Discover the Ayush e-Visa: your gateway to traditional Indian medicine

The Indian government offers the Ayush e-Visa, granting foreign nationals convenient access to Ayurveda, Yoga, and other holistic treatments. Valid for 60 days with multiple entries, this e-Ayush visa requires an invitation from an accredited institution, opening doors to alternative medical experiences in India.

The Indian government has introduced a special visa scheme called the AYUSH visa (AY Visa). It is a part of the "Heal in India" initiative.

The government of India’s decision to introduce the Ayush e-Visa simplifies the process of accessing advanced treatments. This initiative integrates traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with a variety of complex medical treatments. Read on to learn more about the Ayush e-Visa in the article below.

Background

Reports predict the Ayush-based healthcare and wellness economy will grow to 70 billion by 2025. It will be characterized by a significant increase in medical value travel. Hence, the government introduced the electronic Ayush (AY) visa for foreigners.

Here’s what travelers applying for the Ayush e-Visa should know:

• AYUSH: AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Naturopathy, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This term was introduced in 2003 to rename the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM & H).
• Origin of ISM & H: The department was established in March 1995 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The rise of lifestyle disorders, chronic illnesses, drug-resistant pathogens, and novel disease threats led to the establishment of the Ayush Ministry.
• Elevation to Ministry: On November 9, 2014, AYUSH was promoted to the status of a separate ministry by the government.
• Meaning of AYUSH: The name ’AYUSH’ originates from the Sanskrit phrase "ayusmanbhava," which translates to ’long life.

What is India’s Ayush healthcare system

As stated above, AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These are the six traditional Indian systems of medicine widely practiced in India and some neighboring Asian countries. These systems have gained recognition in some developed countries as well.

Therefore, the Ayush e-Visa is for foreigners seeking medical treatment in India using Ayush or other traditional Indian medicine. The e-Visa also serves those interested in receiving therapeutic care and wellness through traditional medicine.

Who should get the Ayush e-visa

All e-Visa-eligible travelers seeking treatment under the Indian system of medicine can apply for the Ayush e-Visa. It is also known as an e-Ayush visa.

To be eligible for an AY e-Visa (Ayush visa), applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a foreign national
• Seek medical treatment in India using Ayush or other traditional Indian medical systems
• Have a medical invitation letter from an accredited Ayush Institution
• Have medical history documentation necessitating the treatment

Ayush visa: in the news

Based on the news reports, the Ayush e-Visa applicants must be aware of the following conditions:

• Passport and Re-entry requirements: Applicants must possess a valid passport and, if necessary, a re-entry permit as per the laws of their country of nationality.
• Non-Grata status: Applicants should not be persona non-grata (not approved/unwelcome) to the Government of India.
• Desirability: Individuals (e-Visa-eligible citizens) applying should not be on any blacklist, warning circular, or other restrictive lists that mark them as undesirable.
• Financial stability: Applicants may be required to demonstrate assured financial standing.
• Medical documentation: Submission of relevant medical documents is a prerequisite for the e-Visa application.

Key features

The key features of the Ayush e-Visa are as follows:

• Entries: Triple
• Duration: 60 days from the date of arrival in India
• Image details: Applicant’s recent colored photograph (dimensions 2inches X 2inches) size less than 1MB
• Passport bio page: Copy of passport page containing personal particulars
• Invitation letter: Copy of the letter from the accredited institution in India on its letterhead

Visa fees

The fees for e-Ayush and e-Ayush attendant Visa is USD 80 for most e-Visa eligible nationals.

For instance, a traveler from Benin will pay USD 100 for Ayush and Ayush attendant e-Visas, whereas a Japanese national will only pay USD 25 for it. On the other hand, visitors from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, and some specific nations are not required to pay the fees.

Note: Please note that the fee may differ and vary for some e-Visa-eligible applicants. A bank charge of 2.5% will be charged additional on the applicable e-Visa fees. Furthermore, the Ayush e-Visa fee is subject to change without further notice.

Treatments under the Ayush e-visa

Here are some specific conditions for different types of AYUSH treatment:

• Ayurveda: Seeking treatment for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis
• Yoga and Naturopathy: Seeking treatment for stress, anxiety, and musculoskeletal disorders
• Unani: Seeking treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and skin diseases
• Siddha: Seeking treatment for neurological disorders, liver problems, and joint pain
• Homeopathy: Seeking treatment for allergies, skin disorders, and digestive problems

Ayush attendant e-visa

The Ayush attendant visa is a triple-entry electronic visa. It is also known as e-Ayush attendant or AY 2 visa. The duration is 60 days from the date of arrival into the country.Family members or attendants of the patient can apply for the Ayush e-Visa for attendants.

Please note it can only be obtained by a medical attendant who will accompany the patient. Remember, only India e-Visa eligible citizens can apply for it.

Ayush visa vs medical visa

The Ayush visa is specifically for traditional Indian medical treatment (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). On the other hand, individuals can use a medical visa for conventional medical treatments in India. Furthermore, the Ayush e-Visa requires a medical invitation letter from an accredited Ayush institution. However, the Indian medical visa requires a medical invitation letter from an accredited hospital or clinic.

Both electronic visas are available to the citizens of the e-Visa-eligible countries only. Similarly, both e-Visas have add-on attendant visas, such as Ayush and Medical attendant visas. Foreign nationals visiting India for medical treatment must choose the appropriate visa. If they are interested in traditional Indian medical treatment, the Ayush e-Visa is a good option. If they are interested in conventional medical treatment, then the Indian medical visa is better.

Ayush e-visa concerns

Based on the insights and opinions expressed on travel forums, the Ayush e-Visa is a controversial topic. For the e-Visa to succeed, the Indian government needs to be clearer about the limits of Ayurveda.

Travelers have expressed the following concerns for the Indian Government before promoting the traditional Indian medicinal system as a viable alternative to conventional medicine.

Misconceptions about Ayurveda

• Some people believe that Ayurveda is a "quackery" and that it is not a legitimate form of medicine.
• Some think Ayurveda only works for minor illnesses and is not a good treatment for serious conditions.
• There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the claims made by proponents of Ayurveda.

Potential challenges

• On travel forums, individuals have expressed that Ayurvedic remedies may not be effective if they are not used properly.
• People might choose Ayurveda over conventional medicine, which could be dangerous if they delay or avoid necessary treatment.
• Ayurvedic practitioners are not subject to the same regulations as licensed doctors, which could lead to substandard care. Hence, it may lead to people making uninformed decisions about their health care.

Solution

For the success of the Ayush e-Visa program and wider reach and engagement, the following steps are being taken:

• Accredited treatment centers: To obtain an Ayush e-Visa, treatment must be at a hospital or wellness center accredited by a government authority. Please note that the accredited center must offer Ayush services. Applicants are advised to check the official website of the Ministry of Ayush or consult the nearest Indian embassy to learn more about the approved institutions.
• Application requirements: Applicants are required to submit medical documents from an accredited Ayush Institution for the e-Visa. They must include a prescription/medical history stamped by an accredited hospital in the applicant’s home country.
• Publication of case reports: The Indian Government can publish and make accessible a compilation of case reports from Ayush Wellness clinics.
• Publishing case studies: To demonstrate the efficacy of Ayush treatments, publishing case reports and case studies is essential.

Conclusion

The Ayush e-Visa promotes Indian traditional medicine globally as part of India’s Heal in India program. It is for foreign nationals seeking therapeutic care, wellness, and yoga through India’s revered systems of medicine.

However, making an informed decision before opting for the Ayush e-Visa for medical treatment is best. It may best suit individuals seeking alternative treatment for chronic conditions or minor ailments.