Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(As on 11 May, 2020)
Embassy of India in Buenos Aires, concurrently accredited to
Uruguay and Paraguay, has compiled these FAQs based on the queries it has
received through emails, emergency number and social media platforms covering a
range of issues. These have arisen from the extraordinary situation in view of
COVID-19 pandemic.
FAQs are divided into various sections. Indians in
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are requested to go through the FAQs. If there
are further queries or doubts, the Embassy may be contacted by email or
emergency number, as detailed below.
ASSISTANCE TO STRANDED INDIANS
1. There are Indian students, tourists and businessmen who wish
to go back to India even if they are quarantined on reaching India. How
should they proceed?
The Embassy understands that several Indian citizens including students,
professionals holding short-term visas, businesspersons and tourists, and some
others are unable to go back to India due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. As per
the notification of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India, scheduled
international flights into India remain suspended till
prohibition is lifted by the Government of India. The fresh dates for their
resumption are yet to be announced.
In the absence of any commercial flights, it will not
be possible for Indians to travel back to India. All Indians are requested to
stay put in their respective place till the commercial flights are resumed.
2. What help can Embassy
provide to Indian students / nationals stranded in Argentina, Uruguay and
Paraguay?
In case of any emergency due to COVID-19, all Indian
nationals may reach the Embassy at +54 11 4328 9141 (Office), + 54 9 11
63305703 (Mobile) and e-mail: cons.buenos@mea.gov.in.
The mail correspondence may kindly include full name, phone
number, current address, passport and visa details, and Indian / local contact
number.
Indian citizens in these three countries are
requested to adhere to the advice of the Public
Health authorities in these countries for their safety and well-being.
CASES WHERE VISAS ARE EXPIRING
3. What is Embassy’s advice for those whose visas have
expired or are about to expire?
Indian nationals / students should get their Visa /
Residency to the country of their residence duly extended in consultation with
their respective organizations / Institutions.
The Government of Argentina has, meanwhile, extended the
Residency of foreigners in the country by 30 days from the date of expiry. The
persons whose visas expire after that, may seek extension of stay through the
Direccion Nacional De Migraciones on withdrawal of the quarantine. More
information: Migraciones
Argentina.
The Government of Uruguay will treat as extended the
Residencies of the foreigners in the country, at the time of departure. More
information: Ministry
of Home Affairs - Uruguay.
TRAVEL PLANNING
4. Should people book tickets for
return journey to India? Until when is the ban expected to be in
place? When is a new advisory expected?
In light of the advisory by the Directorate General of Civil
Aviation of India and non-clarity of date of resumption of commercial flights,
it is perhaps advisable to plan the travel back to India as soon as situation
is clearer. Please continue to check for updates in this regard on the
Embassy’s website and social media platforms.
5. What guidance is currently offered for OCI holders /
other country nationals wanting to visit India for emergency reasons?
All visas and visa free travel to India for OCI card holders
are suspended till the prohibition on international air travel of passengers
from/to India is lifted by the Government of India. Detailed instructions may be
found on our website.
For more updates, please stay in touch with the Embassy
through its social media platforms or check the website for updates.
6. Where can one find updated official information
about travel restrictions and other advisories?
On the following websites and social media platforms:
Embassy’s social media: www.indembarg.gov.in - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram
Ambassador of India’s social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram
Ministry of External Affairs of India: www.mea.gov.in - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram
Ministry of Civil Aviation of India: www.civilaviation.gov.in - Twitter
Ministry of Home Affairs of India: www.mha.gov.in - Twitter
Indian Diplomacy: Twitter
EMBASSY’S PASSPORT / OCI AND OTHER CONSULAR SERVICES
7. Can we avail Passport renewal, Visa, Birth
Registration, Power of Attorney and other Consular Services from the Embassy
during lockdown?
Given the complete quarantine in Argentina, as decreed by
the President, it is not possible for people to travel within the country /
city. It has been extended up to 24 May 2020. Anyone requiring an emergency
service during the quarantine period, therefore, shall get in touch with the
Embassy through email or emergency number as provided in para 2 above.
Alternatively, they can send their applications duly filled in with requisite
documents and fees through courier for various services.
8. I have filled online OCI, Passport and other forms. What
will happen to these forms? Will I be able to use them when the services resume?
You may keep print outs of online application forms. These
may be used when regular services resume after the quarantine is lifted. The
Embassy is committed to minimize inconvenience to all the applicants.
9. What if my passport expires during the lockdown?
Kindly see response to para 7 above.
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