As coronavirus spreads, India issues fresh travel advisory
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 3
India on Tuesday issued a fresh travel advisory in the wake of the fast spreading COVID 19 infection with two people on Monday testing positive in Delhi and Telangana and six suspected cases from Agra put under observation on Tuesday.
The advisory imposed fresh restrictions on foreign nationals with Indian visas who have a travel history to most affected countries.
The advisory says all regular (sticker) visas/e-visa (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan issued on or before March 3, 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 visa from nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
“Regular (sticker) visa/e-visa granted to nationals of People’s Republic of China, issued on or before February 5, 2020 were suspended earlier. It shall remain in force. Those needing to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate,” the government said.
The advisory adds that regular (sticker) visas/e-visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travelled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after February 1, 2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.”
Diplomats, officials of the UN and other International bodies, OCI cardholders and air crew from above countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their medical screening is compulsory.
Further passengers of all international flights entering into India from any port are required to furnish duly-filled self-declaration form (including personal particulars, ie, phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to health officials and immigration officials at all ports.
“Passengers (foreign and Indian) other than those restricted, 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 the port of entry. Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea and Italy and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19-affected countries,” the advisory said.
