India further relaxes visa and travel restrictions

INDIA has further relaxed visa and travel restrictions, permitting certain categories of foreign nationals for travel by water routes or by flights, including under Vande Bharat Mission or Air Bubble (bilateral travel arrangements or by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India), according to a press release by the Indian Consulate General in Toronto.

The categories include:

– All OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cardholders and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders holding passports of any country, including Canada;

– All foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose (including their dependents on appropriate category of dependent visa) except on Tourist Visa;

– All existing visas, except electronic visas [e-Visa], Tourist Visa and Medical Visa, stand restored with immediate effect.

– Since previously held medical visas are under suspension, fresh medical visa [including Medical Attendants] in emergencies has to be obtained from the Consulate;

– In case any foreign nationals (including those of Indian origin who do not have OCI/PIO) not covered by categories mentioned above, who require to visit India urgently due to any family emergency, they should apply for Entry Visa (X-Misc). Such applicants will be issued single entry visa for 3 months.

The press release said that in addition, the condition of obtaining a visa will not apply to dependent family members of foreign diplomats/officials who are eligible for visa exemption in terms of bilateral visa exemption agreements or visa specific agreements entered into by India with various countries.

Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan are permitted to visit to India from any country, including any third country.

In respect of quarantine and other health/COVID19 related matters, guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall be strictly adhered to. Applicants for travel and quarantine guidelines to India may also refer to the New Delhi Airport website – https://www.newdelhiairport.in/, the press release stated.