On Wednesday, India suspended all visas till April 15 amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Central government announced the suspension of all visas to India till April 15, as part of the measures to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.
The suspension, which will come into effect on March 13 at the port of departure, excludes diplomatic, official, United Nations or international organisations, employment, and project visas, as per an official release.
The discussion in this regard was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan with several Union Ministers at Nirmal Bhawan in the national capital on Wednesday.
"All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International organisations, employment and project visas stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure," said the release.
In addition, the visa-free travel facility granted to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, is kept in abeyance till April 15, effective from March 13.
Any foreign national, who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission, the statement reads.
Types of Visas
1. Medical Visa
2. Medical Attendant Visa
3. Student Visa
4. Employment Visa
5. Business Visa
6. (i) Entry (X) Visa for dependents of Employment Visa, Business Visa, Student & Research Visa
6. (ii) Entry (X) Visa (Spouse or dependent of Indian citizen/Person of Indian Origin)
6. (iii) Entry (X) Visa (Others)
7. Journalist Visa
8. Research Visa
9. Conference Visa
10. Project Visa
11. Missionary Visa
DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED FOR EXTENSION OF VISA
Click here for full list of documents
How to apply online on IndainFRRO.gov.in
User Creation
Create User-id/Password by registering online
User Authentication
Valid Email ID and Mobile Number in India is required for obtaining the One Time Password (OTP). Foreigners should register with their own email ID and provide valid Mobile Number in India for receiving OTP and other status updates/alerts at various stages of processing.
Login with Valid credentials
Once user-id/password is successfully created, the foreign national can submit online application by selecting the appropriate service and uploading the requisite documents.
Online Application Submission and Document Upload
The application form should be carefully filled and any errors should be avoided. Further, necessary documents and photograph should be uploaded online in the designated format. The application would not be successfully submitted unless the documents and photographs are uploaded online successfully.
Successful Submission of Application
The application would be scrutinized by Visa Officers only if the application has been successfully submitted. Upon scrutiny, necessary instructions with regard to application i.e. Fee Payment, Correction of Selected/desired Service, re-uploading of documents etc would be conveyed to the Foreigner through email/SMS alerts.
Online Fee Payment
The foreigner would be intimated to deposit the requisite fee, if any, for the service. The fee has to be deposited online through Bank Payment gateway available on the portal. Amount of fee would be intimated through email/sms alerts.
Status Updates/Alerts
The foreigner can track the status of the application through our portal. For any clarification, our Support Centre can be contacted.
Service Granted/Rejected
Upon Grant/Rejection of service, the same would be intimated to the foreigner. His/Her RC/RP etc would be sent through email or it can also be downloaded from our portal by signing in.
Exigency/Emergency Scenarios
The foreigner can approach the concerned Civil Authority i.e. FRRO/FRO office directly in case of exigency/emergency. Upon satisfaction of the case, the services can also be granted directly at the FRRO/FRO level. Make sure that services granted are electronic and not manual. You may face hurdles at the Immigration Check Posts in case of manual services.
1. What is e-FRRO?
e-FRRO is online FRRO/FRO Service delivery mechanism for foreigners without requirement of visiting FRRO/FRO Office.
2. Who needs to apply for e-FRRO?
All foreigners who desire Visa and Immigration related services in India viz. Registration, Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, Exit Permit etc need to apply for e-FRRO.
3. How to apply for e-FRRO?
Foreigners are required to create their own USER-ID by registering themselves online on e-FRRO portal. Afterwards, they are required to apply online through registered user-id for various Visa and Immigration related services in India viz. Registration, Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, Exit Permit etc, without any hassle and obtain the service(s) without coming to FRRO/FRO office.
4. Do I need to visit FRRO/FRO office after applying through e-FRRO?
No requirement of taking appointment and visiting FRRO/FRO office unless specifically called upon by the FRRO/FRO concerned. Intimation would be sent through sms/email on the registered mobile/email-id.
5. How to make payment?
Upon successful uploading of application and documents, the foreigner would be intimated to deposit the requisite fee online, if any, for the service. The fee has to be deposited online through Bank Payment gateway available on the portal. Amount of fee would be intimated through email/sms alerts.
6. How would I get RC/RP?
RC/RP, Exit Permit etc would sent by post on the “Address in India” mentioned in the online application form.
7. Do I need Endorsement on my Passport?
There would not be any requirement of endorsement on passport. In case, there is any such requirement, you would be intimated by the FRRO/FRO concerned to visit their office.
8. What to do in emergency/exigency?
The foreigner can approach the concerned Civil Authority i.e. FRRO/FRO office directly in case of exigency/emergency. Upon satisfaction of the case, the services can also be granted directly at the FRRO/FRO level. Make sure that services granted are electronic and not manual. You may face hurdles at the Immigration Check Posts in case of manual services.
9. What happens if there is delay in fee payment or document uploading?
Foreigner would be liable for prosecution/fines as per Indian laws, for any delay in fee payment/document upload/not attending interview etc.
10. Do I need to use my own email-id for registration?
Yes. It is mandatory to use personal email ID. Foreigners should use their own email id to ensure data privacy and data security as important communication would be sent to your email.
11. Can I apply for my family members through my own ID?
Yes. You can submit applications for your family members from same ID. However you would be required to submit/fill individual online forms for each member of your family.
12. How would I know about status of my application?
At every stage of processing, the status of your application would be shared via SMS/Email. You can also track your status by logging into your dashboard through registered Email-ID/Password.
Other notes:
e-FRRO is now applicable for foreigners in the jurisdiction of all FRROs/FROs.
e-FRRO is mandatory for availing services at FRROs/FROs.
Services would be granted at FRRO/FRO office only in case of exigency/emergency.
The foreigner is required to appear for interview if any, at scheduled time/date, as intimated by FRRO through email/sms alerts.
Foreigner should check their inbox daily for email alerts.
Foreigner would be liable for prosecution/fines as per Indian laws, for any delay in fee payment/document upload/interview etc.
This service is not applicable for diplomats/officials who are under jurisdiction of CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs.
Foreigners are encouraged to upload documents and photographs in good quality.
Foreigners should use their own email id to ensure data privacy and data security as important communication would be sent to your email.
Services rendered though e-FRRO can be cancelled by the Civil Authority any time, upon field enquiries and verification. Cancellation would be duly intimated to the foreigner and necessary action, as per Indian Laws, would be taken against the foreigner.
Foreigners are advised to apply at least 2 weeks in advance.
For more visit: FRRO's website
