Is traveling to India during lockdown possible? As India reopens the economy, the Indian government has eased restrictions on travel and visa for foreigners in certain categories.
Foreigners were banned from entering India from the 22nd of March onwards in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commercial international flights have also been stopped since the same date.
Traveling To India During Lockdown – Who Can Come To India
The categories covered by the relaxed regulations and allowed to travel to India during lockdown are:
Healthcare
Foreign health researchers, healthcare professionals, engineers and technicians working in healthcare facilities like factories and laboratories have been relaxed. This is aimed at improving the functioning of the healthcare infrastructure and research.
These relaxations are subject to the individual holding a letter of invitation from an accredited Indian university, registered pharmaceutical company or a registered healthcare facility.
Business Persons
Travel restrictions have now also been relaxed for individuals coming to India on a business visa. Since international flights are still grounded, these individuals are likely to be travelling on chartered flights or non-scheduled commercial flights.
The sectors covered include banking and other financial services, IT, software, design units, manufacturing and engineering.
Engineers And Technical Specialists
Foreigners at positions in design, management and engineering who are involved in the installation of equipment, maintenance, after-sales service and under-warranty repair work for foreign-origin machinery and facilities will now be able to travel to India as long as they hold an invitation letter from a registered Indian business entity.
Foreign nationals who fall in these categories are allowed to travel to India during lockdown and will be able to apply for a fresh employment visa or a business visa from Indian posts and missions abroad.
Those who already hold a valid long-term multiple-entry business visa can get the same re-validated at an Indian mission in the country of residence before traveling to India. It is important to note that B-3 visa holders for sports do not fall into this category.
Also See
- COVID 19 Travel Restrictions Issued By India – Key Points
- COVID-19 Impact – Online Registration For Indians Stranded Abroad
- COVID 19 Helpline Numbers By Indian Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA)
- COVID-19 Testing Centers In India And State-Wise Helpline Numbers
