The Indian government has announced graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign and Indian nationals who wish to enter or exit the country.
The new travel protocol permits “all Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders 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 authorised airports and seaport immigration check posts.”
This will include flights operated under Vande Bharat Mission, air bubble arrangements or by any non scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Under this graded relaxation, the government has decided to restore, with immediate effect, all existing visas except electronic visa, tourist visa and medical visa. If the validity of such visas has expired, then fresh visas 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.
All travellers will have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and other Covid-19 related safety initiatives.
