India suspends tourist visas till April 15 over the coronavirus

(TAN): India has suspended all visas, except a few categories, until April 15, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The categories that are exempt from the suspension include diplomatic, international organisations, and employment visas.

“All existing visas, issued to nationals of any country except those issued to diplomats, officials, UN/international organizations, employment, project visas stand suspended till 15^th April 2020,” Ministry of Health tweeted a statement released by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

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The suspension will be effective from March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for their journey to India.

“This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure,” the statement added.

The government reportedly came to the decision at a meeting of a group of ministers under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan.

The government advised foreigners looking to travel to India “for compelling reasons” to get in touch with the nearest Indian Mission for a “fresh visa”.

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All inbound visitors, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after February 15 will be put in isolation for at least 14 days, the statement said.

While the government advised Indian nationals currently abroad to avoid inessential travel, it “strongly advised” all Indians to avoid all unnecessary travel abroad, adding that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days upon arrival in India.

Visa-free travel facility granted to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders will also be temporarily suspended from March 13 at the port of departure and continue until April 15.

International traffic through India’s land borders will be handled through designated check posts with “robust medical screening facilities”.

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