Union home ministry to restore with all existing visas with few exceptions.

New Delhi, Oct. 22 : The Union home ministry announced on Thursday that it had decided to restore with immediate effect all existing visas, except in the electronic, tourist and medical categories, almost eight months after being suspended following the coronavirus outbreak and the imposition of a nationwide lockdown.

The MHA said it was giving permission to all Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders and other foreign nationals to visit India for any purpose, except on a tourist visa.

This will enable foreign nationals to visit India for various purposes like business, conferences, employment, studies and research. “The government has 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,” the MHA order said.

If the validity of such visas has expired, fresh visas can be obtained from the Indian mission or post concerned.

The permission for OCI and foreign nationals to enter India includes air or water routes through authorised airports and seaport immigration check posts, and includes flights under the Vande Bharat Mission.

All travellers must follow Union health ministry guidelines regarding quarantine and other Covid-19 protocols.