Learn about India’s AYUSH Visa, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, attendant visas, and key requirements for international patients
Table of Contents
Overview
Planning to travel to India for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy or another traditional Indian treatment? The AYUSH Visa for India is designed for eligible foreign nationals seeking qualifying treatment, therapeutic care or wellness through AYUSH and other recognised traditional Indian systems of medicine.
Important: Visa rules, eligibility, documentation, fees and permitted stay can change. Always verify the latest requirements through the Government of India, the relevant Indian Mission or Post, or the official e-Visa portal before applying.
What Is an AYUSH Visa?
The AYUSH Visa is an Indian visa category for eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for qualifying treatment, therapeutic care or wellness through AYUSH or other traditional Indian systems of medicine.
AYUSH refers to systems including:
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- Naturopathy
- Unani
- Siddha
- Homoeopathy
The Government of India introduced the AYUSH Visa for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment through AYUSH or other traditional Indian systems of medicine, as well as therapeutic care and wellness through traditional medicine. The treatment or programme should be provided through an institution meeting the relevant Government requirements.
Who Can Apply for an AYUSH Visa to India?
The AYUSH Visa is intended for eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for qualifying:
- AYUSH medical treatment
- Therapeutic care
- Wellness programmes
- Traditional Indian systems of medicine
Eligibility depends on the individual’s nationality, passport, treatment purpose, healthcare or wellness provider and the applicable visa route. A patient should not assume that every Ayurveda, Yoga or wellness programme automatically qualifies for an AYUSH Visa.
AY-1 Visa for India
The AY-1 Visa is the primary AYUSH Visa category for eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for qualifying AYUSH treatment, therapeutic care or wellness.
Government guidance states that a person seeking an AY Visa needs a medical invitation letter from an accredited AYUSH institution and medical-history documentation supporting the need for treatment.
AY-1 may be relevant for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Naturopathy, eligible Yoga-based therapeutic care, Homoeopathy and other qualifying AYUSH services. The exact requirements depend on the treatment and provider.
AY-2 Visa for Attendants
A patient travelling to India for AYUSH treatment may need an accompanying family member or attendant. The AY-2 Visa is intended for eligible attendants or family members accompanying an AY-1 patient.
An eligible spouse or family member may be able to accompany the patient using the applicable attendant visa. However, the family relationship itself does not automatically provide permission to enter India. The attendant must meet the visa requirements and obtain the appropriate visa.
e-Ayush Visa for India
The Government of India’s e-Visa framework includes e-Ayush Visa and e-Ayush Attendant Visa categories. This provides an online route for eligible foreign nationals whose treatment and nationality qualify for the e-Ayush system.
Eligibility should always be checked through the official e-Visa portal. Do not assume that an Ayurveda or wellness programme automatically qualifies simply because it is provided in India.
AYUSH Visa vs Medical Visa
| Feature | AYUSH Visa | Medical Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Eligible AYUSH/traditional medicine treatment, therapeutic care or wellness | Eligible medical treatment |
| Patient category | AY-1 | Medical Visa / e-Medical Visa |
| Attendant | AY-2 | Medical Attendant / e-Medical Attendant |
| Provider | Eligible AYUSH institution/provider | Eligible hospital or healthcare provider |
| Online option | e-Ayush, where eligible | e-Medical, where eligible |
| Supporting letter | AYUSH institution invitation/supporting letter may be required | Hospital admission/invitation letter may be required |
What Treatments Can an AYUSH Visa Cover?
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that may involve personalised approaches using diet, lifestyle, therapies and other traditional practices.
Yoga
Yoga may be used as part of eligible therapeutic or wellness programmes. A standard short-term recreational yoga programme should not automatically be treated as an AYUSH medical programme. Confirm the appropriate visa category before travelling.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy may involve lifestyle-focused and traditional approaches delivered through an eligible institution.
Unani
Unani is one of the recognised systems included within the AYUSH framework.
Siddha
Siddha is a traditional system of medicine with historical roots in South India.
Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy is also included among the systems covered by the AYUSH framework.
The appropriate visa category depends on the actual purpose of travel and the eligibility of the institution and programme.
Documents Required for an AYUSH Visa
The exact AYUSH Visa India requirements depend on the applicant, treatment, institution and visa route. Documents may include:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application
- Recent photograph, where required
- Medical invitation letter
- Letter from the accredited AYUSH institution
- Medical-history documentation
- Treatment details
- Proposed treatment dates
- Details of the AYUSH provider
- Supporting documents for attendants
- Any additional documents requested by the authorities
Government guidance identifies a medical invitation letter from an accredited AYUSH institution and medical-history documentation as part of the AY Visa requirements.
Keep Your Information Consistent
How to Apply for an AYUSH Visa
1. Confirm your treatment qualifies: Determine whether your planned treatment, therapeutic care or wellness programme falls within the applicable AYUSH framework.
2. Confirm the institution: Obtain confirmation that the provider meets the relevant requirements and request the required invitation or supporting documentation.
3. Prepare your documents: Gather your passport, application information, photograph where required, AYUSH invitation letter, medical history, treatment information and attendant documentation where applicable.
4. Choose the application route: Depending on nationality and eligibility, you may use the regular AY-1/AY-2 route, e-Ayush Visa or e-Ayush Attendant Visa.
5. Submit the application: Use the appropriate official Government of India visa channel and avoid unofficial websites.
6. Check your issued visa: Verify the name, passport number, category, validity, entries and conditions before travelling.
Can I Get an AYUSH Visa for Ayurveda Treatment?
Potentially, if the treatment and provider meet the applicable requirements. Ayurveda is one of the recognised AYUSH systems, but not every Ayurveda-related trip will necessarily qualify for an AYUSH Visa.
