The Ministry of Health has released updated guidelines for overseas passengers arriving in India from February 14th. The distinction between ‘at-risk’ countries and other countries has been abolished.

The central government also advised a 14-day self-monitoring period following arrival, rather than the previous need of a seven-day home quarantine. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Health, “Besides uploading negative RT-PCR report (taken 72 hrs prior to journey), option to upload certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination provided from countries on a reciprocal basis,” 

India relaxes travel restrictions for international passengers |Key Points

• International travellers coming by seaports/land ports will have to follow the same routine as above, the order added, except that online registration is not currently possible for such passengers.
• On arrival at seaports/land ports, such travellers shall submit the self-declaration form to the appropriate authorities of the government of India
• All overseas travellers will be subjected to thermal screening by health experts stationed at the airport. The online self-declaration form must be shown to the airport health officials.
• International travellers who are found to be symptomatic during screening will be isolated and transported to a medical facility in accordance with health protocol. If they are found to be positive, their contacts will be identified and addressed according to policy.
• Upon arrival at the airport, a selection of passengers (2 percent of the total flight passengers) will be subjected to random post-arrival testing. The carriers in charge of each aircraft must identify such passengers (ideally from different countries). They will submit the samples and will then be allowed to leave the airport.
• If such travellers test positive, their samples should be forwarded to the INSACOG laboratory network for genomic testing. They will be treated/isolated in accordance with the established standard protocol.
• Before boarding a flight to India, travellers must fill out a self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal with complete and accurate information, including their previous 14 days’ travel details. Passengers are required to carry hard copies of the form submitted online.
• Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report or a full vaccination certificate. The test should have been completed within 72 hours of the departure flights to India.

– India’s new age travel digital media

Also Read: Bali Is Set To Reopen To Foreign Visitors