Embassy of India

Buenos Aires, Argentina

In continuation of this Ministry's Orders of even number dated 13.03.2020, 16.04.2020, 05.05.2020 and 12.06.2020, the Central Government, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 (31 of 1946), being of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to do so, hereby specifies as follows:-

 

(i)       The right of multiple entry lifelong visa facility granted for any purpose in terms of the Notification S. O. 542(E) dated 11th April, 2005 issued by the  Ministry of Home Affairs shall stand restored with immediate effect to persons registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955) and holding passports of USA, UK, Germany and France with which “air bubble” scheme i.e. bilateral air travel arrangements have been worked out by the Government of India.

(ii)       The right of multiple entry lifelong visa facility granted for any purpose in terms of the Notification S.O. 542(E) dated 11th April, 2005 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs shall stand restored to persons registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955) and holding passports of countries with which the Government of India/Ministry of Civil Aviation may work out “air bubble” scheme i.e. bilateral air travel arrangements in future, from the date of coming into effect of such arrangements.

(Pramod Kumar)

Director (Foreigners)

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MOST IMMEDIATE

 

No.25022/24/2020-F.V /F.I

Government of India

Ministry of Home Affairs

(Foreigners Division)

****

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,

India Gate Circle, New Delhi - 110002,

Dated:  07 August, 2020

 

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Visa & Travel restrictions in response to COVID-19 - Permitting certain categories of foreign nationals (including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders) to enter India and Indian nationals to visit other countries – regarding

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's O.M. of even number dated 30th June, 2020 on the above mentioned subject. The Government has further considered the need for relaxation of visa & travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals who want to travel to India and Indian nationals intending to visit other countries in the context of 'air bubble' scheme i.e. bilateral air travel arrangements worked out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with USA, UK, Germany and France and the countries that may be included under such scheme in future.

2. Accordingly, in respect of countries with which 'air bubble' scheme (bilateral air travel arrangements) have already been worked out i.e. USA, UK, Germany and France and the countries that may be included under such scheme in future, it has been decided as follows:-

(a) In partial modification to this Ministry's O.M. of even number dated 30.06.020, all Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders holding passports of such countries are permitted to enter India.

(b) In respect of categories covered in para 2 (B) of this Ministry's O.M. of even number dated 30.06.2020, lndian Missions/Posts may grant appropriate visa provided papers of the applicants are in order and there is no adverse input  about them.

(c) Any Indian national holding any type of valid visa of such countries may be permitted to travel to the country concerned provided there is no travel restriction for entry of Indian nationals in that country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter the country concerned with the particular visa category before issue of tickets /boarding pass to the Indian passenger.

3. In partial modification of para 4 of this Ministry's O.M. of even number dated 30.06.2020, it has been decided that the existing restrictions on incoming passenger traffic into India through the Immigration Check Posts will not apply in the following cases also:-

(i) All OCI cardholders who are permitted to enter India as mentioned in para 2 (a) above.

(ii) Any movement of cargo or goods and supplies in any vehicle, aircraft, ship, train etc. along with their crew, sailor, driver, helper, cleaner etc.

However, in respect of quarantine and all other health/COVID-19 related matters, guidelines of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare shall be adhered to.

4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.