As the Omicron variant spreads waves of fears across the world, the Indian government has issued new travel guidelines for international travellers. A high-level meeting was held to ensure public health preparedness. So, if you’re travelling to India from abroad, especially from ‘at-risk’ nations, read on to know and stay updated about the latest travel rules, right from testing, quarantine to long queues at airports.
Air Suvidha Form Is Mandatory
According to the updated list, South Africa, Brazil, Zimbabwe, China, Botswana, Israel, the UK, New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, Hong Kong and Zimbabwe are designated as “at-risk” nations. All travellers arriving in India from abroad must mandatorily upload a Covid-19 negative RT-PCR report conducted 72 hours before departure on the Air Suvidha portal. The self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal will compel you to reveal your travel history for the past 14 days. Travellers arriving from countries excluding at-risk nations can leave the airport in India and self-monitor for 14 days post-arrival. Around 5 per cent of travellers may have to undergo random testing at the airport on arrival in India.
Also Read: Malaysia Announces New Omicron Travel Guidelines; Here’s Everything To Know
Rules For Passengers From At-Risk Countries
Travellers transiting or originating from at-risk nations must under RT-PCR tests post-arrival. They must await their results at the airport before taking a connecting flight or leaving. If they test negative, they can undergo home quarantine for 7 days. And then again undergo a re-test on the 8th day of staying in India. On testing negative again, they must further self-monitor for the next one week.
Also Read: Germany Omicron Update: Those With COVID-19 Booster Shots Do Not Need To Undergo Testing
If Passengers From At-Risk Countries Test Covid Positive On Arrival In India
In case passengers from at-risk countries test Covid-19 positive on arrival in India their samples will be sent to the laboratory for genomic testing. They will be shifted to an isolation facility and treated as per the standard protocols. The contacts of these Covid-19 positive patients will be kept under home or institutional quarantine and monitored strictly as per the state government guidelines.
Also Read: Mumbai International Airport: Price Of Rapid RT-PCR Test Capped To ₹1975
Ways To Beat Long Queues At Airport On Arrival In India
On arriving in India, passengers can expect long queues that can sauce delays in proceedings on some days. To beat long queues arrive in India on the early morning flight, you’d find the airport to be quite empty. Another way to beat the airport crowd is to opt for Meet-and-Assist services. You can check out faster. From porter services, fast-track at immigrations to buggies, expect amenities that would help you speed out of the airport.