Visa restrictions related to COVID-19

12 Mar 2020 / India

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 organisations, employment, project visas stand suspended until 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 etc of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.

iii. Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders shall be kept in abeyance until 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 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 Ministry of Hoe Affairs.

In addition to the above visa restrictions, the following travel advisory is hereby issued in accordance with instructions of Ministry of Health and 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 further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at [email protected])

Source: Government of India, Bureau of Immigration, Notice No.1/Comm/BoI/2020-81 dated 11 March 2020

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