The travel restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic have hit the NRI community of the world. With the deadly second wave, many countries have imposed tighter restrictions on India. The travel bans have especially been difficult for NRIs living in Gulf countries. Did you know that the UAE accounted for nearly 3.5 million Indians nationals and Saudi Arabia is home to about 2.5 million Indians? There are Indians scattered in while Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait as well. If you are one of the many Indians looking to travel to the Gulf countries, here are all the restrictions you should know.
1. Saudi Arabia
You can now fly to Saudi Arabia under the new air travel bubble agreement that came into effect starting January 1, 2022. However, these travellers will have to provide a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival.
Also read: Book UAE-India Flights For As Low As Dh250 For These 13 Cities
2. Kuwait
Amid the rising number of cases, Kuwait has mandated COVID-19 booster dose for travellers wishing to travel to the country. The booster dose is given to those who have completed nine months of the second dose of the vaccine. Meanwhile, Kuwait is has resumed commercial flights with India and Egypt, among other countries, while adhering to the COVID-19 measures.
3. Qatar
Qatar was the only Gulf country that had not suspended flights from India. However, they had made the RT-PCR test mandatory for travellers from India and transit through India. However now, Qatar added Inida, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippenes and Egypt to its red list amid the surge in COVID cases.
4. Bahrain
Amid the increase in COVID-19 cases, Bahrain issued fresh COVID-19 guidelines. As per the new rules, fully vaccinated air passengers must present a certificate COVID negative certificate taken within 72 hours of their departure. In fact, Bahrain had become a transit hub for NRIs intending to travel to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
