In view of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government has now decided to make a graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals and Indian nationals who wish to enter or leave India.
According to an official communication of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, "It has been decided to permit all OCI and PIO card holders and all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except on a Tourist Visa to enter by air or water routes through authorized airports and seaport immigration check posts".
Flights operated under Vande Bharat Mission, Air Transport Bubble arrangements or by any non scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation are included.
Under this graded relaxation, Government of India has also decided to restore with immediate effect all existing visas (except electronic visa, Tourist Visa and Medical Visa), the statement read, adding, if the validity of such visas has expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from Indian Mission/Posts concerned.
Foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment can apply for a Medical Visa including for their medical attendants, it said.
However, the travelers will have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and other health/COVID-19 matters, the statement added.
