BLOG

Travel and Immigration Alert to India Related to Covid-19

Shared by the Indian Consulate General

Subject: Visa Restrictions Related to COVID-19

The following instructions have been issued by Boi in pursuance of the meeting of GOM on March 11, 2020.

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

• All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/International Organizations, 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 an onward journey to India.
• Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid. They may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through the e-FRRO module for extension/conversion etc., of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.
• 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 an onward journey to India.
• Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for a fresh visa.
• All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, arriving from any destination and having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Sapin, 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 travelers.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.