The Government has decided to move for a graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for all foreign nationals as well as Indians who wants to travel or leave India except for tourism purpose. On 22 October, it has decided by the government to restore with immediate effect all existing visas, barring electronic, tourist, and medical categories, almost eight months after their suspension following the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent imposition of a nationwide lockdown

In the latest order, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)on Thursday said that it has been decided to permit all Person of Indian Origin (OCI) and Overseas Citizen of India (PIO) cardholders and all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except tourism to enter by air or water routes through authorized airports and seaport immigration check posts through flights operated under Vande Bharat Mission, Air Transport Bubble arrangements or by any non scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

All such travelers will however have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and other health connected COVID-19 matters, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in its order. Under this graded relaxation, the Government has also decided to restore with immediate effect all existing visas except electronic visa, Tourist Visa and Medical Visa. If the validity of such visas has expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from Indian Mission or Posts concerned. However, in case of medical visa, a foreign national who intends to visit India for medical treatment can apply for a Medical Visa including for their medical attendants, the Home Ministry added.

The US State Dept proposes not to issue temporary business visas