Shyamhari Chakra
In a major move, Government of India has decided to restore the validity of all existing visas which were suspended since eight months due to the pandemic.
“In view of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India had taken a series of steps to curtail the inward and outward movement of international passengers since February, 2020.
The Government has now decided to make a graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals and Indian nationals who wish to enter or leave India”, Ministry of Homer Affairs stated.
As per the decision, all Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders apart from foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose will be allowed.
However, the permission excludes entries on a tourist visa by air or water routes through authorized airports and seaport immigration check posts.
The permission covers flights operated under Vande Bharat Mission, Air Transport Bubble arrangements or by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry explained.
All such travellers will, however, have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and other health and Covid-19 matters, it added.
Under this graded relaxation, Government of India has also decided to restore with immediate effect all existing visas, except electronic visa, tourist visa and medical visa.
If the validity of such visas has expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from Indian Mission or Posts concerned.
Foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment can apply for a medical visa including for their medical attendants.
The decision will enable foreign nationals to come to India for various purposes such as business, conferences, employment, studies, research and medical purposes, the Ministry maintained.
