Indian Medical Visa from Iraq: Complete Patient Guide
When you are travelling from Iraq to India for medical treatment, you must apply for an Indian Medical Visa before travelling. The Indian Mission that handles your application depends on where you live in Iraq — the Embassy of India in Baghdad or the Consulate General of India in Erbil.
India offers advanced and affordable treatment in specialties such as cardiac care, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, organ transplantation and other specialized medical services. This guide explains the current requirements, the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Iraq, jurisdiction by city, the VFS Global application centres and the application process for Iraqi patients.
What Is an Indian Medical Visa?
An Indian Medical Visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling to India for medical consultation, diagnosis, surgery, hospitalization or specialized treatment at a recognised or specialised medical institution.
For Iraqi nationals and foreign residents of Iraq, Medical Visas are issued by two Indian diplomatic missions: the Embassy of India in Baghdad and the Consulate General of India in Erbil, each serving its own jurisdiction. The mission requires medical documents establishing the need for treatment in India along with acceptance of treatment from a recognised Indian medical institution.
A family member or caregiver accompanying the patient may apply for a Medical Attendant Visa. A maximum of two Medical Attendants may accompany a patient who has been granted an Indian Medical Visa.
e-Medical Visa – Check Your Eligibility First
The Government of India’s e-Visa system includes an e-Medical Visa category, but e-Visa eligibility is nationality-specific. Iraqi applicants should verify their current nationality eligibility on the official Indian e-Visa portal before relying on the e-Visa route. Where the e-Medical Visa is not available, the regular Medical Visa through the Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate in Erbil is the correct route.
Which Indian Mission Handles Your Application
India has two diplomatic missions in Iraq. The one you apply through depends on where you live:
- Embassy of India, Baghdad – handles visa and consular services for Baghdad and for locations outside the Erbil Consulate’s jurisdiction, including Basra, Karbala, Najaf and Kirkuk. Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Baghdad or Basra.
- Consulate General of India, Erbil – handles visa and consular services for the Kurdistan Region and Nineveh: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja and Nineveh.
Kirkuk is not under the Erbil Consulate. Residents of Kirkuk must approach the Embassy of India in Baghdad.
| Iraqi Location | Indian Mission for Visa / Consular Services |
|---|---|
| Baghdad | Embassy of India, Baghdad |
| Basra | Embassy of India, Baghdad (VFS submission in Basra) |
| Karbala | Embassy of India, Baghdad |
| Najaf | Embassy of India, Baghdad |
| Kirkuk | Embassy of India, Baghdad |
| Erbil | Consulate General of India, Erbil |
| Sulaymaniyah | Consulate General of India, Erbil |
| Duhok | Consulate General of India, Erbil |
| Halabja | Consulate General of India, Erbil |
| Nineveh | Consulate General of India, Erbil |
When completing the online Indian visa application, select the correct Indian Mission: IRAQ-BAGHDAD for the Embassy’s jurisdiction, or Iraq-Erbil for the Consulate’s jurisdiction.
Quick Reference Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa only if nationality-eligible) |
| Purpose | Medical treatment in India |
| Patient | Iraqi citizen or foreign resident of Iraq seeking treatment |
| Attendant | Medical Attendant Visa, maximum two attendants |
| Hospital Letter | Invitation/acceptance letter with auto-generated barcode from a recognised Indian hospital |
| Doctor’s Letter | Recommendation letter from the treating doctor in Iraq |
| Medical Reports | Required |
| Passport | Valid Iraqi passport – minimum 6 months’ validity from entry, 2 blank pages |
| Finance | Proof of sufficient funds for treatment and stay |
| Application | Online application + document submission |
| Submission | VFS Global Baghdad / Basra, or Consulate General of India, Erbil |
| Biometrics | Required in person (if not captured in the last 5 years / always at Erbil) |
| Approval | At the discretion of the Indian authorities |
Eligibility
Iraqi citizens and foreign residents of Iraq travelling to India for genuine medical treatment can apply for an Indian Medical Visa. Medical Visas are issued for treatment at recognised or specialised treatment centres in India, and applicants must provide medical documents establishing the need for treatment in India along with acceptance of treatment from a recognised Indian medical institution.
It may be used for:
- Cardiac treatment and surgery
- Cancer treatment
- Orthopedic surgery
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Organ transplantation
- Kidney and liver treatment
- Spine treatment
- Specialized medical procedures
The final visa approval, validity, number of entries and other conditions are determined by the Indian authorities.
