Medical Treatment in India for Patients from Kenya
Coordination guide, visa details, and travel support from Nairobi to Delhi
Medical Travel from Kenya
India has become a leading medical destination for patients from Kenya due to the availability of advanced clinical specialties (cardiology, oncology, joint replacement, organ transplants) at a fraction of the cost of private treatments in Nairobi.
Visa Guidelines for Kenyan Citizens
To travel for treatment, you must obtain an Indian Medical Visa. Eligible applicants can apply for an e-Medical Visa online:
- Required Documents: A valid Kenyan passport (valid for at least 6 months), passport-size photos, and an official Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) from a recognized hospital in India.
- VIL Facilitation: Our medical liaisons coordinate directly with the partner hospital to secure your VIL within 24–48 hours of you confirming your treatment plan.
- E-Visa Application: Apply via the official Indian Government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
Flight & Travel Information
Direct flight options from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi are available, primarily via Air India or Kenya Airways (approximately 6 to 7 hours travel time). Connecting flights via Middle Eastern carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines) are also popular.
Currency & Payments
Kenyan Shillings (KES) cannot be used directly in India. We recommend:
- Carrying US Dollars (USD) in cash for exchange to Indian Rupees (INR) at official counters upon arrival. Note that newer USD bills (printed after 2013) are preferred.
- Using international multi-currency credit/debit cards. Ensure you notify your Kenyan bank of your travel dates to prevent transactions from being flagged.
- Initiating SWIFT wire transfers directly to the partner hospital's corporate bank account for deposit payments.
On-Ground Support in Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, our patient coordination desk provides:
- Airport Pickup: Direct transport coordination from the airport to your pre-booked guest house or hospital.
- SIM Card Assistance: Helping you obtain a local SIM card with mobile data.
- Language & Translation: Assisting you with communications. Note that English is widely spoken by clinical staff in Delhi hospitals.