With the spike in coronavirus cases in India, the US Department of Embassy issued travel information amid Covid-19 that will help the traveler to prefer for the document to enter/depart India.
The State Department recommends that all U.S. citizens read the country-specific Travel restrictions and U.S. Embassy COVID-19 pages for updates on COVID-19 ‘s impact around the world.
Yet as a result of the global pandemic, the challenges of any international travel may include compulsory quarantines, travel restrictions and closed borders. Foreign governments could implement restrictions with little notice, even in previously low-risk destinations. If you choose to travel internationally, your journey may be severely disrupted, and travel back to the United States may be difficult to arrange.
COVID-19 Information for U.S. Citizens Entering India
Indian Visas & OCI Card Update
All Indian visas issued to citizens of any country before March 13, 2020 (except those issued to Diplomats, Official Passport Holders, UN / International Organizations, Jobs Visas, Project Visas and those operating aircraft of scheduled commercial airlines) and not yet entering India are suspended.
If you have an urgent need to travel to India, you must apply for your residence at the nearest Indian consulate. Currently, there are only certain forms of emergency visas issued.
Health Screening Requirement & Quarantine Regulations:
All international passengers are advised to check the country requirement of final destinations prior to departure and submit a self-declaration form at least 72 hours prior to departure for India
On arrival in India, thermal (fever) screening would be carried out for all international passengers at airports and seaports. Passengers who are symptomatic or tested positive for fever by automated fever scanners will be taken to approved isolation facilities for further assessment and testing for the COVID-19-causing viruses.
- If the passenger is diagnosed as positive then they will be held at the isolation facility for further management.
- If two consecutive laboratory tests are negative of samples collected 24-48 hours apart, they will be released after the symptoms resolve. When symptoms recur over the next 28 days, they will be given COVID-19 information material urging them to self-report.
- For further follow-up of these passengers at their homes for the next 28 days, the information on these passengers will be shared with the staff of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
On arrival, all travelers seeking entry to India must quarantine. The criteria for quarantine differ according to destination in India. For information on quarantine requirements please contact your nearest Indian consulate before traveling to India. In some instances, COVID-negative certificates may be required; please contact the Indian Consulate to find out whether you will be required to submit a certificate.
Covid-19 Information For Departing India
The US Embassy has stopped organizing repatriation flights to the United States. There are now few international flights that operate from India. Many airlines limit boarding based on status as a U.S. citizen or resident. Passengers who wish to arrange a flight should contact the airline directly for eligibility determinations. The US Embassy has no authority over procedures for airline boarding.
According to the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, regular visas and e-visas of foreign nationals who have been stranded in India due to COVID-19 spread and travel restrictions imposed by the Indian authorities whose visas have expired or will expire before commercial flights resume, may be extended after an online application has been made. Exit also should be given without any overstay penalty levied. Travelers may contact the FRRO to ensure they have the correct exit permit.
Covid-19 Information While Entering the United States
In an attempt to lower the spread of COVID-19, several Presidential proclamations imposed restrictions on the entry of certain travelers into the United States. For information regarding current entry restrictions of the United States, please visit the Latest Travel Restrictions On The Interactive Travel Map
