Preparation for departure
Medical visa
A medical visa is needed and very easy to obtain. The doctor should provide a letter to submit with the application.
You can apply for a medical visa here:
It’s a very finicky website and some of the wording is ambiguous so maybe have everything ready otherwise it will time out and you will end up going through the process numerous times like I did! (I think this was my first introduction into how patient I had to be with all things India…)
You will need:
the letter from doc
passport
address of accommodation in India
and a photo of yourself (specifications shown on application)
It’s a very quick turnaround time – I think I waited 2 days from memory. Visas are valid for 60 days from entry and are easy to renew whilst in India if staying longer.
There is also an attendee visa available for those accompanying patients.
Travel Insurance
As you like.
Vaccinations
If you choose to have vaccines prior to coming, obviously you will need to check with your doctor for what you will require.
The doctor back home did advise me I would require malaria tablets which were to be taken every single day while away. I didn’t like the idea of doing so for such an extended period and messaged Dr Bhat to get advice. He told me Bangalore had been malaria free for many years! I was also advised by fellow foreign patients that they too were advised that malaria tablets are not required. Slightly outraged at the misinformation received and hugely relieved I thought to ask doc.
Medication list
I obtained a letter from my doctor outlining existing medications. Just in case. I wasn’t asked for it but thought it wise as I bought with me prescribed painkillers.
Hard copies
I had to show hard copies of my paperwork on arrival in Bangalore. It’s wise to have hard copies of all your paperwork in general when travelling anyway (eg passport/visa/international covid vaccine certificate if applicable). I kept one copy on me and one in my suitcase.
Passenger arrival form
Prior to landing, staff on the plane will provide you with a small paper to fill out. This includes providing your details, flight number, passport number and accommodation address. Have it handy! And a pen.
Items of use
During my research and preparation for departure, I came across a list of suggested items of use that someone kindly posted on the support group. I found it very helpful and thought I’d mention a few.
Sitz bath
A must obviously! The can be purchased easily and quickly after arriving in India. It’s not generally utilised in the intial few days, so there is time to purchase after arrival rather than carry from home.
Donut to sit on
Another must. (I’d carry mine around in a shopping tote and call it my handbag.)
Peri bottle/portable bidet
This was the best thing I took with me. You cannot use toilet paper and this was a godsend. I would fill it with warm water and a small amount of baby shampoo/gentle soap to clean the wound and area before rinsing again. I was too grossed out to touch the wound.
Fibre
(if you struggle with bowel movements)
A fibre rich diet is essential, but I used an orange fibre supplement I purchased in Bangalore. Bowel movements can be quite painful and I can’t stress enough how much this item helped! No pain at all.
Painkillers
If bringing painkillers from home like I did, be very careful not to have any that constipate! Regrets.