India issues new travel advisory, as COVID19 spreads at an alarming rate

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a fresh set of guidelines in view of the emerging global scenario regarding the COVID19, in super-session of all earlier advisories.

The updated advisory states that all regular (sticker) visas/e-visas (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan, issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons, may seek fresh visas from the nearest Indian embassy/consulate.

Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travel to China, Iran, Korea and Italy in light of the spread of the disease.

Regular (sticker) visa/e-visa granted to nationals of China, issued on or before 05.02.2020 were suspended earlier. That will remain in force. Those needing to travel to Indian under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visas to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate. Regular (sticker) visas/e-visas granted to all foreign nationals who have traveled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after 01.02.2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect.

Diplomats, officials of UN and other international bodies, OCI cardholders and the air crew from the above countries are required to furnish self-declaration forms to health and immigration officials at all ports. Passengers (foreign and Indian) arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must undergo medical screening at port of entry.