Those with visas issued after November 3 will not be affected, China said.
New Delhi:
China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry of foreign nationals from India even with valid visas or residence permits due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi said on Thursday. Indian government sources said the order was not specific to India and Beijing, concerned about COVID-19 cases, has issued similar orders for other countries. Those with visas issued after November 3 will not be affected.
Visitors from Britain, France, Belgium, Bangladesh and the Philippines will also face similar restrictions.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hereby announced that China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China of foreign nationals in India who hold valid Chinese visas or residence permits,” the embassy said in a note.
“The Chinese embassy / consulates in India will not stamp health declaration forms for holders of the aforementioned visa or residence permit categories,” he said.
The note, published on the embassy’s website, clarifies that foreign holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy and C visas from China are not affected.
“Foreigners with emergency or humanitarian needs to visit China can submit a visa application to the Chinese embassy / consulates in India. Entry to China with visas issued after November 3 is not affected,” he said.
The embassy said the suspension is a temporary measure that China has to adapt to deal with the current pandemic.
“China will make further adjustments and announce in a timely manner in accordance with the current pandemic situation,” he said.
Indian government sources said the move was temporary and future visas will not be affected. “The measure is not specific to India. It should be noted that similar measures have been announced with respect to several other countries,” the sources said.
“The reason behind the move appears to be China’s concern about the possible increase in COVID-19 cases globally, exacerbated by the arrival of autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere. The government of India is in contact with the Chinese side to facilitate essential Indians travel to and from China, “they added.
India is the second most infected nation in the world after the United States with more than 83 lakh of COVID-19 cases. China, where the virus originated late last year, has largely controlled its outbreak through strict travel restrictions and strict health measures for anyone entering the country.
In March, when the virus spread around the world, China closed its borders to all foreign citizens.
It gradually eased restrictions to allow those stranded abroad to return with special permission from their embassies, negative COVID-19 tests, and a two-week quarantine upon arrival.
(With inputs from agencies)
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