Are spouses of OCI card holders that may have only a 10-year tourist visa allowed to travel under existing rules?
Update 16 March 2022:
As per the new guidelines of the Government of India, the Long Term Tourist/E-Tourist Visa has been restored with immediate effect from March 16, 2022. Now eligible countries for Indian visas can apply for 1 year and 5-year visas.
Old Update:
New Entry Requirements for India: The ministry of civil aviation India has started a contactless solution by the name of air suvidha for all the international passengers visiting India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Air Suvidha self-declaration form to be mandatorily filled by all international arriving passengers to India.
Nationals of 156 countries are now allowed to visit India on their e-Visas after the changes made by the government in the Covid-affected visa policy. The Ministry of Home Affairs, MHA has lifted restrictions on Medical, Business, and Conference e Visas.
Previously, the Indian government had restricted the mobility of foreigners within its territory under such visa categories. The e-Visas mentioned were suspended last year in March before the national lockdown. The government halted the visa issuance under such categories to limit the increasing number of Covid cases.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced lifting the restrictions by issuing an order on March 30, 2021. The official release of the MHA stated that the government had restored the e-Visa under the categories including Indian 30 Days Tourist eVisa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical visa, e-Medical Attendant visa, and e-Conference visa with immediate effect. According to the latest order, the nationals from 156 countries may come to India for getting treatment or attending to patients. They can also visit India for business and conference purposes by applying for their respective e-Visas.
Travelers who need to visit India under these categories Can now apply for an e Visa according to their visit nature:
The decision seems questionable, as the country has seen an enormous rise in Covid patients this month. According to MHA officials, the decision to open an e-visa will not add the burden on health infrastructure in India. He mentioned that the officials would issue an e-Visa for medical reasons only if the applicant meets the condition. According to the new rule, to get a medical e-Visa, the patient needs to show a confirmed appointment at a hospital. So if the hospitals are overwhelmed, they will not be giving appointments to other patients.
The Indian government has still not allowed the nationals of the UK and China to visit the country under e-Visa schemes. The authorities will review the decision regarding restricting travel from these countries this month and then take the final decision.
In October 2020, the authorities had restored all visa types except e-Visa, tourist visa, and medical visa. According to the order released, all existing visas, which got suspended, except electronic visa (e-Visa), tourist visa, and medical visa, will stand restored with immediate effect.
If the validity of suspended visas had expired, the foreign national might obtain a fresh visa of the appropriate category and sub-category from the Indian Mission or relevant post. In the case of a Medical Visa (including a visa for Medical Attendants), the Indian Mission may grant a Medical visa for an appropriate period to the foreign nationals intending to visit the country for medical treatment under emergencies.
India is a country known for its culture, heritage, historical temple style, variety of rivers, and wildlife. The country is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, deep Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The Indian civilization and culture inherit the tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava (The Guest is like God) from time immemorial.
India attracts a large number of tourists all over the world because of its diverse attractions and geographic location, India is therefore considered as an important tourist hotspot offering an array of experiences to the tourists.
The government of India issues the latest advisory guidance for international travel to India which mandates for all travelers.
Guidelines for Travelers During COVID-19 :
Masks are compulsory for all the nationals and tourists for your concern during this pandemic COVID-19 situation. If you are not wearing a mask while visiting a crowded place, a hospital or workplace or not maintaining social distance you are responsible for your condition. You have to follow The Indian Government guidelines. if you refuse or break any restrictions set by the Indian government. you must pay a heavy penalty according to Indian law and the Indian government can take strict action against you.
What kind of face-covering is best?
It must be:
Yes, restaurants are open in India but some restaurants are still closed during this pandemic COVID-19 situation. The restaurant checks individual temperatures before entry. If you want to go to a restaurant don't be afraid because restaurants take care of all your worries regarding your health, They follow the Indian Government restrictions, before giving you restrictions. They regularly sanitize the restaurants and their staff also follow every rule strictly. so, you have to fulfill the restaurant guidelines such as you have to be vaccinated and maintaining social distance, wearing a mask all time, and sanitizing your hands regularly to avoid the risk of getting infected.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
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