More than 200 countries across the world now have reported cases of COVID-19. People travelling to these countries or people who have travelled abroad might come in contact with people affected with COVID-19 during their stay or even while in transit at the airports. Within these countries, few countries have reported a very large number of cases and deaths putting passengers from these countries particularly at higher risk of infection. Travel Advisories had been issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time. The following consolidated Advisory is presently issued.
Issued on March 11, 2020
- 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 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Visa-free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders is kept in abeyance till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- OCI cardholders already in India can stay in India as long as they want.
- Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid and they may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through the e-FRRO module for extension/conversion etc. of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.
- Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.
- In addition to Visa restrictions already in place, passengers travelling from /having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and desirous of entering India will need a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of these countries. This is in enforcement since 0000 hrs. of 10th March 2020 and is a temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside.
- All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th February 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th 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 further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany.
- All incoming international passengers returning to India should self- monitor their health and follow required do’s and don’t’s as detailed by the Government.
- 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.
- All international Passengers entering into India are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form in duplicate (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) ( as annexed) to Health Officials and Immigration officials and undergo Universal Health Screening at the designated health counters at all Points of Entry.
- For any queries related to health, people may contact the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 24*7 helpline number (+91-11-23978046) or email at (ncov2019@gmail.com).
Issued on March 16, 2020
WHO’s coronavirus disease advice for public
In continuation of the travel advisory issued on 11th March 2020, the following additional advisory is issued:
- Expanding compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days for passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 18th March 2020 at the port of first departure.
- Travel of passengers from member countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey and the United Kingdom to India is prohibited with effect from 18th March 2020. No airline shall board a passenger from these nations to India with effect from 1200 GMT on 18th March 2020. The airline shall enforce this at the port of initial departure.
- Both these instructions are temporary measures and shall be in force till 31st March 2020 and will be reviewed subsequently.
Issued on March 17, 2020
In continuation of the travel advisory issued on 11th March, 2020 and 16th March, 2020, the following additional advisory is issued.
- Travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines, Malaysia to India is prohibited with immediate effect. No flight shall take off from these countries to India after 1500 hours Indian Standard Time (IST). The airline shall enforce this at the port of initial departure.
- This instruction is a temporary measure and shall be in force till 31st March 2020 and will be reviewed subsequently.
Issued on March 19, 2020
In continuation of the travel advisories issued on 11th March, 16th March and 17th March 2020, the following additional advisory is issued:
- No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall take off from any foreign airport for any airport in India, after 0001 hrs GMT of March 22, 2020 (*i.e. 0531 hrs Indian Standard Time (IST) of March 22, 2020). These instructions shall remain in force till 0001 hrs GMT of March 29, 2020.
- Maximum travel time of 20 hours is permissible for such commercial passenger aircraft to land in India.
- As such, no incoming scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to disembark its passengers *on Indian soil* (Foreigner or Indian) after 2001 hrs GMT of March 22, 2020 (*i.e. 0131hrs IST of March 23, 2020).
- These instructions are in addition to the travel restrictions/ advisories already issued and under implementation.
- The above are temporary measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19 and are subject to review by the Government.
Source – www.mohfw.gov.in
Compiled by Editorial team, The Rise.co.in