India temporarily suspends visa on arrival for Japanese, S Korean nationals amid coronavirus fears

India has temporarily suspended visa on arrival services for nationals of Japan and South Korea in view of surge in number of coronavirus cases in two countries, Indian embassy here said on Friday.

development comes a day after India evacuated 119 Indians and 5 foreigners who were on board coronavirus-hit cruise ship, Diamond Princess, moored off Japanese coast.

Out of 3,711 people on board ship, over 700 people tested positive for disease. Elsewhere in country, over 160 people have been found to be infected with disease.

With COVID-19 cases surpassing 2,000, South Korea has become biggest cluster to have infections outside China. A total of 13 people have died of virus in country.

According to an AFP report, more than 90 per cent of new cases were in Daegu city, epicentre of outbreak in South Korea, and neighbouring rth Gyeongsang province.

RE | Coronavirus Fears Prompt Quarantined Chinese To Turn Towards Online Health Consultations

"In view of recent outbreak of COVID-19, VISA ON ARRIVAL which was available only for nationals of Japan and South Korea has been temporarily suspended," Indian embassy tweeted.

"Regular visas continue to be processed and may be applied for," it said.

Earlier, India h on February 2 suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China following surge in number of COVID-19 cases in country.

Furr tightening visa rules, India on February 4 cancelled existing visas for Chinese and foreigners who h visited country in last two weeks.

vel coronavirus emerged in early December and traced to a market in Hubei's capital Wuhan that sold wild animals.

death toll due to dely disease rose to 2,788 in China with 44 more deaths, while confirmed cases climbed to 78,824, according to Chinese health officials on Friday. 

RE | China: Various Hotlines Spring Up As Coronavirus Fears Take Toll On Public's Mental Health

RE | WHO Expert Team Visits Wuhan City In Hubei Province Amid Mounting Coronavirus Fears