For example, a traveller visiting India primarily for tourism who happens to attend a casual wellness activity should not automatically assume an AY-1 Visa is required or available. The visa category should match the actual purpose of travel.
Can I Get an AYUSH Visa for Yoga?
Potentially. The appropriate visa depends on the purpose and nature of the Yoga programme. A recreational visit should not automatically be treated as an AYUSH medical trip. Confirm the appropriate category before travelling.
Can Family Members Accompany an AYUSH Patient?
Eligible family members or attendants may be able to accompany an AY-1 patient using an AY-2 Visa. Each accompanying person should make their own visa application and meet the applicable requirements.
AYUSH Visa Validity and Stay
The validity and permitted stay of an AYUSH Visa depend on the visa category and the conditions issued to the individual applicant.
Applicants should not rely on a fixed validity period found on an old website or third-party article. Always check visa validity dates, permitted stay, number of entries, registration requirements and any conditions attached to the visa.
If treatment is expected to continue for an extended period, discuss immigration requirements with the appropriate Indian authority before the visa expires.
AYUSH Visa and Longer Medical Stays
Some international patients may need to remain in India for several weeks or longer for treatment or follow-up care. If your stay may be extended, check whether foreigner registration or FRRO/FRO formalities apply to your visa.
The Ministry of Home Affairs provides foreigner registration and related immigration services. Do not assume that rules applying to a Medical Visa or e-Medical Visa automatically apply to an AYUSH Visa.
Common Medical Visa Mistakes
1. Choosing an AYUSH Visa without checking the provider
The eligibility of the institution or programme matters. Confirm that the provider meets the relevant Government requirements before applying.
2. Assuming every Ayurveda programme qualifies
Ayurveda is a recognised AYUSH system, but not every Ayurveda, wellness or traditional medicine programme automatically qualifies for an AYUSH Visa. The treatment purpose and provider should meet the relevant Government requirements.
3. Using the wrong attendant category
An AY-1 patient’s eligible attendant should check whether an AY-2 or e-Ayush Attendant Visa applies. The attendant must meet the applicable visa requirements and obtain the appropriate visa.
4. Submitting inconsistent documents
Make sure the passport, invitation letter and visa application contain matching information, including the applicant’s name, passport details, treatment information and other relevant details.
5. Using unofficial websites
Use official Government websites for visa applications and current requirements. Avoid relying on unofficial websites when submitting sensitive personal or passport information.
6. Assuming approval is guaranteed
An invitation letter from an AYUSH institution does not guarantee that the Government will approve a visa. Final approval depends on the competent Indian authorities and the applicant meeting the applicable requirements.
Official Medical Visa Resources
• Ministry of External Affairs — AYUSH Visa information.
• Ministry of Home Affairs — current e-Visa information.
• Official Indian e-Visa portal — e-Ayush and e-Ayush Attendant applications, where eligible.
• Relevant Indian Mission or Post — regular visa applications and country-specific requirements.
How ASAR Care Can Help
International patients may need assistance coordinating their treatment provider, appointment, invitation documentation and travel planning. ASAR Care can help patients understand the general medical travel process and coordinate relevant documentation with healthcare providers.
Planning Ayurveda or AYUSH Treatment in India? Get AYUSH Visa Assistance →
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an AYUSH Visa?
The AYUSH Visa is an Indian visa category for eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for qualifying AYUSH or traditional Indian medical treatment, therapeutic care or wellness.
2. What is an AY-1 Visa?
AY-1 is the patient visa category for eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for qualifying AYUSH treatment, therapeutic care or wellness.
3. What is an AY-2 Visa?
AY-2 is the attendant or family-member visa category associated with an eligible AY-1 patient.
4. Can I get an AYUSH Visa for Ayurveda?
Potentially. Ayurveda is one of the recognised AYUSH systems, but the treatment and institution must meet the applicable requirements.
5. Can I get an AYUSH Visa for Yoga?
Potentially. The appropriate visa depends on the purpose and nature of the Yoga programme. A recreational visit should not automatically be treated as an AYUSH medical trip.
6. What documents are needed for an AYUSH Visa?
Government guidance states that applicants may need a medical invitation letter from an accredited AYUSH institution and medical-history documentation supporting the treatment.
7. Can my family member accompany me?
An eligible family member or attendant may apply for an AY-2 Visa. Each traveller must meet the applicable requirements.
8. Is there an e-Ayush Visa?
Yes. The Government of India’s e-Visa framework includes e-Ayush and e-Ayush Attendant categories for eligible applicants.
9. Is an AYUSH Visa guaranteed if I have an invitation letter?
No. An invitation or supporting letter helps establish the purpose of travel but does not guarantee visa approval.
10. Can I use an AYUSH Visa for conventional hospital treatment?
The AYUSH Visa is intended for qualifying AYUSH or traditional Indian medicine treatment, therapeutic care or wellness. If you are travelling for conventional hospital-based treatment, a Medical Visa or e-Medical Visa may be more appropriate.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and is not medical, legal or immigration advice. AYUSH Visa requirements, eligibility, fees, validity and permitted stay can change. Individual requirements may vary by nationality, passport, treatment and provider. Always confirm the latest information with the Government of India before applying or travelling.
Latest Articles
One-Stop Precision Diagnostics in India: AI Imaging, Low-Dose CT, Genetics and Integrated Reports
Blood Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease Arrive in India: What International Patients Should Know in 2026
Liquid Biopsy and Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in India: What Changed in 2025–2026
Related Articles
Medical Visa for India: Requirements, Documents & Application Guide
Understand India’s Medical, e-Medical, and AYUSH Visas, including eligibility, requirements, and how to choose the right visa for...
Read Article