At the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Annual Health Summit in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India is considering introducing a visa-on-arrival facility for medical patients from the United States and Europe. This initiative could make it easier for international patients to seek treatment in India, which is already a popular destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare.
At the 22nd Annual Health Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on November 11, 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that the government is exploring the possibility of allowing visa-on-arrival for medical tourists from countries such as the United States and several European nations. The announcement reflects a significant step toward strengthening India’s role as a global medical hub by simplifying travel for foreign patients.
During his address, Goyal said, “The idea about a visa on arrival is a good idea. We will pursue that. For many countries, we allow visa on arrival and e-visas; both these can be considered for countries like the United States and most of Europe”. He also emphasized that while India aims to attract more international patients, it must ensure that local citizens continue to receive quality healthcare without compromise.
His comments indicate that the Commerce Ministry, in collaboration with healthcare stakeholders, may soon draft a framework that outlines eligibility criteria, approved institutions, and necessary safeguards for implementing such a system.
India is already one of the leading destinations for medical value travel (MVT), a form of tourism where people visit another country primarily for healthcare. Patients from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia frequently choose India for treatments such as heart surgery, organ transplants, orthopedic procedures, and cancer care.
According to Mordor Intelligence (2025), India’s medical tourism industry is valued at approximately USD 8.71 billion and could grow to USD 16.21 billion by 2030.[1] Treatments in India can cost 60–80% less compared to the United States or Europe, while maintaining comparable clinical standards in accredited hospitals.
A visa-on-arrival system could make India even more competitive with countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Turkey, which already offer simplified entry options for medical travelers.
Currently, international patients must apply for a Medical Visa (M-Visa) before arriving in India. The proposed visa-on-arrival facility would allow eligible patients to receive medical care without long processing delays, particularly in urgent cases.
Additionally, hospitals would need to follow digital verification protocols for medical documentation and patient identity, preventing misuse while maintaining transparency.
To ensure inclusive growth, Goyal suggested that hospitals could reserve up to 10% of their capacity for foreign patients while allocating part of their revenue to programs like Ayushman Bharat or other community welfare initiatives. He also encouraged healthcare institutions to strengthen training for nurses and caregivers to meet rising national and global demand.
Experts have noted that while expanding international access, India must also ensure that domestic patients do not face resource competition. Goyal addressed this balance by highlighting the importance of inclusive healthcare models—ones that benefit both local and international patients through improved facilities, training, and technology adoption.
We cannot have a chalk and cheese system where local citizens are deprived of quality healthcare while focusing only on international medical tourism.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry
From a public health perspective, expanding medical tourism requires careful management of infection control, data protection, and post-treatment follow-up. As global travel for health becomes more common, ethical considerations such as informed consent, medical record sharing, and long-term patient support gain importance.[2]
If introduced, the visa-on-arrival policy for medical patients could significantly improve India’s global standing in healthcare delivery. However, its success will depend on collaboration between government departments, healthcare providers, and international agencies to ensure safety, affordability, and accountability.
By combining policy innovation with clinical excellence, India can emerge not only as a cost-effective medical destination but also as a trusted global healthcare partner—balancing accessibility with responsibility.
1. Mordor Intelligence Research & Advisory. (2025 , January). India Medical Tourism Market Size - Industry Report On Share, Growth Trends & Forecasts Analysis (2025 - 2030). Mordor Intelligence. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-medical-tourism-market
2. World Health Organization. 2023. Medical Tourism: Implications for Patients, Health Systems, and Regulation. Geneva: WHO Publications.
(Rh/Eth/SS/MSM)
