Going abroad to study MBBS is a life-changing decision. As exciting as it sounds, the process involves a lot of preparation before the actual departure. Once you receive your admission letter and visa approval, your journey is about to begin. However, a successful start depends on how well you plan your pre-departure checklist.
This complete Pre-Departure Guide will help Indian students flying to Russia, Nepal, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Armenia prepare everything they need. From packing essentials to travel documents, vaccinations to currency exchange, this guide covers it all in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
One of the most important steps before departure is collecting all required documents. You should keep:
Passport (with valid visa)
Admission letter from the university
University invitation letter
Flight tickets
Health and HIV negative certificate
Medical insurance documents
10th mark sheet and certificate
12th mark sheet and certificate
NEET result and admit card
Birth certificate (apostilled if required)
Forex card and receipt
Bank statement (if needed at immigration)
10–12 passport-size photographs (as per visa size)
Photocopies of all important documents (at least 5 sets)
Soft copies of all documents (store in email/cloud drive)
Book your flight tickets after receiving the official visa. Compare fares on different websites and choose the most reliable route. Prefer direct or fewer layovers if possible.
Book tickets early to get better fares
Choose flights that arrive in the daytime
Inform the university about your arrival time
Check airline baggage policy and plan accordingly
For countries like Russia, Georgia, and Armenia, you’ll likely fly via Dubai, Doha, or Moscow. For Nepal or Bangladesh, direct flights and road travel are also options.
You need to carry some local currency and a forex card for managing expenses.
₹40,000 – ₹60,000 in local currency for initial expenses
Forex card with ₹1–₹1.5 lakhs loaded for tuition or living
Small amount of Indian rupees for airport purchases
Note: Do not carry large cash amounts. A forex card is safe and widely accepted abroad.
Health-related documents are mandatory for immigration and university registration.
COVID-19 (complete dose)
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Tetanus (TT)
General medical fitness certificate
HIV negative certificate (for Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan)
Carry original and translated reports (if required by the country).
5–6 pairs of casual wear
2–3 formal dress outfits
Winter jacket (for cold countries like Russia, Georgia, Armenia)
Thermals, gloves, mufflers, warm socks (for winter countries)
Comfortable walking shoes and slippers
Toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, comb
Bath towel, nail cutter, shaving kit
Sanitary pads (for girls)
Carry basic medicines for:
Fever, cold, cough
Stomach upset
Painkillers
Prescribed medication with doctor's note
Pressure cooker
Plates, spoons, bowls, lunch box
Small masala box (in sealed packaging)
Ready-to-cook items like Maggi, poha, soup, etc.
Note: Check airline rules for carrying liquids and electronics.
Universal adapter
Power bank
Laptop with charger
Mobile phone with international roaming (initial days)
Pen drive or external hard disk
Tip: Install important apps (Google Maps, Translate, WhatsApp, Telegram).
Moving abroad means adjusting to a new culture, lifestyle, and academic system. Here’s how you can prepare:
Learn greetings and common phrases in the local language (Russian, Georgian, Kyrgyz, etc.)
Understand the basic laws and cultural do’s & don’ts
Join student groups on Telegram or Facebook
Talk to seniors studying there
Watch YouTube vlogs about Indian students in that country
Reach 3 hours before departure
Keep passport and visa handy
Declare forex card/cash if needed
Stay calm and polite during security checks
University representative may receive you
Keep university contact number handy
Go through immigration smoothly
Do not lose your immigration stamp paper
Inform parents and university of travel details
Buy an international SIM or activate roaming
Buy local SIM card (university will assist)
Share local number with family
Use apps like WhatsApp or Telegram for calls
Tip: Carry a written address of your hostel/university in local language.
Once you land, you may have to take a connecting flight, bus, or cab to the university city.
Check for university-arranged pickup service
Avoid unregistered taxis
Reach hostel and complete check-in
Submit documents to university
Register with local police or immigration (done by university)
Attend orientation session
Within the first week of arrival:
Submit academic and medical documents
Complete hostel allotment
Attend introduction sessions
Collect student ID card and university rules
Complete temporary or long-term visa extension (if needed)
Indian Embassy in your country
University international office
Emergency helpline (local)
Parents and close friends
Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg
Georgia: Tbilisi
Nepal: Kathmandu
Bangladesh: Dhaka
Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan
Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek
Armenia: Yerevan
Always register with the Indian embassy upon arrival.
Going abroad can be emotionally overwhelming. Follow these tips:
Stay in touch with family through daily calls
Make friends with Indian and international students
Participate in university activities
Follow a routine (classes, meals, rest)
Reach out to university counsellors if needed
Last-minute packing
Carrying unapproved or prohibited items
Forgetting medical or visa papers
Not keeping photocopies of documents
Booking very tight layovers during travel
✅ Passport with visa
✅ University admission letter
✅ Flight ticket
✅ Forex card and local currency
✅ Vaccination & HIV reports
✅ Luggage within airline limit
✅ Basic medicines and winter clothes
✅ Soft and hard copies of all papers
✅ SIM card/international plan
✅ Contact details of university
Preparing to go abroad for MBBS is a big moment in any student’s life. Countries like Russia, Nepal, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Armenia are welcoming and student-friendly. But your success starts with a smooth beginning. This Pre-Departure Guide ensures you don’t miss anything essential while starting your journey. Pack smart, prepare documents in advance, and stay confident. A bright future in medicine awaits you!