor or hospital referral letter

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

Medical Attendant Visa to India from Somalia

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 requirements.

Attendant Requirement

The Embassy of India in Addis Ababa states that one Medical Attendant is normally allowed to travel with the patient. In exceptional circumstances, one additional attendant may be permitted.

The attendant may be required to provide:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application
• Patient's medical/visa documents
• Medical Visa Letter from the Indian hospital
• Proof of relationship with the patient
• Other supporting documents requested by the Embassy

For minor patients travelling without their parents, an authorization letter from the parents may also be required.

Step by Step Application Process from Somalia 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 cost where applicable.

Step 3: Obtain the Hospital Letter

Receive the Medical Visa Letter/invitation letter from the Indian hospital. The letter should clearly mention the patient's and attendant's name and passport details, along with the proposed treatment.

Step 4: Complete the Visa Application

Complete the Indian Visa application through the official Government of India visa portal. After completing the online application, print the form, attach the required photograph, and provide the required signature/thumb impression.

Step 5: Prepare the Documents

Prepare the original documents and photocopies required by the Embassy, including:

• Passport
• Medical reports
• Hospital invitation letter
• Non-Criminal Record Certificate
• Bank statement
• Vaccination certificates
• Other supporting documents

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit the visa application and supporting documents according to the latest instructions of the Embassy of India, Addis Ababa. Applicants should confirm the latest appointment and submission procedure before visiting the Embassy.

Step 7: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee according to the Embassy's current fee instructions.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, carefully check:

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

Visa approval is subject to the decision of the competent Indian authorities.

Visa Fee Structure – 2026

The USD 83 fee is based on the Embassy of India's published guidelines for Somali nationals. Visa fees may change, so applicants should confirm the latest amount and payment procedure directly with the Embassy before applying.

Indian Missions Handling Somali Medical Visas

Embassy of India, Addis Ababa

The Embassy of India, Addis Ababa is one of the principal Indian missions handling Indian visa applications from Somali nationals, and officially states that it issues Medical, Medical Attendant and other visas to Somali nationals.

• Address: Embassy of India, House No. 224, Kebele 13/14, Woreda 07, Arada Sub-City, Near Bel Air Hotel, Aware, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Embassy Reception: +251-11-6362010
• Consular / Passport / Visa: +251-11-8124651, +251-11-8284125
• Consular / Passport / Visa Email: cons.addisababa@mea.gov.in
• Head of Chancery Email: hoc.addisababa@mea.gov.in
• Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (published applicant/consular working window, except holidays)
• Emergency Medical Visa Contact: +251-911-506852 (for emergency medical visa matters only; general visa enquiries should go to the Consular Section during working hours)

The Embassy's Somali-specific visa notice states that Somali nationals can submit applications without a prior appointment during its stated application hours, although applicants should verify the current procedure before travelling, as mission procedures can change.

High Commission of India, Nairobi

The High Commission of India, Nairobi is concurrently accredited to Somalia and also provides visa services to Somali nationals, publishing its own specific Medical Visa requirements for Somali applicants.

• Address: High Commission of India, UN Crescent, Gigiri, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30074, Kenya
• General Enquiries: +254-20-2222567, +254-733-666195
• Visa Email: visa.nairobi@mea.gov.in
• Consular Email: couns.nairobi@mea.gov.in
• Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
• Visa Application Submission: Working days, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (a prior appointment is required)
• Passport / Document Collection: Working days, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

The Nairobi Mission requires applicants to appear in person for biometric registration and collection procedures. Both missions specifically publish medical-visa guidelines for Somali nationals — applicants should confirm the latest office timings, appointment procedure, fees, and document requirements directly with whichever mission they use before travelling.

Vaccination Requirements

Somali patients travelling to India should carry valid vaccination certificates. The Embassy of India in Addis Ababa specifically requires:

• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
• Polio Vaccination Certificate

These certificates should be submitted with the visa application and carried during travel. Applicants should also 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 Indian hospital invitation letter
• Failing to provide the Non-Criminal Record Certificate
• Not providing the required bank statement
• Not obtaining Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates
• Choosing the wrong visa category
• Booking non-refundable travel before visa approval
• Paying unauthorized agents or middlemen
• Not checking the latest Embassy requirements

The Embassy advises applicants to be cautious of middlemen and agents and to use the official visa process.

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 invitation letter
• Confirm your hospital appointment
• Carry your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Carry your Polio vaccination certificate
• Keep important medical documents in your hand luggage
• Carry copies of important documents

Frequently Asked Questions By Somalis about Medical Visa to India

Can Somali citizens apply for an Indian Medical Visa from Somalia to India?

Yes. Somali citizens can apply for an Indian Medical Visa to travel from Somalia to India for medical treatment. India currently provides Medical Visa services to Somali nationals through its missions in Addis Ababa and Nairobi.