Documents Required
Patient Documents
Iraqi patients should prepare:
- Completed online Indian visa application
- Valid Iraqi passport (with copy) – minimum six months’ validity from the proposed date of entry into India and at least two blank pages
- Copy of Iraqi National ID
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Medical reports and documentation establishing the need for treatment in India
- Recommendation letter from the treating doctor in Iraq stating the need to undergo treatment in India
- Indian hospital invitation/acceptance letter with an auto-generated barcode
- Proof of financial standing / availability of sufficient funds for treatment and stay in India
- For foreign residents in Iraq, a valid Iraqi residence permit where required
- Any additional documents requested by the Indian Mission or VFS Global
Applications submitted without the required financial documentation may be rejected.
Medical Documents
Provide your latest medical records, such as:
- Doctor’s reports
- Blood tests
- CT/MRI/X-ray reports
- ECG/Echo reports
- Biopsy reports
- Prescriptions
- Previous discharge summaries
- Previous surgery records
- Pathology reports
Medical Attendant Visa
If you need a family member or caregiver to accompany you during your treatment in India, they may apply for a Medical Attendant Visa. A maximum of two Medical Attendants may accompany a patient who has been granted an Indian Medical Visa.
The attendant may be required to provide:
- Valid passport
- Visa application
- Patient’s medical and visa documents
- Indian hospital invitation letter
- Proof of relationship, where applicable
- Other supporting documents requested by the Mission or VFS Global
The attendant’s name and passport number must be endorsed on the medical invitation letter from the Indian hospital.
Biometrics
Biometric collection is required in person:
- At VFS Global Baghdad or Basra, applicants must present themselves for biometric capture when their biometrics have not been captured during the previous five years.
- At the Consulate General of India, Erbil, applicants must apply in person because fingerprints and iris photographs are required.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Share Medical Reports
Send your latest medical reports to the Indian hospital or medical coordinator for review.
Step 2: Get a Medical Opinion
The hospital reviews the case and provides a preliminary treatment recommendation, doctor details and estimated cost where applicable.
Step 3: Obtain the Hospital Letter and the Iraqi Doctor’s Recommendation
Receive the invitation/acceptance letter with an auto-generated barcode from the recognised Indian hospital, and obtain the recommendation letter from your treating doctor in Iraq. If a medical attendant is travelling, the attendant’s name and passport number should be endorsed on the hospital invitation letter.
Step 4: Complete the Online Visa Application
Complete the Indian visa application online through the official Indian Visa Online system. Select the correct Indian Mission — IRAQ-BAGHDAD if you fall under the Embassy’s jurisdiction, or Iraq-Erbil if you fall under the Consulate’s jurisdiction.
Enter your full name, passport details, Iraqi address, email, mobile number, references and travel information carefully. Incomplete details may result in rejection.
Step 5: Submit Documents and Give Biometrics
Print and sign the completed application, prepare all original supporting documents, and submit:
- at VFS Global Baghdad or Basra for applicants under the Embassy’s jurisdiction; or
- at the Consulate General of India, Erbil for applicants under the Consulate’s jurisdiction.
Attend in person for biometric capture (fingerprints and, at Erbil, iris photographs) as required.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the applicable Indian Medical Visa fee and ICWF charge according to the current fee schedule, plus any applicable VFS service charges.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa
Once approved, check the following before travelling: name, passport number, visa type, validity and number of entries. Indian visas are valid from the date of issue, not from the date of arrival in India. Do not travel from Iraq to India before the visa is approved.
Visa Fee Structure – 2026
For Iraqi nationals, the current published Medical Visa fees are:
| Visa Type | Visa Fee | ICWF | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Visa – up to 6 months (Single or Multiple Entry) | US$80 | US$3 | US$83 |
| Medical Visa – more than 6 months and up to 1 year (Multiple Entry) | US$120 | US$3 | US$123 |
These are the published totals before any other applicable service charges. The visa fee is a processing charge and is non-refundable, whether the visa is granted, denied or issued for a shorter period than requested. VFS Global service charges may apply in addition. Fees can change — confirm the latest amount before submitting your application.
Indian Embassy & Consulates in Iraq
India has two diplomatic missions in Iraq. The correct distinction is: Embassy of India → Baghdad; Consulate General of India → Erbil; VFS Global → Baghdad & Basra application-collection centres (VFS Global is not an Indian Embassy or Consulate).
Embassy of India, Baghdad
Address:
Embassy of India, House No. 22, Street No. 16,
District No. 609, Al Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq
Telephone:
Working Hours: +964 7704444899, +964 7716511185
Consular / Visa: +964 7716511185
Visa & Consular Email:
Visa: visa.baghdad@mea.gov.in
Consular: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in
Consular / Education / Community Affairs: cons1.baghdad@mea.gov.in
Head of Chancery: hoc.baghdad@mea.gov.in
Embassy Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Consular Service Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Emergency Contacts:
24×7 Hindi & English Helpline: +964 7736770321
24×7 Arabic Helpline: +964 7736770322
Emergency / Consular Email: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in
Consulate General of India, Erbil
The Consulate General of India in Erbil is India’s second diplomatic mission in Iraq and provides visa and consular services for residents of the Kurdistan Region and Nineveh Province.
