More than 100 countries across the world, including India, have reported COVID-19 cases. The World Health Organisation has termed the disease as a pandemic, and has asked all countries to ramp up their testing programmes. Travel curbs play a crucial role in checking the spread of the disease. So the India government has issued travel advisories, barring entry of passengers from COVID-19-affected countries.
For latest updates from central government:
For latest updates from Kerala government:
https://minister-health.kerala.gov.in/
http://dhs.kerala.gov.in/public-health-2019-n-corona-virus/
Travel Advisories have been issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time. Here is a consolidated list:
• All existing visas (except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas) stand suspended till 15th April 2020.
• Visa-free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till 15th April 2020.
• OCI card holders already in India can stay in the country as long as they want.
• Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid and they may contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion etc. of their visa or grant of any consular service, if they choose to do so.
• Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.
• In addition to Visa restrictions already in place, passengers travelling from/having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and desirous of entering India will need certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of these countries. This is a temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside.
• All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th February, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days.
• Incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
• Indian nationals are further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany.
• All incoming international passengers returning to India should self- monitor their health and follow required do’s and dont’s as detailed by the government.
• International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities.
• All international passengers entering India are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form in duplicate (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) to Health and Immigration officials and undergo universal health screening at the designated health counters at all points of entry.
• For any queries related to health, people may contact Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 24*7
helpline number (+91-11-23978046) or email at (ncov2019@gmail.com).
