Important : Who cannot Return to India? Many Indians Stranded in Foreign Countries

On Mar 19, 2020

New Delhi : Concerns are also being raised about Indian citizens trapped abroad due to rising cases of Coronavirus in the country. Meanwhile, the Indian government sent special aircraft to bring back the stranded Indians in several countries including China, Iran, while a large number of Indian nationals are still stranded in many other countries who want to return home. But can all citizens stranded abroad return to the country? The answers to all the questions asked in this regard are here.

1. In which countries the trapped Indians cannot return?
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, No airline will carry a passenger from Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom. It will be effective from March 18, 2020 (12.00 GMT). Apart from this, no airline will carry any passengers from Philippines, Malaysia and Afghanistan. In respect of these countries, this directive is already applicable from 17 March 2020 (IST 15.00).

2. Will they be kept in Quarantine when they come to India?

All passengers arriving / leaving from UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait after March 18, 2020 (12.00 GMT) will be placed in Quarantine. Those who have visited China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany after February 15, 2020 will also be excluded.

3. Will passengers passing through restricted countries be allowed?
Passengers will not be allowed to transit from restricted countries. No passengers will be allowed to board the aircraft from these countries for India.

4. Will Indians who transit from China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany be kept separate when they arrive in the country?

Yes, all travelers coming from these countries will be kept separate when they come to India.

5. Is COVID-19 a certificate of being negative is mandatory for all Indians?

The said certificate is mandatory only for those who are coming from Republic of Korea or Italy. Passengers arriving from Italy will not be allowed to board the aircraft after 12.00 GMT on March 18, 2020.

6. Will Indians coming through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait be kept separate on their return to the country?
Yes, passengers going through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait will be kept in Quarantine on reaching India. It takes effect from March 18, 2020 (GMT 12.00).