Address:
Consulate General of India, 1010, Dream City,
Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq – 44001
Telephone:
General Queries: +964 66 270 3203
Consular Services: +964 751 740 2103
Email:
General: hoc.erbil@mea.gov.in
Consular: cons.erbil@mea.gov.in
Website: www.cgierbil.gov.in
Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Visa Application Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Visa Collection Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Consulate’s jurisdiction covers Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja and Nineveh. Kirkuk is excluded and is handled by the Embassy of India, Baghdad.
Indian Visa Application Centres in Iraq (VFS Global)
The Embassy of India, Baghdad has outsourced visa and consular application collection to VFS Global, which operates two application centres in Iraq. VFS Global receives and delivers Indian visa, passport and other consular applications at the Baghdad and Basra centres.
VFS Global – Baghdad
Address:
Al Mansour QTR, 14 Ramadhan Street, Area 611,
Street 7, Building No. 5869/7/20, Baghdad, Iraq
Telephone: +964 662407677
VFS Global – Basra
Address:
Al-Jazaer Quarter, Al-Saady Street,
Opposite to O3, Basra, Iraq
Telephone: +964 662407677
VFS Global Contact:
Telephone: +964 662407677
Email: info.indiairaq@vfshelpline.com
Call Centre Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Important: VFS Global is not an Indian Embassy or Consulate. It only collects and returns applications for the Embassy of India, Baghdad.
Useful Links
- Indian Visa Online (official) – www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/
- Apply for an Indian e-Visa (check eligibility) – www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
- Embassy of India, Baghdad – www.eoibaghdad.gov.in/
- Consulate General of India, Erbil – www.cgierbil.gov.in/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not selecting the correct Indian Mission (IRAQ-BAGHDAD or Iraq-Erbil) on the online application
- Assuming Kirkuk is handled by the Erbil Consulate (it is handled by Baghdad)
- Relying on the e-Medical Visa without checking current nationality eligibility on the official portal
- Entering passport details incorrectly or not matching the passport
- Submitting incomplete or outdated medical reports
- Applying without the barcoded Indian hospital invitation letter
- Missing the treating doctor’s recommendation letter from Iraq
- Failing to provide proof of financial standing
- Forgetting the Iraqi National ID copy
- Carrying a passport with less than six months’ validity or no blank pages
- Booking non-refundable travel before visa approval
- Paying unauthorised agents or using fake visa websites
Before Travelling to India
Once your visa is approved, make sure you:
- Check all details on your visa
- Carry your passport and visa
- Carry your original medical reports
- Keep your Indian hospital invitation/appointment letter
- Confirm your hospital appointment
- Carry your Iraqi doctor’s recommendation letter
- Keep proof of financial arrangements available
- Keep important medical documents in your hand luggage
- Carry your prescriptions and current medication information
- Check the latest Indian immigration and entry requirements before travel
Frequently Asked Questions – Indian Medical Visa from Iraq
Can Iraqi citizens apply for an Indian Medical Visa from Iraq to India?
Yes. Iraqi citizens travelling from Iraq to India for medical treatment can apply for an Indian Medical Visa to receive treatment at a recognised or specialised medical institution in India. The Embassy of India in Baghdad issues Medical Visas to Iraqi nationals and foreign residents of Iraq within its jurisdiction, and the Consulate General of India in Erbil issues Medical Visas to residents of its designated jurisdiction.
Is the Indian e-Medical Visa available for Iraqi patients travelling from Iraq to India?
The Government of India's e-Visa system includes the e-Medical Visa category, but e-Visa eligibility is nationality-specific. Iraqi applicants should verify their current nationality eligibility on the official Indian e-Visa portal before relying on the e-Visa route.
What documents do Iraqi patients need for an Indian Medical Visa from Iraq?
Iraqi patients should provide the completed online Indian visa application, passport, Iraqi national ID, medical documentation establishing the need for treatment in India, an acceptance or treatment invitation letter from a recognised Indian hospital, a recommendation letter from the treating doctor in Iraq, and proof of sufficient funds for treatment and stay in India.
How long should an Iraqi passport be valid for an Indian Medical Visa to India?
For an Indian Medical Visa application in Baghdad, the passport should have at least six months' validity from the proposed date of entry into India and at least two blank pages.
Do Iraqi patients need an Iraqi doctor's recommendation letter for an Indian Medical Visa?
Yes. The Embassy of India in Baghdad requires a recommendation letter from the treating doctor in Iraq stating the need to undergo treatment in India.
