Ayush Visa: India Introduces a New Category of Visa

A visa is generally a travel document issued by the country permitting the individual to enter the country legally. There are different types of visas available, each one serving its own purpose, such as tourist visa, employment visa, student visa, transit visa, immigrant visa, etc. Adding to the list, India introduced a new visa category called Ayush Visa (AY) for foreigners seeking treatment under the AYUSH system of medicine in India.

India Immigration Authority has provided a modern method of Indian Visa Online application. This means a good news for the applicants as the visitors to India are no longer required to make an appointment for a physical visit to the High Commission of India or Indian Embassy in your home country.

Government of India allows visit to India by applying for Indian Visa online on this website for several purposes. So Foreign citizens can apply for an India Visa Application in a matter of minutes.

Ayush Visa

The Ayush visa has two sub-categories. Patient visa, a person traveling to undertake the treatments, and the Attender Visa, a person accompanying the patient. Ayush (AY-1) visa is for foreigners looking for treatment in the Indian Ayush system of medicine like Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. An Ayush attendant’s visa AY-2 will be issued to the attendee. The Ayush Visa can be availed either offline (Regular Paper Visa) or via e-visa. This new initiative aims to boost the medical value in India and achieve the mission of making traditional Indian medicine a global phenomenon.

India is the home of a traditional Ayush system of medicines. The Ayush visa aims to promote the ‘Medical Travel Value’ with a focus on the traditional Indian system of medicine. The initiative also provides an opportunity for foreigners willing to avail Ayush system of medicine and traditional treatment from India. As the broader population of the world is adapting to the holistic wellness approach, through the initiative, India proves to showcase the rich heritage of traditional healing practice globally. The Ayush visa serves as a door for foreigners to benefit from the traditional system of medicines.

Ayush Visa allows foreigners to receive medical treatment in approved medical hospitals, facilities and healthcare services that offer traditional and alternative systems of medicine. Additionally, it allows multiple-entries into the nation within the period of 60 days.

Why the Ayush System of Medicine

Ayush is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, which refer to the Indian traditional medicine system that has been practiced for decades.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda is commonly referred to as ‘life science’, which traces its origin back to Vedic times. The remedies often include dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, massage therapies, etc, aiming to restore balance and promote well-being.

Yoga: Yoga is a popular fitness exercise famous for its health benefits. The unique exercise, including posture correction exercises, asanas, breath control techniques, and meditation, improves flexibility and strength. Practicing yoga daily reduces anxiety and stress. It is also referred to as an effective way of leading a healthy life.

Unani: Unani medicine originated in the Mughal period and is still practiced in many parts of India. The roots of Unani medicine are based on four elements, which include blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, and achieving balance between these four elements in the body.

Siddha: Remarkable traditional healing system origination in South India. The principle of Siddha system believes in treating the diseases or illness using the natural substance. The remedies of Siddha system include medical herbs, and elements.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy traces its origin back to the late 18th century based on the ideology that the body can heal itself. So, the remedies of Homeopathy intend to boost or aid the body’s natural healing system.

All the Ayush systems of medicine focus on providing a holistic healthcare and wellness approach to treating diseases or illnesses.

Who is Eligible for an Ayush Visa?

Foreigners willing to get Ayush Visa should pass the eligibility criteria, visit the official website or respective Embassy for accurate details. However, here are few general eligibility criteria for availing an Ayush Visa.

• The individual should receive medical treatment under the Indian Ayush medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
• Medical documents exhibiting the individual’s health records and recommendations from a medical practitioner of the individual’s home country highlighting the medical condition and the need for Ayush treatment.
• The individual should have a valid passport and a validity of six months beyond the intended departure date from India.
• An appointment confirmation letter from a recognized AYUSH hospital can provide additional support to the Ayush Visa application. The appointment is not mandatory, though it is advisable as it will specify the treatment plan.
• Travel itinerary, including the travel plans, departure date, etc.

Ayush Visa Application Procedure

Validate the medical records and keep them ready. Check if the passport is valid for the stay in India.

Application Form: Ayush Visa is available offline and online. Visit the official website for an online application form and from the visa category option select the Ayush Visa.

Complete the Application: Fill out the application form correctly, avoiding mistakes. Provide all necessary information like personal details, full name, address, email, travel itinerary, etc.

Upload Necessary Documents: If required scan and upload the required documents such as medical records, certificate, appointment or recommendation letter, etc., for hassle-free process.

Complete the Payment: Once you submit the application, pay the specified fee. The application fee for an Ayush visa might differ depending on the country and duration of the intended stay.

It is advisable to apply it way before the last minute to avoid last-minute delays. Ayush Visa application status can be tracked through the official website. Upon approval of Ayush Visa, individuals will receive an approval email with details of visa validity, duration of stay, and other related information. The Ayush visa process and application might change over time, so refer to the official website for additional information and stay updated.

The Ayush visa opens an opportunity for foreigners to avail Indian traditional medicine and promotes medical travel. This initiative plays a prominent role in the “Heal in India” campaign by exhibiting India as a top medical destination. With the richness of the traditional system of medicine and wellness, the Ayush Visa aims to establish India as a global hub for wellness and holistic healthcare. Like any other visa paper, the Ayush visa is not just a paper but a commitment to practicing and preserving the traditional medicine systems and fostering its wellness in the world.