In an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, Indian government authorities have expanded the existing international travel restrictions. On March 16, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare placed a complete ban on passengers flying in to the country from the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, including Turkey and the United Kingdom. The ban is also applicable to Indian passport holders who are trying to fly back to India.
And that's not all! The Indian health ministry has also imposed a mandatory two-week quarantine period for all the passengers arriving from or transiting through Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and UAE. As per the official statement, both these travel and visa bans, though temporary, shall come into effect from 1200 hours (GMT) on March 18, 2020 at the port of initial departure and remain in place till March 31, 2020 after which it is expected to be reviewed.
These fresh travel advisories were announced by the health ministry while addressing a joint press conference with the Ministry of External Affairs on March 16. The MEA has also set up COVID-19 helpline numbers to spread awareness and help the people in distress due to travel restrictions caused by the lethal outbreak.
COVID-19, or coronavirus, has already claimed three lives in India. The global death count caused by the pandemic stands well in excess of 7,100 and counting.
If you, or anyone you know who's stuck in any of these countries, call the above given numbers to get best advice. Also, make sure you avoid unnecessary travel till COVID-19 gets contained.
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