New Delhi: Alarmed over the cases of coronavirus in the country, the Central Government suspended visas of nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan issued on or before March 3. The move comes a day after two patients, one from Delhi and another from Telangana, were tested positive for the virus.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday issued a new advisory to this effect to prevent possible spread of the virus.
“All regular (sticker) visas/e-visas (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons, may seek fresh visa from nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate,” read a statement of the ministry.
The ministry said that the visa granted to the nationals of Peoples' Republic of China issued on or before February 5, which was suspended earlier, shall remain in force. However, those requiring to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa from the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
“Regular (sticker) visas/e-visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travelled to Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after 01.02.2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate,” the statement read further.
Diplomats, UN officials and other international bodies, OCI cardholders and aircrew from the above mentioned countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their medical screening is compulsory.
Passengers of all international flights entering India from any port are required to furnish duly filled self declaration form (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to health officials and immigration officials at all ports.
The ministry has asked passengers (both foreign and Indian) other than those restricted, arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan, to undergo medical screening at port of entry.
Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travelling to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy. They are also advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.
