Medical Visa Rules by Country

To obtain a medical treatment visa, you need an official invitation letter from your chosen hospital, a passport valid for at least six months, and proof that you can pay for your treatment.

You should apply through the official government portal or the embassy of your destination country to avoid scams and make sure your stay covers your full recovery period.

South Korea

South Korea has specific application procedures for "Health Tourists." The K-ETA exemption has been extended for many nationalities, making it more convenient for medical travelers who fly in for dermatology or dental treatments.

If your surgery requires a long hospital stay, you need a formal visa. Below are the visa types for entry into South Korea:

• C-3-3 Visa: For treatments under 90 days. You will need a "Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance", which your hospital provides after you book.

• G-1-10 Visa: For long-term treatment (up to one year) and rehabilitation. This is also the visa used for your caregivers.

• Key Detail: Korean authorities also check for a "Financial Support Affidavit" to see if you have sufficient funds for both the surgery and the high cost of living in Seoul.

Link for official government visa portal: https://visa.go.kr/

Thailand

Thailand offers a Tourist Visa for Medical Treatment (MT) visa, which allows a stay of 60 days.

In addition to the MT Visa, the Thai government launched a 1-Year Multi-Entry Medical Visa (often called the Non-MT or Non-O Medical). This new visa is designed for patients who require continuous, long-term care for serious health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or organ transplants. This new visa functions as a multiple-entry permit that allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days at a time during its one-year validity.

To qualify for this visa, you should show a bank statement with a balance of at least 800,000 THB (approximately $23,000) to prove you can support yourself and pay for your medical bills. Additionally, you are required to hold a health insurance policy that provides at least $100,000 in coverage to protect against any unexpected medical emergencies or complications during your recovery.

Link for official government visa portal: https://thaievisa.go.th/

Singapore

Singapore does not have a "Medical Visa" by name. Instead, you enter on a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP). If your treatment takes longer than the 30 or 90 days initially granted, you can apply for an extension online.

To apply for an extension, you need a "Medical Memo" from a Singapore-based doctor. This letter should explain why you need to stay longer in the country.

Link for official government visa portal: https://www.ica.gov.sg/

Malaysia

To obtain a medical visa for Malaysia, you should first secure an appointment with a hospital registered with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), which will provide the medical invitation letter for your application.

You should also submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days before your arrival. This visa covers both the patient and up to two companions and allows for a 30-day stay that can be extended if the hospital confirms a longer recovery is needed. Here are the specific steps and rules you need to follow based on the latest government advisories.

Your treatment should be at an MHTC-member facility. Once you confirm your plan, the hospital applies for an "Entry Approval Letter" on your behalf.

You can include up to two attendants (a spouse or family member) in your medical travel arrangements. They are granted the same length of stay as the patient.

Link for official government visa portal: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/

Mexico

For US and Canadian citizens, no visa is needed for stays under 180 days. You simply fill out an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) at the border or airport. If you are traveling from a country that requires a visa, you should apply for a "Visitor Visa" through the consulate.

You can carry a physical copy of your surgical appointment to show border agents if asked about the purpose of your visit.

Link for official government visa portal: https://www.inm.gob.mx/sae/publico/en/solicitud.html

Turkey

Most patients enter Turkey using a standard e-visa, which is valid for 30 to 90 days. If your surgery requires a longer recovery, you can apply for a medical visa at a Turkish consulate. For this, you will need a formal "Health Tourism Invitation" letter from a clinic certified by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Link for official government visa portal: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa

India

India has a specific Medical Visa (M-Visa). This is a separate visa compared to a tourist visa and allows for three entries per year for 60 days of stay.

Medical Visa (M-Visa) is helpful if you need follow-up checks. You can also get a "Medical Attendant Visa" for up to two family members to join you.

For the application, you will need a printed invitation letter from a recognized Indian hospital stating the name of the patient and the duration of treatment.

Germany

Germany offers a specific Medical Treatment Visa. If your treatment lasts less than 90 days, you apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C). If it takes longer, you need a National Visa (Type D).

A  key element in your visa application is a formal confirmation from the German hospital. This document should explicitly state that the facility has enough room to accommodate you and specify the exact type of treatment you are expected to receive.

Additionally, the letter should clarify how long the treatment is expected to take and provide the estimated costs of the procedure. You also need to show proof of accommodation in Germany either a hospital stay, a hotel booking, or a rental contract.

Link for official government visa portal: https://digital.diplo.de/navigator/en/visa

Comparison Table: Stay and Costs

Country	Visa Type	Initial Stay	Extension Possible?
South Korea	C-3-3 / G-1-10	90 Days - 1 Year	Yes
Turkey	e-Visa / Medical Visa	30-90 Days	Yes
India	e-Medical Visa	60 Days (Triple Entry)	Yes
Thailand	Non-Immigrant O (Med)	60 Days	Yes
Mexico	FMM / Visitor Visa	180 Days	No (must re-enter)
Singapore	Short-Term Visit Pass	30-90 Days	Yes, with Medical Memo
Germany	National Visa (Type D)	Up to 12 Months	Yes
Malaysia	e-Medical Visa	30 Days	Yes, via MHTC

Insights for 2025

A new requirement for foreign travelers is the Electronic Arrival Card. Many countries, including Korea and Singapore, now require you to fill out a digital arrival card 3 days before you land, even if you already have a visa.

Additionally, some countries require you to declare if you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash through a Currency Declaration form.

FAQ

Can I change a tourist visa to a medical visa after I arrive?

In most countries, no. You must leave and re-enter or apply for a residency permit. It is better to get the right visa from the start.

Does my companion need a separate visa?

Yes. In India, they need an "MX" visa. In Korea, they usually apply for the same G-1-10 category as the patient.

What if my recovery takes longer than my visa allows?

You should contact the local immigration office with a letter from your doctor to request an extension before your current visa expires.

Takeaways - Medical Visa

• Do not apply for a medical visa without an invitation letter from a licensed medical facility.

• Your passport should be valid for 6 months after your planned return date.

• Keep your bank statements ready to show that you can afford the procedure, and your recovery stay.