Is the Indian e-Medical Visa available for Somali patients travelling from Somalia to India?

Somalia is not currently listed on the Government of India's official e-Visa eligible-nationality list. Therefore, Somali passport holders should use the regular Indian Medical Visa procedure through the applicable Indian Mission rather than assuming that an e-Medical Visa is available.

Where can Somali patients apply for an Indian Medical Visa from Somalia?

Somali patients can use the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia or the High Commission of India in Nairobi, Kenya, both of which provide visa services to Somali nationals.

What documents do Somali patients need for an Indian Medical Visa from Somalia?

Somali patients should prepare their original passport, completed Indian visa application, photographs, local medical report, Indian hospital Medical Visa invitation letter, Certificate of Non-Criminal Record, latest bank statement and Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates.

Do Somali patients need a medical report from a doctor or hospital in Somalia for an Indian Medical Visa?

Yes. Somali patients should provide a medical report from a local doctor or hospital in Somalia establishing the medical condition and need for treatment in India. The Nairobi Mission also requires medical documents and a local hospital/doctor referral letter.

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

Yes. A Medical Visa invitation letter from the Indian hospital is a key requirement. The Addis Ababa guidelines require the letter to clearly identify the patient and attendant, while the Nairobi guidelines require details including illness, treatment duration and estimated treatment cost.

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

The Indian hospital letter should include the Somali patient's name and passport details, medical condition, proposed treatment, expected treatment duration and estimated cost. For an attendant, the relevant attendant details should also be included.

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

Yes. A Somali family member or eligible attendant can apply for an Indian Medical Attendant Visa when accompanying a Somali patient travelling to India for medical treatment.

How many Somali attendants can accompany one patient to India on an Indian Medical Visa?

The current Addis Ababa guidelines state that one Medical Attendant is normally allowed, while one additional attendant may be allowed in exceptional circumstances.

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

The current Embassy of India, Addis Ababa guideline for Somali nationals lists the normal Medical Visa fee as US$80 + US$3, for a total of US$83. The fee is non-refundable.

Do Somali patients need a Certificate of Non-Criminal Record for an Indian Medical Visa?

Yes. The current Addis Ababa Medical Visa guidelines specifically list a Certificate of Non-Criminal Record among the documents required from Somali Medical Visa applicants.

Do Somali patients need proof of funds for an Indian Medical Visa to India?

Yes. Somali applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources for medical treatment and their stay in India. The Addis Ababa guidelines require the latest bank statement, while the Nairobi Mission accepts original financial evidence such as bank statements, salary certificates or sponsorship/insurance documentation.

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

Yes. Somali travellers arriving in India from Somalia must carry a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel.

Do Somali patients need Polio vaccination for travel from Somalia to India?

Yes. The High Commission of India, Nairobi states that travellers arriving in India from Somalia must possess a valid Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) certificate. The vaccination should be administered at least four weeks before travel.

Do Somali patients need to visit the Indian Embassy personally for an Indian Medical Visa?

The requirements depend on the mission used. The Embassy of India, Addis Ababa states that Somali applicants should be physically present at the Mission, although in critical medical cases a close blood relative may approach the Mission with the required documents. The Nairobi Mission also requires applicants to appear in person for biometric registration and collection procedures.

Can Somali patients apply for an Indian Medical Visa in Addis Ababa without an appointment?

The Embassy's Somali-specific visa notice states that Somali nationals can submit applications at the Embassy without an appointment during its stated application hours. Applicants should nevertheless verify the current procedure before travelling because mission procedures can change.

Can Somali patients apply for an Indian Medical Visa through the Indian High Commission in Nairobi?

Yes. The High Commission of India, Nairobi provides visa services to Somali nationals and publishes specific Medical Visa requirements for Somali applicants. Applications require a prior appointment.

Can a Somali patient travel from Somalia to India before the Indian Medical Visa is approved?

No. Somali patients should obtain the appropriate Indian Medical Visa before travelling from Somalia to India for treatment. Payment of the visa fee does not itself guarantee visa issuance.

How long does an Indian Medical Visa take for Somali patients?

The Embassy of India, Addis Ababa states that Medical Visa processing may take around two days, although additional documents or clarifications can make the process longer. Somali patients should therefore avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until the visa has been issued.

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

Somali patients should check the latest information directly with the Embassy of India, Addis Ababa, the High Commission of India, Nairobi, and the official Government of India Indian Visa portal before applying. Requirements and submission arrangements can change, so patients should verify them immediately before travel.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for general guidance for Somali patients planning medical treatment in India. Visa rules, fees, documentation, processing times, vaccination requirements, and eligibility conditions may change. Applicants should verify the latest requirements directly with the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa, the High Commission of India in Nairobi, and the official Government of India Visa portal before applying or travelling. Visa approval is subject to the decision of the competent Indian authorities.