The Government of India has invoked Disaster Management Act for prevention of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and has taken the following decisions in this regard:

- All existing visas, except diplomatic, official UN/International Organisations, employment, project visas stand suspended till 15th April, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.

- All incoming traellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th February 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March, 2020 at the port of departure.

- Incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.

- Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return, they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

2. A Presss Release issued on 11th March, 2020 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is attached herewith for your kind information.

3. You are requested to take note of the New Travel Advisory and share it with your relatives/friends for prevention of COVID-19.

Warm regards,

(Suresh Kumar)

First Secretary (Consular)

11th March, 20