India has long been a destination for authentic healing traditions, with Ayurveda offering a holistic approach to wellness, rejuvenation, and long-term health. To support international guests seeking Ayurveda treatments, the Government of India offers the Ayush Visa — available as the regular M-3 and the electronic e-M3 categories — under its Medical Value Travel initiative.
This guide provides an overview of the Ayush Visa and how it supports your wellness journey to Amal Tamara — India's premier NABH accredited Ayurveda hospital, set in the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala.
What is the Ayush Visa?
The Ayush Visa is a dedicated visa category introduced by the Government of India for international travellers who wish to receive treatment under India's recognised traditional and alternative healthcare systems — Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).
It is available in two forms. The M-3 Ayush Visa is a regular (physical) visa obtained through an Indian embassy or consulate, and is generally granted for up to one year — or for the duration of treatment. The e-M3 Ayush Visa is an electronic visa applied for online and is typically granted for a shorter stay of up to 60 days from the date of arrival. A corresponding M-4 Ayush Attendant Visa (and its electronic e-M4 equivalent) is available for accompanying family members or carers.
Both routes enable international guests to stay in India specifically for their treatment and recovery. The appropriate category depends on the length and nature of your programme — for the longer curative stays typical at Amal Tamara, the regular M-3 Ayush Visa is often the more suitable option. The final visa category, validity, and conditions are determined by the Indian authorities.
Visa categories: M-3 Ayush Visa (regular) & e-M3 Ayush Visa (electronic)
Issued by: Government of India — Ministry of External Affairs / Bureau of Immigration
Purpose: Treatment under recognised AYUSH systems — Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy
M-3 (regular) validity: Issued via an Indian mission — generally up to 1 year, or the duration of treatment
e-M3 (electronic) validity: Applied for online — typically up to 60 days from arrival
Attendant visa: M-4 Ayush Attendant Visa / e-M4 for accompanying family or carers
Who is the Ayush Visa For?
The Ayush Visa is intended for international guests planning a stay in India specifically for treatment through recognised AYUSH systems. It is commonly used by those seeking:
- Comprehensive Panchakarma or detoxification programmes
- Curative treatment programmes for chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal conditions
- Rejuvenation and preventive health programmes (Rasayana)
- Stress management and mental wellness programmes
- Post-illness or post-surgical rehabilitation through Ayurvedic therapies
- Extended wellness and lifestyle transformation programmes
Eligibility for the Ayush Visa — including the category granted and its validity — is determined by the Indian authorities on the basis of your application, your intended treatment through a recognised AYUSH system, and the supporting documents provided.
At Amal Tamara, our minimum programme duration is 14 days, and most curative guests stay between 21 and 28 days — making the Ayush Visa a natural fit for those seeking a complete, medically supervised healing experience.
Amal Tamara is a NABH accredited registered Ayurveda hospital — one of the few facilities in India with the institutional standing to support Ayush Visa applications. Our team can provide the treatment-related documentation for your visa process, including your Treatment Confirmation Letter and programme details.
Please note: Amal Tamara can provide treatment-related documents in support of your application, but the grant, category, validity, and any extension of a visa are decided solely by the Government of India. We cannot guarantee visa approval.
How to Apply for an Ayush Visa
The application can be completed either online (for the e-M3) or through an Indian mission (for the regular M-3). Here is a step-by-step overview:
Contact our reservations team to confirm your programme, dates, and treatment plan. We will issue a Treatment Confirmation Letter setting out your treatment details — a key supporting document for your visa application.
For the e-M3 Ayush Visa, apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in and select the Ayush / medical e-Visa option. For the regular M-3 Ayush Visa, apply through your nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Complete the application with your personal, travel, and treatment details.
Provide your passport, photograph, Treatment Confirmation Letter from Amal Tamara, and any supporting medical documents. See the document checklist below for what is typically required and what may also be requested.
Pay the applicable visa fee. Fees vary by nationality and visa category — check the official portal or your Indian mission for current rates applicable to your country.
Processing times vary by visa category, nationality, and the mission or portal handling your application. For an e-M3, your e-Visa is emailed to you — print a copy and carry it when travelling. For a regular M-3, collect the visa from the Indian mission where you applied. We recommend applying well in advance of your travel date.
Present your visa and Amal Tamara confirmation at immigration. Our team will coordinate your arrival and welcome you to the beginning of your healing journey.
Documents
Document requirements vary by visa category and nationality, and the final list is determined by the Indian authorities. The tables below outline what is typically required and what may also be requested. Please always confirm the current requirements on the official visa portal before applying.
