International Travel other than Tourist Allowed
In view of the situation arising out of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Government of India had taken a series of steps to curtail the
inward and outward movement of international passengers since February, 2020.
The 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. Therefore, 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. This includes 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. All such travellers will, however have to
strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
regarding quarantine and other health/COVID-19 matters.
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). 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.
Therefore, this decision will enable foreign nationals to come to India for
various purposes such as business, conferences, employment, studies, research,
medical purposes etc.