Plan Your Trip to Hyderabad, Complete Guide for New Zealand Patients

Step 1, Indian e-Medical Visa

The correct visa for dental treatment in India is the e-Medical Visa (not the standard e-Tourist Visa).

How to apply:

1. Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in

2. Select "Medical e-Visa"

3. Complete the online form (~15 minutes)

4. Upload passport photo (51×51mm, white background, square format, different from NZ rectangular passport photo)

5. Upload scan of passport biographical page

6. Pay the fee (~USD 80 / approximately NZD 165 including bank charges)

7. Receive approved e-Visa via email (3–5 business days typically)

Requirements:

• Valid NZ passport with 6+ months validity at the date of return
• Two blank visa pages
• Stunning Dentistry issues a medical invitation letter within 24 hours of booking confirmation, include this with your application

Visa terms: 60 days in India, triple entry, valid for both visits in a two-visit protocol.

Most rejections are for photo format issues (45% of rejections), name discrepancy between form and passport (20%), or missing supporting documents (20%). Your coordinator reviews applications before submission to reduce this risk.

Step 2, Flights

Main routing from New Zealand cities:

Preferred carrier: Singapore Airlines (AKL→SIN) + Air India or IndiGo (SIN→HYD). Book 6–8 weeks ahead.

Best travel months: October through March (Hyderabad winter/spring: 20–30°C, low humidity). Avoid May–June (peak heat, 35–44°C).

Step 3, Accommodation

Stunning Dentistry has negotiated block rates at partner hotels within 2–5 minutes of the clinic. All partner hotels have been assessed for post-surgical suitability: lift access, soft-food menu, room service, and clinic shuttle.

For a first visit (surgery + provisional bridge): 10–14 nights typically. For a second visit (final zirconia bridge): 5–7 nights.

Post-surgical food: The clinic provides a tiered food guide (liquid 0–2 days, soft 2–7 days, full soft 7–14 days). All partner hotels have been briefed on post-surgical dietary needs and can source appropriate food.

Step 4, What to Pack

Essential documents:

• NZ passport + printed e-Medical Visa + medical invitation letter
• All current dental records (OPG, CBCT if available, prior treatment notes)
• Current medications in original packaging with GP letter
• Travel insurance policy documents
• Emergency contact numbers (see below)
• NZ to India power adapter (India uses Type C/D plugs, 230V, different from NZ 230V Type I)
• Comfortable loose clothing (post-surgical swelling is normal for 3–7 days)
• Neck pillow for the return flight
• Bottled water only, not tap water
• Protein shake powder or soft food supplements for days 1–7 post-surgery

Step 5, On Arrival

Airport transfer is arranged by your coordinator. The driver meets you at arrivals with a name board. Hotel check-in is arranged. Day 1 is rest and recovery from the flight. Clinical appointments begin Day 2.

Hyderabad currency: Indian Rupee (INR). Approximately 1 NZD = 52–56 INR. International cards accepted at all partner hotels and major restaurants. ATMs available throughout Banjara Hills.

Getting around: Uber and Ola operate in Hyderabad and are safe and reliable. Partner hotel guests receive complimentary clinic shuttle. Your coordinator arranges all clinic transfers during treatment.

Step 6, Travel Insurance

Standard NZ travel insurance (Southern Cross, nib Travel, Tower) covers dental emergencies abroad but typically excludes planned dental treatment. Read the policy definitions carefully.

For pre-planned dental tourism, specialist policies are available that cover:

• Treatment complication requiring additional procedures
• Post-surgical medical events
• Flight cancellation and rebooking

Specialist dental tourism insurance: approximately NZD 95–180 for a 2-week trip. Your coordinator can recommend providers.