The Government of India has suspended all tourist visas to India till April 15, 2020, to combat the spread of the novel Coronavirus. The suspension will come into effect from 12 GMT on March 13, 2020, at the port of departure. All visas stand suspended except UN/diplomatic, official, employment and project visas.
What About Indians Nationals Coming Back To India?
The visa free travel facility available for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders has also been suspended until the same date, i.e. 15 April 2020. However, an official has also mentioned that the suspension is only applicable for those coming into India now onwards. For those already in India, the existing visas are valid.
However, an official has also mentioned that the circular is only applicable for those coming into India now onwards. For those already in India, the existing visas are valid.
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The Indian Government has also issued an advisory stating that all incoming travellers, including Indian nationals arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15 February 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days. Indian nationals are also advised not to undertake unnecessary travel overseas. On their return, they will be subjected to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days too.
Coronavirus Declared As A Pandemic
India has imposed these stringent travel suspensions as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic. A pandemic is a disease that has spread over a wide geographical area, and affecting a large proportion of the population.
The Coronavirus, also known as the COVID-19, has spread all over the world, affecting more than 114 countries and 1,18,000 people. The virus has caused the death of 4291 people worldwide.
This self-quarantine to India comes in the wake of the rising confirmed cases, which has reached the count of 73 as of date.