India allows entry of foreign visitors after more than 7 months

India today allowed the entry of international visitors by relaxing visa restrictions for all foreigners with the exception of tourists.

In a statement, the Indian Home Ministry said, "The government has now 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. Therefore, it has been decided to permit all Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders and all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except on a tourist visa."

The Indian government suspended all visas on March 11 and put curbs on domestic and international flights later that month due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ministry said foreign visitors can enter India only through authorised airports and seaport immigration check posts. "All such travellers will, however, have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and other health/Covid-19 matters," the statement said.

The government has also decided to restore with immediate effect all existing visas, except electronic tourist and medical visas, the ministry said.