In August 2023, the Indian authorities introduced a new electronic visa, namely the e-Ayush visa. The new visa allows travellers to undergo medical treatment in India, as long as it falls into the Ayush system, such as ayurveda, homeopathy or yoga. For a short holiday or short yoga programme in India, travellers may apply for the e-Tourist visa.
India: birthplace of Ayurveda and naturopathy
When it comes to ayurveda, naturopathy and yoga, India is one of the most well-known countries. The Indian city of Rishikesh, in the state of Uttarakhand, is known as the world capital of yoga. Other cities and states of India, such as Goa, Kerala and Karnataka, are known for yoga and spiritual retreats. Since 2014, India has even had a Ministry for Ayush, which aims to revive ancient Indian medicine and optimise healthcare in the country. Ayush stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy, the traditional healing practices the ministry is dedicated to.
Need for an Ayush visa
According to the Indian Minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, introducing the Ayush visa will give a boost to medical tourism in India. The Ayush visa is part of the Heal in India Initiative, a plan to turn India into a popular destination for medical tourism. Introducing the Ayush visa is expected to increase the revenue from ayurveda and other Ayush healthcare services dramatically by 2025.
Different from the e-Medical visa
In many regards, the e-Ayush visa is similar to the e-Medical visa, the e-visa for undergoing medical treatment in India. Both visas allow travellers to stay in India for up to 60 days, and to travel to the country up to three times (triple-entry). Moreover, both visas have a variant for attendants, known as the e-Medial or e-Ayush Attendant visa. These visas allow travellers to accompany someone who is going to undergo medical or ayurveda treatment in India. A maximum of two attendants per traveller may apply for the Attendant visa.
The most significant difference between the e-Ayush and the e-Medical visa is the travel purpose each visa is suitable for. The e-Medical visa for India is meant exclusively for travellers undergoing medical treatment in India at a recognised and reputable hospital. The e-Ayush visa, on the other hand, is suitable for a wider range of treatments, such as ayurveda, therapeutic care, wellness and yoga, which need not take place at a specialised hospital. However, the treatments must take place at a recognised Ayush hospital, which must also issue an invitation letter.
e-Tourist visa for a holiday or yoga programme
Most people travelling to India make use of the e-Tourist visa. This electronic visa is suitable for a holiday, for visiting friends or family, or for a short yoga programme. Travellers who want to take nonmedical yoga classes in India don’t need to apply for the Ayush visa. The e-Tourist visa comes in several variants. Via e-Visa.ie you can apply for a tourist visa valid for 30 days or one year.
The 30-day visa allows holders to travel twice to India and to stay for up to 30 days. The one-year visa, on the other hand, allows multiple trips to India. Each trip may last up to 90 days. Each traveller may stay in India for up to 180 days per calendar year. For further information, read the page about the validity of the e-Tourist visa for India.