New visa restrictions after COVID-19 outbreak

NEW DELHI: As the number of COVID-19 cases in India continues to rise, the country has put in place new travel restrictions as a part of its response to managing the outbreak. For instance, all passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait after 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 (port of departure) will be quarantined. Here's a look at the restrictions in respect of different categories of travellers.
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INDIAN NATIONALS WHO WANT TO RETURN TO INDIA
Who are not allowed?
No airline will bring any passenger from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom effective 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 at port of departure. No airline will bring any passenger from the Philippines, Malaysia and Afghanistan effective 1500 IST on March 17,2020 (port of departure).
Whether passengers transiting through the restricted countries will be allowed
There will be no transit through these countries as no aircraft will board passengers for India in these countries.
Whether they will be quarantined upon arrival in India (quarantined for 14 days)
All passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait after 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 (port of departure) will be quarantined. Those who have visited China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany on or after Feb 15, 2020 will be quarantined.
Is COVID-19 Negative certificate must for Indians?
Only for those who are coming from Republic of Korea or Italy. Passengers from Italy shall not be allowed effective 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 (port of departure).
Whether Indians transiting through China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany be quarantined on arrival in India
Yes.
Whether Indians transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait be quarantined on arrival in India
Yes. With effect from 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 (port of departure).
INDIAN NATIONALS WHO WANT TO GO ABROAD
Whether Indians are allowed to go abroad
Indians are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to corona-affected countries. However as per latest notification, passengers from certain countries shall not be allowed to enter India. Please refer to earlier list of countries.
Whether they will be quarantined upon arrival in India (quarantined for 14 days)
All passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait after 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 (port of departure) will be quarantined. Those who have visited China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany on or after Feb 15, 2020 will be quarantined.
FOREIGNERS WHO ARE PRESENTLY IN INDIA
Whether they can extend their Indian visas before expiry
Yes, they should approach their jurisdictional FRRO/FROs through e-FRRO (https:// indianfrro.gov.in/frro/).
Whether they can go out of India and return
Yes, they can go out of India. However, they can return to India with fresh visa issued from mission/ post only.
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FOREIGNERS WHO WANT TO COME TO INDIA
Who are not allowed?
Restricted countries: All passengers coming from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom effective 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 (port of departure) and passengers coming from Philippines, Malaysia and Afghanistan effective 1500 IST on March 17, 2020 (port of departure).
Whether Employment and Project visa holders allowed from restricted countries?
Yes.
Which visa categories are allowed to enter India for travellers from non-restricted countries?
Only Employment and Project visa are allowed. Other categories of visas, including visa-free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders, stand suspended till April 15, 2020.
Are dependents of exempted category visa category allowed?
No.
Are infants/children who hold foreign passports but parent is Indian allowed?
No. They are required to get fresh visa from Indian mission/post.
Are Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives passport holders allowed?
Nepal and Bhutan nationals are allowed. Maldives nationals would require visa.
Are foreign nationals with RC/RP/Stay visa allowed to enter?
Only those foreigners who have RC/RP/Stay Visa wrt Employment/ Project visas.
Is Covid-19 Negative Certificate mandatory ?
Please see website of ministry of health & family welfare, govt of India.
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