Coronavirus: Foreigners Who Went To China After Jan 15 Not Allowed To Enter India, Says DGCA

The circular, issued on Saturday, also reiterated that all visas, as well as e-visas issued to Chinese nationals before February 5, have been suspended with immediate effect.

However, the visa restrictions are not applicable to the aircrew, who may either be Chinese nationals or other foreign nationalities coming from China.

New Delhi: Amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus with China as its epicenter, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Sunday said that foreigners, who went to China on or after January 15, will not be allowed to enter India. The decision comes when the toll due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus rose to 813 in China on Sunday. "Foreigners who have been to China on or after January 15, 2020, are not allowed to enter India from any air, land or seaport including India-Nepal, Indo-Bhutan, Indo-Bangladesh or Indo-Myanmar land borders," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has said in a circular. The circular, issued on Saturday, also reiterated that all visas, as well as e-visas issued to Chinese nationals before February 5, have been suspended with immediate effect. "No Chinese national, as well as other foreigners presently in China, are allowed to travel to India on existing Regular (sticker) visa or e-visa, which they hold (issued prior to Feb 05, 2020). In case of compelling reasons to travel to India, such persons may get in touch with Embassy in Beijing or Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou for new visas," the circular said. However, the visa restrictions are not applicable to the aircrew, who may either be Chinese nationals or other foreign nationalities coming from China. Amid a rising pneumonia scare caused due to the virus outbreak, Indigo and Air India have temporarily suspended flight operations in and around China. Meanwhile, PM Modi has expressed solidarity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the outbreak of coronavirus, news agency ANI said citing sources.  In a letter written to Chinese President, PM offered India's assistance to face the challenge and offered condolences at the unfortunate loss of lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed appreciation for the facilitation provided by the Government of China for the evacuation of Indian citizens from the Hubei province of China.