The coronavirus epidemic has affected the tourism industry like never before. The government has suspended both regular visas and e-visas granted on or before Tuesday to people travelling from South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy, effective immediately. This decision was taken after the rise in cases of coronavirus in these countries. However, those who require to travel to India due to compelling reasons can seek a fresh visa from the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate as per the government.
What’s In It?
On 5th February, India stopped issuing visas to Chinese nationals after the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The new travel advisory reflects the widespread of the virus in the four countries- Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea. This fresh ban applies to regular (sticker) Visas and e-Visas, including Visa on Arrival for South Korea and Japan, granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan and issued on or before 3rd March 2020. But if certain people need to travel to India due to compelling reasons they can seek fresh visas.
South Korea currently has 4800 cases of coronavirus, which is the largest after China. Italy has over 2000 people who have been tested positive. Iran currently has 1501, wherein a few days the number has swopped up by a whopping 500. According to Johns Hopkins University tracker, there are 274 cases of coronavirus in Japan. This is the reason why the government has restricted visas and e-visas to travellers from these countries.
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What’s More?
The travel advisory stated that diplomats, officials of UN and other international bodies, OCI cardholders and Aircrew from the above countries are exempted from restriction on entry. But medical screening remains compulsory. The officials also stated that passengers of all international flights entering into India from any port require to furnish duly filled self-declaration forms ( including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history to immigration officials at all ports and health authorities. From Fly To No-Fly, Travel Restrictions Imposed On China By Countries Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Apart from suspending visas and e-visas for tourists from South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy, the government has also stated that both Indian and foreign passengers other than those restricted arriving directly or indirectly from these four countries and also Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must go through medical screening at the port of entry. The Indian government has also urged its citizens to refrain travelling to China, Italy, South Korea and Iran apart from avoiding travel to other Covid-19 affected countries. Did you know Louvre Museum And Other Tourists Sites In Italy And France Have Been Shut Down Due To Coronavirus?