Govt eases visa, travel restrictions; Know more

New Delhi, October 22: Relaxing in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals and Indians, the government permits all OCI and PIO cardholders and all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except on a Tourist visa.

The development comes as the government, because of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, had taken a series of steps to curtail the inward and outward movement of international passengers since February 2020.

 

They are allowed to enter in India by air or water routes through authorized airports and seaport immigration check posts, the Home Ministry said. This includes 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. However, they have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and other COVID-19 matters.

 

 

 

 

Under this graded relaxation, the government has also decided to restore with immediate effect all existing visas (except electronic visa, Tourist Visa, and Medical Visa).

 

As per the new relaxations, if the validity of the above-mentioned visas has expired, fresh visas can be obtained from the Indian mission or post concerned. The new relaxations will allow foreign nationals to come to India for various purposes such as business, conferences, employment, studies, research, medical purposes.

 

Moreover, foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment can apply for a Medical Visa including for their medical attendants. This decision will enable foreign nationals to come to India for various purposes such as business, conferences, employment, studies, research, and medical purposes.