The following visa restrictions shall come into effect from 1200 GMT of March 13, 2020; and shall remain in effect till April 15, 2020, or until further orders.
- All existing visas, issued to nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Official passport holders, those in UN / International organizations, those on Employment, Project visas and those who are operating aircrew of scheduled commercial airlines, and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended till April 15, 2020.
- The restrictions for travel of non-exempted category foreign travelers to India shall be considered at the port of departure for onward journey to India of such traveler. Travel time to India may be in addition to the deadline of 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020.
- Visas of all foreigner nationals 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.
- The validity of OCI cards of foreigners presently in India shall remain.
- Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders who are not in India presently, 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.
- Any foreign national (including OCI cardholder) who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for fresh visa.
- International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration Check Posts, to be notified separately by Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mandatory compliance of Travel Advisory issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India
- Passengers traveling from/having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and desirous of entering India will need certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of these countries. This is in enforcement since 0000 hrs of 10th March, 2020 and is a temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside.
- All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th February, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
- Indian nationals are further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain and Germany.
- All incoming international passengers returning to India should self-monitor their health and follow required do’s and don’ts as detailed by the Government.
- International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities. These will be notified separately by Ministry of Home Affairs.
- All international passengers entering into India are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form in duplicate (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) (as annexed) to Health Officials and Immigration officials and undergo Universal Health Screening at the designated health counters at all Points of Entry.
- For any queries related to health, people may contact Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 24*7 helpline number (+91-11-3978046) or email at (ncov2019@gmail.com).
FAQs on new visa restrictions COVID-19