Do Iraqi patients need an Indian hospital invitation letter for an Indian Medical Visa?
Yes. Iraqi patients applying for an Indian Medical Visa need an invitation letter with an auto-generated barcode from a recognised Indian hospital. The Indian hospital's acceptance of treatment is an important part of the application.
What should an Indian hospital invitation letter contain for an Iraqi Medical Visa applicant?
The Indian hospital invitation should identify the Iraqi patient and provide the relevant treatment information. If a Medical Attendant is travelling with the Iraqi patient, the attendant's name and passport number must be endorsed on the medical invitation letter.
Can an Iraqi family member accompany a patient to India on an Indian Medical Attendant Visa?
Yes. Eligible Iraqi family members or attendants can apply for an Indian Medical Attendant Visa when accompanying a patient who has been granted an Indian Medical Visa.
How many Iraqi Medical Attendants can accompany one patient to India?
The Embassy of India in Baghdad states that a maximum of two Medical Attendants can accompany a patient who has been granted an Indian Medical Visa.
How much does an Indian Medical Visa cost for Iraqi patients in 2026?
For Iraqi nationals, the current published fee is US$80 for a Medical Visa up to 6 months (single or multiple entry) and US$120 for a Medical Visa of more than 6 months and up to 1 year (multiple entry), plus a US$3 ICWF charge. The published totals before any other applicable service charges are US$83 and US$123 respectively.
Where can Iraqi patients submit an Indian Medical Visa application in Iraq?
Iraqi patients can submit applications through the applicable Indian Mission or authorised application centre. The Embassy of India, Baghdad uses VFS Global centres in Baghdad and Basra for visa application and document submission, while applicants in the Kurdistan Region and Nineveh apply through the Consulate General of India, Erbil.
Which Indian Embassy should Iraqi patients contact for an Indian Medical Visa?
Iraqi patients living within the Baghdad Embassy's jurisdiction should contact the Embassy of India, Baghdad. Visa email: visa.baghdad@mea.gov.in; Consular email: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in; Consular/Visa telephone: +964 7716511185.
Which Indian Consulate should Iraqi patients in Kurdistan contact for an Indian Medical Visa?
Iraqi patients residing in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja and Nineveh fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, Erbil.
Can Iraqi patients in Erbil apply for an Indian Medical Visa through the Indian Consulate in Erbil?
Yes. The Consulate General of India, Erbil issues Medical Visas to residents of the Kurdistan Region and Nineveh Province and requires applicants to select "Iraq-Erbil" as the Indian Mission when completing the regular Indian visa application.
Can Iraqi patients in Basra submit an Indian Medical Visa application?
Yes. The Embassy of India, Baghdad's VFS outsourcing arrangement includes a VFS Global application centre in Basra for Indian visa and consular services.
Does Kirkuk come under the Indian Consulate General in Erbil for an Indian Medical Visa?
No. The current jurisdiction notice of the Consulate General of India, Erbil states that Kirkuk does not fall under its jurisdiction. Residents of Kirkuk should approach the Embassy of India, Baghdad for Indian visa and consular services.
Do Iraqi patients need proof of financial capacity for an Indian Medical Visa?
Yes. Iraqi Medical Visa applicants must provide proof of financial standing or availability of sufficient funds to cover treatment and their stay in India. Applications without the required financial documentation may be rejected.
Do Iraqi patients need to attend biometric collection for an Indian Medical Visa?
Yes. For applications submitted through VFS Global in Baghdad or Basra, applicants must present themselves for biometric capture when their biometrics have not been captured during the previous five years. Applicants at the Consulate General of India, Erbil are also required to apply in person because fingerprints and iris photographs are required.
Can an Iraqi patient travel from Iraq to India before the Indian Medical Visa is approved?
No. Iraqi patients should obtain the appropriate Indian Medical Visa before travelling from Iraq to India for treatment. Acceptance of a visa application does not automatically guarantee visa approval.
Where can Iraqi patients check the latest Indian Medical Visa requirements before travelling to India?
Iraqi patients should verify the latest requirements through the Embassy of India, Baghdad, the Consulate General of India, Erbil where applicable, VFS Global for application submission, and the official Government of India visa portal. The Embassy warns applicants to use official sources and exercise caution with fake websites claiming to provide Indian visa services.
Important Note
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa rules, fees, documentation, processing times, health requirements and eligibility requirements may change. Applicants should verify the latest requirements directly with the Embassy of India, Baghdad, the Consulate General of India, Erbil where applicable, VFS Global for application submission, and the official Government of India visa portal before applying or travelling. The Embassy of India specifically warns applicants to use official sources and exercise caution with fake websites claiming to provide Indian visa services. Visa approval is subject to the decision of the competent Indian authorities.
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