Typically Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Generally a minimum of 6 months validity beyond the intended stay, with sufficient blank pages. |
| Passport-size Photograph | Recent photograph with white background, as per Indian visa specifications. |
| Treatment Confirmation Letter | Official letter from Amal Tamara confirming your programme, dates, treating physician, and estimated duration. |
| Completed Application | The online form (e-M3) or the mission application (M-3), with accurate personal and travel details. |
May Also Be Requested
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Relevant medical history, reports, or a doctor's referral that support your treatment requirement. |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statement or financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover treatment and stay. |
| Return / Onward Ticket | Confirmed onward or return travel booking. |
| Accommodation Confirmation | Booking confirmation from Amal Tamara covering your stay. |
Amal Tamara's reservations team will assist you in preparing the Treatment Confirmation Letter and accommodation confirmation once your programme is booked. Requirements can change, so please verify the current checklist for your nationality and visa category before you apply.
Visa Duration, Registration & Extension
The validity of your Ayush Visa depends on the category granted and is determined by the Indian authorities. In general, the regular M-3 Ayush Visa may be granted for up to one year (or the duration of treatment), while the e-M3 Ayush Visa is granted for a shorter stay of up to 60 days from arrival. Key details:
- Entry conditions (single, double, or multiple entry) depend on the visa category and what is endorsed on your visa
- Extension if required: where a longer stay is needed, an extension may be requested through the local FRRO/FRO — this is subject to approval by the authorities and is not automatic or guaranteed
- Accompanying family members or carers may apply for the M-4 / e-M4 Ayush Attendant Visa, linked to the primary applicant's visa
- The visa is non-convertible — please apply for the correct category before you travel
Foreign nationals whose continuous stay in India exceeds 180 days, or where registration is specifically endorsed on the visa, are generally required to register with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) — usually within 14 days of arrival.
Please check your visa sticker or e-Visa and the current rules for your nationality. Where registration applies, Amal Tamara can guide you on the local FRRO/FRO process during your stay.
Family members or carers accompanying an Ayush Visa holder may apply for the M-4 Ayush Attendant Visa (or the electronic e-M4), tied to the primary applicant's treatment programme. Attendant visas are typically granted co-terminus with the patient's visa, subject to the authorities' decision.
Amal Tamara can provide supporting documentation for attendant visa applications on request.
Why Choose Amal Tamara for Your Ayush Visa Journey
Amal Tamara is one of India's few NABH accredited registered Ayurveda hospitals — a distinction that carries significant weight in the Ayush Visa process. Here is why international guests choose Amal Tamara:
- NABH Accreditation — India's highest standard of patient care and safety, recognised by the Government of India under the Medical Value Travel programme
- Registered Hospital Status — Amal Tamara is a fully registered Ayurveda hospital, not merely a wellness retreat — providing the institutional documentation required for Ayush Visa applications
- Expert Medical Team — A team of qualified Ayurvedic physicians with decades of experience in curative and preventive programmes
- Personalised Programmes — Every treatment plan is individually designed based on a thorough medical consultation before and during your stay
- International Guest Support — Our team is experienced in working with international guests and can assist with the treatment-related documentation required for the Ayush Visa process
- Kerala Backwaters Setting — Located in the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey — an environment conducive to healing, calm, and complete recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
The M-3 Ayush Visa is a regular (physical) visa obtained through an Indian embassy or consulate, generally granted for up to one year or the duration of treatment. The e-M3 Ayush Visa is applied for online and is typically granted for a shorter stay of up to 60 days from arrival. For longer curative programmes at Amal Tamara, the regular M-3 is often the more suitable option. The category and validity granted are decided by the Indian authorities.
We recommend confirming your programme at Amal Tamara first, as the Treatment Confirmation Letter from us is a key document in the visa application. Once your booking is confirmed, our team will issue the required letter promptly.
Processing times vary by visa category, nationality, and the mission or portal handling the application, so no fixed timeline can be guaranteed. We recommend applying well in advance — ideally several weeks before your intended travel date — to allow time for processing and any follow-up queries.
Yes. Family members or carers can apply for the M-4 Ayush Attendant Visa (or the electronic e-M4), linked to your primary treatment visa. Amal Tamara can provide the supporting documentation needed for attendant applications.
Amal Tamara's minimum programme is 14 days. Most curative programmes are 21–28 days. The Ayush Visa is well-suited to stays of this duration, and our team will structure the treatment documentation accordingly.
Yes. Once your programme is confirmed, our reservations team will provide the Treatment Confirmation Letter, accommodation confirmation, and other treatment-related documents that support your application. Please note that the visa decision itself rests solely with the Indian authorities.
Where a longer stay is needed, an extension may be requested through the local FRRO/FRO, with supporting documentation from Amal Tamara confirming the extended treatment requirement. Extensions are subject to approval by the authorities and are not automatic. Our team will support you with the treatment-related documents for this process.
Note: Visa categories, validity, fees, and requirements are set by the Government of India and are subject to change. The information above is a general guide only and is not legal or immigration advice. Amal Tamara can provide treatment-related documentation but cannot guarantee visa approval, which rests solely with the Indian authorities. Please verify current requirements on the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in or with your nearest Indian embassy or consulate before applying.