India Travel and Visa Restrictions Related to Coronavirus

By: Angelita Chavez-Halaka; Armando Escobedo; Gladys Gervacio

Summary

The government of India has issued travel and visa restrictions due to the coronavirus that will become effective March 13, 2020 until April 15, 2020, or until further notice. All incoming travelers may be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days upon their arrival to India.

Who is Impacted by the Visa Restrictions?

• All nationals of any country with an existing visa who have not yet entered India
• OCI card holders who are not in India

Exceptions to the Restrictions:

• Diplomats, official passport holders, employees of UN and international organizations, employment and project visa-holders, and those working on scheduled commercial airlines
• Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for a “compelling reason”
• OCI cards of foreigners currently in India will remain valid
• Visas of all foreign nationals in India will remain valid

What to Do?

• If you are an Indian national with an OCI relative and are unable to travel to India, speak with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss alternative options available.
• H-1B workers wishing to travel back to India should call their respective airlines and consulates for news on travel.
• Contact your nearest FRRO/FRO through the e-FRRO module regarding a visa or consular service.

As always, we will continue to monitor updates on travel restrictions due to the coronavirus.

Stay Updated

To learn more about India travel restrictions or to subscribe to our newsletter, please email us at info@chugh.com. We also encourage you to share this alert with your contacts who might benefit.