New Delhi, Mar 3 (KNN) In a move to protect Indian citizens from COVID19, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on Tuesday issued a revised travel advisory.

According to new advisory, the government has suspended visas to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan etc. issued on or before March 3rd.  

''All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect,'' said the Ministry in a statement.

However, the Ministry has also clarified that those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons, may seek fresh visa from nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.

The Ministry further said that visa/e visa granted to nationals of Peoples Republic of China, issued on or before February 5 were suspended earlier will remain in force.

Diplomats, officials of UN and other International bodies, OCI cardholders and Aircrew from above countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their medical screening is compulsory.

The Ministry has asked passengers of all international flights entering into India from any port are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to Health Officials and Immigration officials at all ports.

''Passengers (foreign and Indian) other than those restricted, arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must undergo medical screening at port of entry,'' the statement read further.

The Ministry of Health has also asked Indian citizens to refrain from travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, and Italy and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.

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