Omani medical tourists on Indian tourist visas denied entry into Chennai

A group of Omanis was denied entry into India after arriving for medical treatment on tourist visas. Patients are left to their own devices if problems arise with authorities or hospitals.

A group of Omanis was denied entry into the southern Indian city of Chennai after arriving for medical treatment on tourist visas. 30 Omani citizens were denied entry at Chennai International Airport. Their agent effectively abandoned the stranded passengers.

The passengers arrived in Chennai and on being denied entry by immigration officials, appealed to the Omani Embassy in India. The embassy told them that the rules had to be obeyed and arranged a flight back to Oman.

Some medical travel agencies in Oman have been telling customers to get a tourist visa as this is easier to get and cheaper than getting a medical visa. But if problems arise, as they have been paid in advance, their customers are left to their own devices if problems arise with authorities or hospitals.

Oman’s Ministry of Health has reiterated that visa rules need to be followed by those seeking healthcare in India and that anyone travelling for medical care must have a medical visa rather than a tourist visa. Indian authorities told Oman that the rules are being strictly enforced, so in future no hospital in India will accept any overseas patient who is on a tourist visa

The Indian Embassy in Muscat states on its website that a medical visa is necessary for all foreign nationals seeking medical care in hospitals or treatment centres in India.

In addition to the information needed for a tourist visa, a medical visa application form has to be accompanied with a referral letter or preliminary medical advice from the Oman hospital, recommending specialised medical treatment abroad and a letter from the hospital in India, indicating appointment or showing willingness to undertake treatment. The duration of the visa and number of entries allowed depend on the seriousness of the disease and the anticipated duration of treatment.

India’s commerce ministry is investigating requests from Oman to simplify and extend medical visas to allow multiple entries for patients and companions, for those needing follow-up visits.