Subject: Visa and travel restrictions in response to COVID-19
New Delhi 17.4.2020
The undersigned is directed to refer to the advisory dated 11.3.2020 issued by The Bureau of Immigration vide letter no. 1/Comm/Bol/2020-81 and para 1(i) of the MHA’s “Consolidated Revised Guidelines on the measures to be taken by Ministries/Department of Government of India, State/UT Governments and State/UT authorities for containment of COVID-19 in the country issued vide Order No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 15.4.2020.
2. Government has considered the matter. It has been decided that all existing visas granted to foreigners except to those belonging to diplomatic, official. UN/international organizations, employment and project categories shall remain suspended till 03.05.2020.
3. It is further directed that the travel restrictions imposed vide MHA OM no. 25022/12/2017-Immigration dated 23.3.2020 shall remain in place till May 03, 2020. Therefore, all incoming passenger traffic into India through any of the 107 Immigration Check Posts shall remain suspended till 03rd May, 2020. However, no such restriction would apply to vehicles, planes, ships, conveyance, trains etc. carrying any goods and supplies whether essential non-essential. Their crew, sailor, driver, helper, cleaner etc. shall be subjected to thorough medical screening for COVID-19.
4. Bureau of Immigration and JS (CPV), MEA are requested to convey the above instructions to all the FRROs/FROs/Immigration Check Posts, all Indian Mission/Posts and also to disseminate this information for general public & foreigners.
5. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
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