COVID19 Related Updates
KAW 2020 EC COVID Relief Support : A 10-point Plan
KAW EC Team has come up with a 10-point plan to keep serving the community even during these challenging and restricted times.
Please listen to
this video
with an overview of the plan from our President, Mr. Ojus John.
The Plan
- “Ask Our Doctors”: Web conference with Doctors panel
- DIY (Do It Yourself) video series
- Learning Resources: Online Books, Videos, Classes
- Immigration / Visa Helpline: Guidance for Consulate-related queries
- Community Engagement Channel: Creative platform for online activities
- KAW Youth Club: Online programs for our youngsters
- Caring for the Community: extend a helping hand to those affected by COVID-19
- KAW Website: Updated with Covid-19 related information
- KAW Toll-free Number
- KAW Seattle Community Facebook Group: An information sharing platform
Travel Advisories
There are few things you need to know if you are planning to travel to India. The ban affects OCI card holders too. In view of the rapid spread of coronavirus, the Government of India has issued the following instructions:- All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN / International Organizations, employment and project visas, stand suspended till 15 April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT (0800 EST) on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till 15 April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT (0800 EST) on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Any foreign national who might need to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission / Consulate.
- All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15 February 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT (0800 EST) on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.
- All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, would be subject to medical screening and can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
- International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities. Ministry of Home Affairs will separately notify these check posts.
What if I have an emergency?
Any foreign national who might need to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission / Consulate.In view of the current scenario regarding COVID-19 and subsequent travel restrictions by the Government of India, people who need help for travel in an emergency/compelling reason may contact the following:
E-mail: oci2.sf@mea.gov.in
Emergency Number : +1 415 483 6629 (You can try calling, but you will get the voice mail, and an auto SMS text message to send email)
The Consulate suggests all queries be sent by email
Self-Declaration Form
People travelling to India from other countries are required to fill up a self-declaration form upon arrival at the airport as a part of preventive measures announced by the government amid rising concerns over coronavirus infections. The form must be filled up in duplicate and handed over at immigration and heath counters at the airport for clearance to enter the country. While the forms are available at the airports and can be filled upon arrival, having a filled printout ready could save you a lot of time and the inconvenience of standing in queue. You could download the form here.Other Helpful Resources
Public Health - Seattle and King County Coronavirus Information PageCDC COVID 19 Updates