India medical visa numbers for 2016

According to Indian Home Ministry statistics, 201,099 medical visas were issued to citizens of 54 countries in 2016.

The Indian Home Ministry has released statistics showing that in 2016, 201,099 medical visas were issued to citizens of 54 countries.

A survey conducted by a business chamber stated that the primary reason for making India a key destination for medical value travel was the treatment from accredited facilities at a much lower cost than elsewhere.

According to the Home Ministry, in 2016 the top countries for medical visas were:

Bangladesh- 99,799
Afghanistan- 33,955
Iraq- 13,465
Oman- 12,227
Uzbekistan- 4,420
Nigeria- 4,359
Pakistan- 1,678
United Kingdom- 370
USA- 296
Russia- 96
Australia- 75

Many medical visas were issued under the E-visa category where a visitor can get the travel document online prior to arrival in India. Under the e-tourist visa scheme, an applicant receives an email authorising him or her to travel to India after it is approved and he or she can travel with a print out of this authorisation. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation to the immigration authorities that then stamp the entry into the country. Citizens of more than 160 countries enjoy the e-visa facilities to visit India.

Medical visa numbers were 171,021 in 2012, 236,898 in 2013, 184,298 in 2014 and 190,000 in 2015.