PANAJI: Instructions have been issued by the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa restrictions in supersession of all earlier advisories issued on COVID - 19.
All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to diplomats, officials, UN/International Organisations,employment,project visas stand suspended 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 an onward journey to India.
A visa-free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders 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 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, Spain and Germany on or after February 15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 12:00 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of such travelers.
International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration Check posts with robust medical screening facilities. These will be notified separately by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Indian nationals who are presently living 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.