India suspends foreign travel into country due to spreading coronavirus

March 11, 2020

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Medical staff with protective clothing are seen inside a ward specialized in receiving any person who may have been infected with coronavirus, at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General hospital in Chennai, January 29, 2020. REUTERS/P. Ravikumar

The Indian embassy in Washington, D.C. sent out a government travel advisory today, March 11, 2020, stopping virtually all travel into India.

In view of the rapid spread of coronavirus, the Government of India has suspended all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN / International Organizations, employment and project visas, till 15 April 2020. This will come into effect from March 13, at the port of departure.

It also barred those holding Overseas Citizenship of India cards that require no visas, till 15 April 2020, starting March 13.

“Any foreign national who might need to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission / Consulate,” the advisory said.

All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after February 15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.

Furthermore, all incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, would be subject to medical screening and can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.

In addition, international traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities. Ministry of Home Affairs will separately notify these check posts, the advisory said.