India Visa - Coronavirus Updates
April 30th 2021
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored electronic visa (e-visa) facility for foreigners from 156 countries, who intend to visit India for the purposes of business, conferences, and for medical reasons, including in the case of medical attendants. E-visa for tourists is yet to be restored.
March 13th 2020 - Advisory : Travel and Visa restrictions related to COVID-19
In suppression of all earlier advisories issued on this subject the following visa restrictions are issued for implementation.
- All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/International organizations, Employment, Project visas stand suspended till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India.
- Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid. They may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.
- Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders shall be kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India.
- Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for fresh visa.
- All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals arriving from any destination and having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany on or after February 15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of such travelers.
- International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration Checkposts with robust medical screening facilities. These will be notified separately by Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Indian nationals presently abroad are advised to avoid non-essential travel. They are hereby informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days on their arrival in India.
- All Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.
Update - 9th March 2020
All normal (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (counting VoA for Japan and South Korea) allowed to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and gave at the very latest 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended. Such remote nationals may not enter India from any Air, Land or Seaport Immigration Check Points. Those requiring to head out to India because of convincing reasons, may look for new visa from closest Indian Embassy/Consulate
Customary (sticker) visa/e-Visa allowed to nationals of Peoples Republic of China, gave at the latest 05.02.2020 were suspended before. It will stay in power. Such Chinese nationals may not enter India from any Air, Land or Seaport Immigration Check Points. Those expecting to venture out to India under convincing conditions may apply for paper visa to closest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
Ordinary (sticker) visas/e-Visas conceded to every single remote national who have headed out to Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after 01.02.2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended. Such outside nationals may not enter India from any Air, Land or Seaport Immigration Check Points. Those requiring to venture out to India under convincing conditions may apply for new visa to closest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
Representatives, authorities of United Nations and other International bodies, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders and Aircrew from above nations are excluded from such limitation on passage. Be that as it may, their clinical screening is mandatory.
All remote and Indian nationals going into India from any port are required to outfit appropriately filled self assertion structure (counting individual points of interest for example telephone no. furthermore, address in India) and travel history, to Health authorities and Immigration authorities at all port.
Travelers (remote and Indian) other than those confined, showing up straightforward or via connections from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must experience clinical screening at port of passage into India.
Update - 4th March 2020
India Health Ministry's travel advisory
- All regular Visas and e-Visa (including Visa on Arrival for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before March 3 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect.
- Regular Visa and e-Visa granted to all foriegn nationals who have travelled to Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after Feburary 1, and who have not yet entered India stand suspeded with immeidate effect.
Statistics - India has a total of 6 positive cases out of which 3 have already recovered.
Meanwhile Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged to not panic and there has been an extensive review for Coronavirus preparedness.
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1234762637361086465
Update - 27th February 2020
Coronavirus is manageable. It is still spreading outside China. India Tourist Visa holders and India Business Visa holders are safe to travel in the country. The update on 26th of February 2020 by World Health Organisation has declared India to be a safe country to travel. If you had visited China recently, then you may be asked about it during your application process for Indian Visa Online (eVisa India).
Update - 14th February 2020
In order to protect India from any impact to tourists or local population, the Government of India has announced cancellation of Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) for the Chinese visitors. There are a total of 24 countries outside of China which have registered cases of Coronavirus.
There were only 3 cases of coronavirus of Indian passengers from the southern state of Kerala. The Government of India took stringent measures, restricted them on the Diamond Princess cruise vessel. All 3 recovered and have been quarantined for 14 days at home.
Indian Government has taken proactive measures to evacuate over 600 Indians living in the epicentre of Coronavirus, Wuhan – China. Their condition is being monitored on daily bases and those 600 plus residents of India from China are quarantines at the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services center.
Government of India has taken proactive measures at all airports for quarantine for any traveller exhibiting symptoms of flu.
Lab testing facilities for Coronavirus in India and China Bound Travel Advisory
Indian Council of Medical Research has set up facilities to test for Coronavirus all through the country. The tourists are also advised to not visit China to prevent the spread of disease. There is virtually no coronavirus in India.
Visitors from China to India are NOT allowed and even if those passengers applied for a physical paper Visa to India or eVisa India (electronic Indian Visa Online), it has been suspended and cancelled for residents of China.
Indian Visa, No Coronavirus in India
Visitors are flocking to India because of its safety compared to other tourist destinations like Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan which have active and increasing cases of coronavirus. Because of its safety, well taken measures, active government involvement and cooperation of airports and tourism bodies there are no cases of coronavirus in India. India is the most prepared and ready country to deal with any coronavirus outbreak. Tourists are most safe in India in this tourism season.
We would like to welcome you to India and for any further clarifications contact our India Visa Help Desk.
You can check the eligibility to apply on this website, citizens of over 180 countries can apply for Indian Visa Application Form online.
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your India eVisa.
United States citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Canadian citizens and French citizens can apply online for India eVisa.
Please apply for a India Visa 4-7 days in advance of your flight.