India fights Covid 19

In an unusual move government has decided to cancel all tourist visa including the permanent visa granted to persons of Indian origin which is called OCI card till the 15th April 2020.

In effect there is complete lockdown and no tourist can come to India till 15th April 2020.

The only exemption available is for diplomatic persons who may arrive at diplomatic visa. The development came after massive outbreak of Corona virus in Europe Iran and other places. Presently India has 60 detected cases of Corona virus. At least three of these cases have resulted in successful recovery while one patient has unfortunately died.

Here are the full details of press release issued by government of India in this regard:

After detailed deliberations on preventive measures, actions taken and preparedness for Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the Group of Ministers took the following decisions:

• All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13^th March 2020 at the port of departure.
• Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till April 15th 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13^th March 2020 at the port of departure.
• Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.
• All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15^th February, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13^th March 2020 at the port of departure.
• Incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
• Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return, they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.
• International traffic through land borders will be restricted to Designated check posts with robust screening facilities. These will be notified separately by M/o Home Affairs.
• Provision for testing primarily for students/compassionate cases in Italy to be made and collection for samples to be organized accordingly.  Those tested negative will be allowed to travel and will be quarantined on arrival in India for 14 days.