Medical Visas Needed by Foreigners Visiting India for Surrogacy

The Indian Consulate in the United Arab Emirates has said that foreigners visiting India for surrogacy purposes can only travel on medical visas.

The Indian Consulate said tourist visas are issued to foreign couples for reconnaissance trips as they must produce a duly notarised agreement between them and the prospective Indian surrogate mother when they apply for the surrogacy visa, but no samples can be given to any clinic during the preliminary visit.

Subsequently, it should take a few days before the medical visa is issued.

"Subject to all required documents and mandatory clearances, it should take five-six working days," a spokesperson told XPRESS.

According to Gulf News, the spokesperson said those seeking a surrogacy visa to India must verify whether the law of his or her country permits surrogacy and will provide travel documents to the child to accompany the surrogate parents.

The treatment can be done only at registered ART clinics recognised by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the report said.

Before couples leave India, 'exit' permits must be obtained testifying that the couple has taken full custody of the child and all liabilities towards the Indian surrogate mother have been fully discharged, it added.

Source: ANI