India suspends all tourist visas

India suspended all tourist visas until April 15 in an attempt to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, the government said in a statement.

The decision was taken at a meeting of a Group of Ministers headed by health minister Dr Harshvardhan on Wednesday (March 11).

Suspending all tourist visas until April 15, Indian government said it would quarantine travellers arriving from seven virus-hit countries to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The visa suspension begins March 13 at 1200 GMT at the port of departure, the statement read. Diplomatic visas and visas for international organizations, employment and projects however are exempt.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India: All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th Mar 2020 at the port of departure.

Besides this Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has said: "All incoming travellers, including Indians, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain & Germany after 15th Feb, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days."

The ministry added: "Visa free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders is kept in abeyance till April 15th, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure."

Source: Agencies

 

Dhaka/AI