New Delhi (NVI): In a major initiative, the Central Government today made graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals and Indian nationals who wish to enter or leave India.
Under this, 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, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
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, the statement further read.
All such travelers 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, it added.
Furthermore, under this graded relaxation, India has also decided 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,” MHA stated.
-CHK
