INDIA ADVISORY: TRAVEL AND VISA RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19

In supersession of all earlier advisories issued on this subject, the following visa restrictions are issued for implementation –

i. All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/International organizations, Employment, Project visas stand suspended till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020, at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India.

ii. Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid. They may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.

iii. Visa-free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders shall be kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020, at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India.

iv. Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for a fresh visa.

v. All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals arriving from any destination and having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany on or after February 15, 2020, shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020, at the port of departure of such travellers.

vi. International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration Checkposts with robust medical screening facilities. These will be notified separately by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

  1. In addition to the above visa restrictions, the following travel advisory is hereby issued in accordance with instructions of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare –

i. Indian nationals presently abroad are advised to avoid non-essential travel. They are hereby informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days on their arrival in India.

ii. All Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return, they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.

for details please visit the website:

https://boi.gov.in

https://boi.gov.in/content/advisory-travel-and-visa-restrictions-related-covid-19-dated-12th-march-2020