Surge in Medical Tourism: Over 1.8 Million Foreign Nationals Visit India

Government Reports on Medical Tourism Growth

On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Indian government revealed to the Lok Sabha that more than 1.81 million foreign nationals traveled to India for medical tourism between 2023 and 2025. Anupriya Patel, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the rapid expansion of the medical tourism sector and its global potential, supported by various ministries, departments, trade bodies, and private hospitals.

Foreign Nationals Entering on Medical Visas

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 1,811,950 foreign nationals entered India on medical tourism-related visas during this period. This figure includes 1,751,088 holders of medical visas/medical e-visas, 56,908 medical attendant/medical attendant e-visa holders, 3,375 AYUSH visa/AYUSH e-visa holders, and 579 AYUSH attendant e-visa holders.

Government Initiatives to Promote Medical Tourism

The central government actively promotes medical and wellness tourism, primarily through the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare collaborates with stakeholders such as NATHEALTH, FICCI, and SEPC. To enhance medical travel, emergency visa services are available through Indian missions, prioritizing medical and AYUSH visas in urgent situations.

Expansion of E-Medical and E-AYUSH Visas

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the validity of e-medical visas from 60 days to one year, increasing the permitted entries from three to multiple entries, and making it available to citizens of 176 countries. Additionally, the e-visa system now includes dedicated e-AYUSH (M3) and e-AYUSH attendant (M4) visa categories, further strengthening efforts to promote medical and wellness tourism.