Covid-19 Update: India cancels all visas with immediate effect till April 15, 2020

As per the latest travel advisory to contain the spread of deadly covid-19 (coronavirus) in the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs has now stated that all existing visas issued to any country will stand completely suspended till April 15, 2020. However, this will not apply to officials, diplomats, employment and project visas and the United States/International organizations. 

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), the restrictions would come into effect from 1200 GMT, i.e., from 6:30 am on March 13 at the port of any foreigner coming to India. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Group of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi. 

The visa travel facility that had been granted to the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders will stand suspended till April 15, 2020, and also, any foreign national intending to visit India for any compelling reason can contact the nearest Indian Mission for a fresh visa.

The Bureau of Immigration, in its release also stated: “All incoming travelers including Indian nationals, arriving from China, Italy, Republic of Korea, Spain, Iran, France and Germany on or after February 15, 2020, will be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days. Apart from this, the BoI mentioned that international traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated immigration check posts with robust medical screening facilities.”

Whereas, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has advised Indian nationals living in foreign countries to avoid non-essential travel to India, as they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their return. 

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