Visa restrictions eased: Foreigners, OCI card holders can enter India

The government restored the validity of the existing visas in a big move to restore the suspended international air services, after they were halted eight months ago to control the rise in coronavirus cases in the country.

"The government has 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," an order from the Union Home Ministry said.

Under this graded relaxation, the government has decided to restore with immediate effect the validity of all existing visas, except electronic visa, tourist visa and medical visa, the statement said, added reports.

The OCI card holders and foreign nationals can enter India authorised water or air routes, including any non-scheduled commercial flights, Vande Bharat air transport bubble arrangements as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

If the validity of such visas has expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from Indian Mission/Posts concerned, the statement said.

However, foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment can apply for a medical visa including for their medical attendants.

The travellers have to follow the rules laid by the Union Health Ministry regarding quarantine and other Covid protocols.

The government had suspended international passenger flights since March 23.

On May 25, the Civil Aviation Ministry resumed scheduled domestic passenger flights with only 33 per cent of the pre-Covid flights. This was increased to 45 per cent to meet the growing demand for domestic flights as the country moved into unock phase.