West Bengal And Tamil Nadu Make RT-PCR Test Mandatory For UAE Passengers

The Indian Consulate in Dubai and Air India Express recently announced that a negative reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test report is mandatory for all international passengers arriving to India. The new rule is effective in two Indian states- West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. On that note, here’s a 7 step guide if you’re traveling from India to UAE.

Air India Announces New Rules For International Arrivals

In a tweet posted on 6 September, Air India announced that all travellers arriving in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will now have to submit a negative reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test report. The new rule applies to passengers travelling from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to India. Pre-departure RT-PCR test is still optional for states other than Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Passengers with the report can exit the airport faster, thereby minimizing the chance of exposure while waiting for immigration or baggage clearance. Meanwhile, Emirates Announces Mandatory Covid Negative Certificate For Travellers From 10 Countries.

Air Suvidha Still Mandatory

Passengers who wish to skip paid institutional quarantine in India must submit the exemption form on the portal of the New Delhi Airport. Submitting a self declaration form prior to boarding is also mandatory for all passengers flying from the UAE. The Exemption Request form can be submitted 72 hours before boarding the flight.

Who Are Eligible For Home Quarantine?

Only passengers with a negative RT-PCR test result will be allowed to quarantine at home. In addition, travelers falling under one of these categories are also eligible to quarantine at home:

1. Pregnant women

2. Those who are flying due to a death in the family or serious illness

3. parents accompanied by children below ten years

India Extends Ban On International Passenger Flights Till September 30

Coronavirus cases in India are on the rise and to take all the preventive measures one can, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till September 30. Earlier, the DGCA announced that international commercial passenger flights shall remain suspended till August 31.

“However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” noted the DGCA in a circular.

Also read: Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm Offers Free Covid Test For Those Staying For More Than 5 Days

Flights To Continue Operations On Selected Routes

The scheduled international passenger service continues to remain halted in India since March 23. Meantime, several international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission. India launched this mission in May to evacuate Indians stranded in different parts of the world. These flights have been operating under bilateral air bubble arrangements with other countries since July.

Also read: This Island In Brazil Is Welcoming Visitors Who’ve Had Covid-19

So far, India has created air bubbles with USA, UK, France, Germany, UAE, Qatar and Maldives. India is in talks with many more countries to create air bubbles. The country is in talks with Australia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Bahrain, Israel, Kenya, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan. The idea behind these air bubbles is to secure continuity of travel between India and these countries by eligible categories of people till schedule flights resume. Air India currently operates flights to Singapore, UK, Netherlands and Germany.