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Update on COVID-19 - FAQs Assistance To Stranded Indians (as on 11 May)

Posted on: May 11, 2020 | Back | Print


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(As on 11 May, 2020)

 

Embassy of India in Buenos Aires, concurrently accredited to Uruguay and Paraguay, has compiled these FAQs based on the queries it has received through emails, emergency number and social media platforms covering a range of issues. These have arisen from the extraordinary situation in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

FAQs are divided into various sections. Indians in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are requested to go through the FAQs. If there are further queries or doubts, the Embassy may be contacted by email or emergency number, as detailed below.

 

ASSISTANCE TO STRANDED INDIANS

1. There are Indian students, tourists and businessmen who wish to go back to India even if they are quarantined on reaching India.  How should they proceed?

The Embassy understands that several Indian citizens including students, professionals holding short-term visas, businesspersons and tourists, and some others are unable to go back to India due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. As per the notification of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India, scheduled international flights into India remain suspended till prohibition is lifted by the Government of India. The fresh dates for their resumption are yet to be announced.

 In the absence of any commercial flights, it will not be possible for Indians to travel back to India. All Indians are requested to stay put in their respective place till the commercial flights are resumed.

 

2. What help can Embassy provide to Indian students / nationals stranded in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay?

In case of any emergency due to COVID-19, all Indian nationals may reach the Embassy at +54 11 4328 9141 (Office), + 54 9 11 63305703 (Mobile) and e-mail: cons.buenos@mea.gov.in.

The mail correspondence may kindly include full name, phone number, current address, passport and visa details, and Indian / local contact number.

Indian citizens in these three countries are requested to adhere to the advice of the Public Health authorities in these countries for their safety and well-being.

 

CASES WHERE VISAS ARE EXPIRING

3. What is Embassy’s advice for those whose visas have expired or are about to expire?

Indian nationals / students should get their Visa / Residency to the country of their residence duly extended in consultation with their respective organizations / Institutions.

The Government of Argentina has, meanwhile, extended the Residency of foreigners in the country by 30 days from the date of expiry. The persons whose visas expire after that, may seek extension of stay through the Direccion Nacional De Migraciones on withdrawal of the quarantine. More information: Migraciones Argentina.

The Government of Uruguay will treat as extended the Residencies of the foreigners in the country, at the time of departure. More information: Ministry of Home Affairs - Uruguay.

 

TRAVEL PLANNING

4. Should people book tickets for return journey to India? Until when is the ban expected to be in place? When is a new advisory expected?

In light of the advisory by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India and non-clarity of date of resumption of commercial flights, it is perhaps advisable to plan the travel back to India as soon as situation is clearer. Please continue to check for updates in this regard on the Embassy’s website and social media platforms.


5. What guidance is currently offered for OCI holders / other country nationals wanting to visit India for emergency reasons?

All visas and visa free travel to India for OCI card holders are suspended till the prohibition on international air travel of passengers from/to India is lifted by the Government of India. Detailed instructions may be found on our website.

For more updates, please stay in touch with the Embassy through its social media platforms or check the website for updates.

 

6. Where can one find updated official information about travel restrictions and other advisories?

On the following websites and social media platforms:

Embassy’s social media: www.indembarg.gov.in - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

Ambassador of India’s social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

Ministry of External Affairs of India: www.mea.gov.in - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

Ministry of Civil Aviation of India: www.civilaviation.gov.in - Twitter

Ministry of Home Affairs of India: www.mha.gov.in - Twitter

Indian Diplomacy: Twitter           

 

EMBASSY’S PASSPORT / OCI AND OTHER CONSULAR SERVICES


7. Can we avail Passport renewal, Visa, Birth Registration, Power of Attorney and other Consular Services from the Embassy during lockdown?

Given the complete quarantine in Argentina, as decreed by the President, it is not possible for people to travel within the country / city. It has been extended up to 24 May 2020. Anyone requiring an emergency service during the quarantine period, therefore, shall get in touch with the Embassy through email or emergency number as provided in para 2 above. Alternatively, they can send their applications duly filled in with requisite documents and fees through courier for various services.

 

8. I have filled online OCI, Passport and other forms. What will happen to these forms? Will I be able to use them when the services resume?

You may keep print outs of online application forms. These may be used when regular services resume after the quarantine is lifted. The Embassy is committed to minimize inconvenience to all the applicants.

 

9. What if my passport expires during the lockdown?

Kindly see response to para 7 above.

 

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