Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Consulate provide an exemption certificate to waive off Institutional Quarantine so
that I can reach my family quickly?
Please refer to the latest travel advisory for all international passengers issued by Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=79
However, quarantine will be as per guidelines by local State and Central Government authorities
in India and the Consulate does not have authority to waive off the quarantine.
Exceptional cases may be assessed by the receiving states and home quarantine may be
permitted for 14 days.
2. I have booked my flight from SFO-DEL-BLR. Where will I be quarantined?
Passengers booked to the final destination on Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flights will be
quarantined at the final port of arrival. However passengers booked on VBM flights and
connecting on domestic flights will need to do customs, immigration, quarantine at the port of
first entry. For example, a passenger travelling on flight number ABC operating San Francisco -
Delhi – Bengaluru, up to Bengaluru, will be quarantined at Bengaluru. However, if a passenger
travelling on flight number XYZ operating San Francisco – Delhi and travelling onwards to
Bengaluru on any other flight number will be quarantined at Delhi.
3. Can we get an exemption to quarantine if we get tested for COVID the day before travel?
To know about quarantine exemption, please refer to the latest travel advisory for all
international passengers issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=79
4. I have completed the registration online with the Embassy but haven't received the
registration number yet. How do I get it?
Please be informed that you will not be receiving a registration number or confirmation email
when you register with the Embassy. If you have registered successfully, your details will be
automatically updated in our database.
5. I am an US citizen and an OCI cardholder. Can I travel to India now?
As per the latest guidelines, all OCI card holders holding US Passport are permitted to enter
India. You may also refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=81
6. I have a valid multiple entry tourist visas for India and a US passport. I am of Indian origin and
but I don’t have OCI. I would like to visit India due to family emergency. Is it possible to get a
special permit from the Consulate that would allow me to visit India?
Due to the current travel restrictions in place due to the pandemic, the multiple entry/ e-visa
remains suspended until further notice. If you are an Indian origin US national who wants to
avail Indian visa on account of family emergencies, you may apply for an emergency visa. To
apply, please refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/emergency-visa-instructions/ and follow
the instructions.
7. Can I book the tickets through other commercial airlines?
As per the existing guidelines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines are also allowed to carry
registered passengers alongside Air India. We recommend to book direct flights from to USA to
India.
8. Parents are Indian Citizens and holds Indian Passports. Minor children are US citizens and they
hold valid Indian visa. Can we travel now?
Due to the current travel restrictions in place, the multiple entry/ e-visa remains suspended until
further notice. You may apply for an emergency visa for your minor children. To apply, please
refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/emergency-visa-instructions/ and follow the
instructions.
9. Is it mandatory to register with the Embassy if we go by other commercial airlines apart from
the Vande Bharat Mission flight?
Yes, before you book the tickets through any airlines, please register at:
Indian Nationals: indianembassyusa.gov.in/reg_indian_nationals
OCI Card holders: indianembassyusa.gov.in/reg_oci_indian_nationals
10. How do I know the current status of my OCI application?
If you have any query regarding your OCI application status, please write to our OCI Team at
However, if the OCI processing is pending and you are in urgent need to travel, please apply for
emergency visa. To apply, please refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/emergency-visa-
instructions/ and follow the instructions.
11. Can we apply the OCI Card from India?
You can apply for the OCI card from India at the nearest FRRO office.
