Is IVF Treatment Allowed on a Tourist Visa for Tanzanian Couples? A Complete Guide
For many couples in Tanzania, the dream of becoming parents leads them to search beyond borders — and India quickly becomes a top choice. With advanced fertility technology, experienced specialists and affordable costs, India is now one of the most trusted destinations for IVF treatment in Africa.
But before planning flights and clinic visits, one question matters the most:
“Is IVF treatment allowed on a tourist visa in India?”
The honest and clear answer is: No. IVF is not allowed on a tourist visa in India.
You must have a Medical Visa (M-Visa) to undergo IVF or any major fertility procedure.
Let’s break this down in a simple, helpful way
Why Tanzanian Couples Choose India?
Every year thousands of couples come to India from Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya for their fertility treatments. The reasons are strong and compelling:
• The success rate of IVF in India is very high, especially for complex cases.
• The cost of treatment is low.
• Doctors are specialized here
• You can get advanced IVF treatments in India like ICSI, PGTA and donor programs.
• Short waiting times in India
Tourist Visa Vs Medical visa: What does the Law Say?
India clearly separates tourism from medical treatment. A tourist visa is strictly given for:
• Holiday travel
• Sightseeing
• Short business meetings
• Exploring India casually
Under Indian visa rules, a tourist visa does not give you a chance to get fertility treatment in India like egg retrieval, embryo transfer and donor programs.
At most, clinics may allow:
• A general consultation
• Counseling sessions
But no IVF cycle can be started on a tourist visa.
Medical Visa is required for IVF
A Medical Visa is specifically created for:
• IVF treatment
• ICSI, IUI
• Surgeries
• Advanced medical procedures
This visa gives you:
• Official permission to take treatment
• Longer stay options
• Two attendants allowed (M-Attendant visa)
• Support for hospital documentation and FRRO registration if needed
For Tanzanian couples, this is the only correct route.
Why is a Medical visa Required for IVF in India?
IVF treatment in India involves:
• Hormonal stimulation
• Medical injections
• Egg collection
• Lab based embryo culture
• Embryo transfer to uterus
• Donor egg or sperm selection
• Pre Genetic Testing
All these things are considered to be medical interventions and thus the government of India requires Medical visas for the safety of the patient.
How Tanzanian Couples Can Easily Get a Medical Visa for IVF in India
The process of getting a Medical Visa (M-Visa) for IVF is simple if you follow the right steps. Here is the exact, easy-to-understand pathway for couples traveling from Tanzania:
1. Choose Your IVF Clinic in India
Start by selecting a trusted fertility Centre in Delhi. Delhi has India’s most advanced ART-certified clinics with high success rates and international patient departments.
2. Request an Invitation Letter From the Clinic
Once we connect you the clinic, we will arrange invitation letter for you from the clinic:
• Official invitation letter
• Medical treatment plan
• Estimated cost of IVF cycle
This letter is necessary for the visa application and proves that you are traveling specifically for treatment.
3. Apply for a Medical Visa at the Indian High Commission
Visit the Indian High Commission in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) or apply online through their portal.Prepare and submit the following documents:
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Invitation letter from the Indian clinic
• Recent medical reports
• Filled Medical Visa application form
• Passport-size photographs
• Payment/fee receipt
Visa approval typically takes 3–7 working days.
4. Travel to India and Begin Treatment
Once you arrive in India after the treatment options are discussed, we will assist you with everything, including:
• FRRO registration (only if required by your visa duration)
• Treatment schedule
• Hormonal stimulation monitoring
• Egg retrieval (OPU)
• Embryo culture
• Embryo transfer
Most Tanzanian couples stay between 15–25 days for one complete IVF cycle.
Can a Couple Come on a Tourist Visa and Convert It to a Medical Visa?
No.India does not allow the conversion of a tourist visa into a medical visa for IVF.
You must apply before travelling to India.
What About Donor IVF or Surrogacy?
Donor IVF
• Donor egg and donor sperm programs are allowed for foreign couples.
• Clinics will follow ART Act documentation and identity protection guidelines.
Surrogacy
• Not allowed for foreign nationals as per:
• ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Act
• Surrogacy (Regulation) Act
Foreign couples can undergo IVF, donor cycles, and embryo freezing — but cannot opt for surrogacy in India.
Final Word
For Tanzanian couples dreaming of parenthood, India provides world-class fertility care — but the journey begins with the correct visa.
Remember:
IVF on a tourist visa → Not allowed
Medical visa → Fully allowed and recommended
Choosing the right visa ensures a smooth, safe and legally compliant experience from arrival to embryo transfer.
Book your consultation with Dr Nadeem Khan today to know more.