Hair Transplant in India

Yes, US citizens require a visa to travel to India for medical purposes. An e-Medical Visa is available for US citizens and can be applied for online through the official Indian government website. The e-Medical Visa must be applied for at least 4 days in advance of the date of arrival, with a 120-day window. Applicants will need to submit a copy of a letter from the hospital in India on their letterhead, detailing the treatment plan. The e-Medical Visa allows for a stay of up to 60 days with triple entry. For longer stays, a regular Medical Visa is required, which can be valid for up to 6 months or even a year with multiple entries. The cost of a regular Medical Visa is approximately $100.

The main international airports are Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. Air India is the only airline offering non-stop flights from the USA to India, with routes from New York (JFK) to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), and from Chicago (ORD) to Delhi (DEL). Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways are also highly-rated options with one stop.

Approximate round-trip flight costs from major US cities are as follows:

• From New York (JFK): Economy $600 - $1,500; Business $2,800 - $5,000+
• From Los Angeles (LAX): Economy $700 - $1,800; Business $3,500 - $6,000+
• From Miami (MIA): Economy $800 - $2,000; Business $4,000 - $7,000+
• From Chicago (ORD): Economy $700 - $1,900; Business $3,000 - $5,500+

In New Delhi, the best neighborhoods to stay near hair transplant clinics are in the southern part of the city, which is more affluent and safer. Recommended areas include Greater Kailash (I & II), Green Park, Hauz Khas, and Saket. In Mumbai, top clinics are concentrated in the western suburbs. Convenient and safe neighborhoods include Andheri (West), Juhu, and Powai.

Recommended hotels in New Delhi (near Greater Kailash & Green Park):

• The Orion Greater Kailash: $70 - $120 per night, within 1-3 km of clinics.
• Bloom Boutique | GK-1: $75 - $100 per night, within 1-3 km of clinics.
• The Ashtan Sarovar Portico: $80 - $130 per night, within 2-4 km of clinics.

Recommended hotels in Mumbai (near Andheri, Juhu & Powai):

• JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu: $300 - $400 per night, within 5-10 km of clinics.
• Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach: $160 - $220 per night, within 5-10 km of clinics.
• The Lalit Mumbai: $150 - $250 per night, within 5-8 km of clinics.

Uber and Ola Cabs are widely available and are the recommended modes of transport in both New Delhi and Mumbai. A taxi from Delhi Airport (DEL) to South Delhi costs approximately ₹500-700. A taxi from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Andheri/Juhu costs around ₹150-300. New Delhi has an extensive and efficient metro system. Many clinics and hotels offer airport transfer services for international patients.

The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). The exchange rate is approximately 83 INR to 1 USD (as of early 2026). The most convenient way to get rupees is to withdraw cash from ATMs, which are widely available. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and modern shops.

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, check for a 'service charge' on the bill; if not included, a tip of 7-10% is appropriate. For hotel porters, a tip of ₹50-100 is suitable. For taxis, rounding up the fare is a common practice.

English is an official language of India and is widely spoken in major cities, especially in the medical and tourism sectors. Hair transplant clinics catering to international patients have English-speaking staff. While not essential, learning a few basic Hindi phrases like 'Namaste' (Hello) and 'Dhanyavaad' (Thank you) is a nice gesture.

After a hair transplant, a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins is recommended. Foods to avoid include spicy foods, sugary items, and alcohol. Western food options are widely available in both New Delhi and Mumbai. For food safety, drink bottled water and eat at reputable restaurants. Most establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions.

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. Use reputable transportation like Uber or Ola. Be cautious of common scams, such as the 'your hotel is closed' scam. Emergency numbers are: Police - 100, Ambulance - 102, and the National Emergency Number - 112.

In New Delhi, major hospitals with emergency departments near South Delhi include Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket and Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Okhla. In Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West and Dr. L.H. Hiranandani Hospital in Powai are excellent options. All these hospitals have English-speaking staff.

Travel insurance is highly recommended. A comprehensive plan should cover emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and baggage loss. For a 1-2 week trip to India, expect to pay between $50 and $200. Reputable providers include Allianz Travel Insurance, Travel Guard (AIG), and World Nomads.

The best time to visit for a hair transplant is during the cooler, drier months. For New Delhi, this is from October to March. For Mumbai, the ideal period is from November to February. It is best to avoid the hot summers and monsoon season (June to September/October).

• Button-down or zip-up shirts
• Comfortable, loose-fitting pants
• A travel neck pillow
• Any personal prescription medications
• A wide-brimmed, loose-fitting hat for sun protection
• Gentle, fragrance-free shampoo
• Power adapters for Type D and M outlets
• Passport, visa, and other important documents

A typical 4-5 day itinerary includes:

• Day 1: Arrival and consultation with the surgeon.
• Day 2: The hair transplant procedure (4-8 hours).
• Day 3: Post-operative check-up and first hair wash at the clinic.
• Day 4: Rest and recovery, with the option for light sightseeing.
• Day 5: Final check-up and departure.

Getting a local prepaid SIM card from providers like Airtel, Jio, or Vi is the most cost-effective way to stay connected. eSIMs are also a convenient option. Most hotels and many cafes offer free WiFi. Essential apps to have include Uber or Ola for transport, Zomato or Swiggy for food delivery, and WhatsApp for communication.