If you are reading this, you probably have a medical report in one hand and a passport in the other. You know specialised treatment in India may be an appropriate option for you or your loved one, but the paperwork feels overwhelming.

"Do I need an e-Visa or a Paper Visa?"

"Is the embassy still using BLS?"

"How do I get an invitation letter from a hospital I haven't visited yet?"

At Karetrip, we assist patients from Oman traveling to India each month for planned medical care. We understand that even a small documentation error such as a misspelt name or selecting an outdated service provider can delay visa processing.

Important Update (2026): The Indian Embassy in Oman has stopped using BLS International. SGIVS Global Services now handles visa applications. Visa rules remain subject to change by the Government of India and the Indian Mission in Oman.

This guide explains the updated process to help reduce avoidable delays.

1. Choose Your Path: e-Visa vs. Regular Visa

First, determine the expected duration of your medical stay. Choosing the incorrect visa category can delay travel.

Option A: The e-Medical Visa (Short-Term Travel)

Best For: Planned procedures where total stay is generally under 60 days (e.g., angioplasty, knee replacement, IVF), subject to medical advice.

Convenience: Online application (subject to eligibility criteria).

Cost: Approx. 31 OMR (≈ $80 USD; subject to change).

Processing Time: Commonly 24–72 hours, though delays may occur.

Eligibility depends on nationality and current government policy. Always verify eligibility before applying.

Option B: The Regular Paper Visa (Longer Stay)

Best For: Treatments requiring extended follow-up (e.g., transplant programs, oncology treatment, prolonged rehabilitation).

Process: Requires physical passport submission and biometrics.

Cost: Approx. 37 OMR (6 months) to 52 OMR (1 year), subject to revision.

Processing Time: Typically 3–5 working days, depending on application load.

Final visa validity and duration are determined solely by the issuing authority.

2. The Critical Document: Hospital Invitation Letter

You cannot apply for a Medical Visa without an official Invitation Letter issued by a recognized Indian hospital. The letter must be addressed to the High Commission of India in Muscat and include patient details consistent with the passport.

Hospitals such as Apollo, Aster, Amrita, and other accredited institutions issue such letters after reviewing basic medical documentation.

Important: The hospital must first review your medical reports to determine whether evaluation or treatment is appropriate. Issuance of an invitation letter does not guarantee admission or specific treatment approval upon arrival.

How Karetrip Assists

• You share passport copy and medical reports via Rua (AI assistant).
• We forward documentation to the hospital’s International Patient Desk.
• Upon hospital approval, the invitation letter is issued and emailed.
• Processing time depends on hospital workload and completeness of documentation.

3. Step-by-Step: Applying for the e-Visa (Online)

For eligible applicants, this is often the preferred pathway.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

(Ensure the website ends with ".gov.in" to avoid fraudulent portals.)

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

Passport bio-page

Recent photograph (white background, as per specifications)

Hospital Invitation Letter

Step 3: Pay Fees

Payment is made online using a debit/credit card.

Step 4: Receive ETA

If approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email. Print and carry it along with your passport.

Visa approval is subject to immigration discretion.

4. Step-by-Step: Applying for Paper Visa (SGIVS Center)

If a longer-duration visa is required:

Step 1: Complete the Online Form

Select mission: "Oman – Muscat." Print the completed form.

Step 2: Book an Appointment

Visit the SGIVS Global Services website to schedule a submission slot.

Step 3: Visit the Center

Main Muscat location: Al Raid Business Center, Al Qurum.

Other centers may include Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa, Sur (subject to operational updates).

Bring:

• Printed application form
• Passport
• Invitation letter
• Supporting documents as listed on the SGIVS website

Step 4: Track Application

You may receive an SMS/email notification when your passport is ready for collection. Processing timelines depend on consular review.

5. Why Apply Through Karetrip?

Karetrip is not a visa-issuing authority. We function as a medical travel coordinator.

When you apply with our support:

Invitation Letter Coordination

We help ensure passport names, visa type, and accompanying attendant details are accurately reflected to reduce documentation errors.

Medical Attendant Visa Guidance

We assist in ensuring attendants are correctly listed, subject to embassy policy.

Form-Filling Guidance

Our team can guide you in completing forms accurately. Final submission remains your responsibility.

Arrival Coordination

After visa approval, we can help arrange airport pickup, accommodation suggestions, and connectivity support in India.

We do not guarantee visa approval or processing speed.

Conclusion: Plan Carefully, Apply Correctly

The medical visa process is regulated and documentation-sensitive. With proper guidance, it can be completed smoothly.

Always:

• Verify current visa rules before applying.
• Ensure passport validity (minimum 6 months recommended).
• Match all names exactly as in passport.
• Confirm hospital invitation letter details before submission.

Ready to begin? Secure your Invitation Letter first.

Chat with Rua to upload your medical report and passport copy. We will coordinate with recognized Indian hospitals to initiate the invitation process, subject to hospital review.

Medical Disclaimer The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Visa rules, fees, and eligibility criteria are subject to change by the Government of India and the Indian Mission in Oman. Karetrip facilitates Hospital Invitation Letters and provides guidance but does not have authority to grant or guarantee visas. Final approval decisions lie solely with Indian immigration authorities.