Travel

India’s Latest Guidelines on International Travel

The rules and regulations governing international travel to and from India have been constantly evolving in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a summary of the most recent developments:

February 2023

From February 13, passengers coming to India from or via China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will not require a negative RT-PCR report for COVID-19. Additionally, they will no longer have to fill out a self-health declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal. Random testing on arrival in India will continue.

January 2023

Indian travelers going to Sri Lanka will have to follow the country’s revised COVID-19 protocols, including carrying their vaccination cards. Unvaccinated travelers must also carry a negative PCR report obtained 72 hours prior to arrival.

December 2022

  • On December 29, 2022, India’s Federal Health Minister announced that RT-PCR tests will be mandatory from January 1, 2023, for international passengers traveling from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the journey.
  • Negative RT-PCR reports must be uploaded on the Air Suvidha portal before travel.
  • Two percent random testing will also be conducted on international passengers arriving in India, regardless of their port of departure.
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Air India Guidelines

Air India Express, India’s first international budget carrier, has issued guidelines for travelers coming from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. The guidelines include being immunized, wearing masks, and following physical distancing guidelines.

Qatar and Serbia

Qatar has reinstated the visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travelers, and Serbia has discontinued visa-free travel for Indian citizens.

New Guidelines

New guidelines applicable for international arrivals have been released. All travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated and should fill out the Air Suvidha form to declare their current health status.

Increased Cautiousness

India is becoming increasingly cautious due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries and the ongoing holiday and festive season. Visitors to the Taj Mahal will now undergo a COVID-19 test before entering, and wearing masks is being encouraged, especially in closed spaces.

Travel Advisory

A travel advisory has been issued for Delhi international airport, urging travelers to arrive at least 3.5 hours early and bring only one piece of carry-on luggage for quick security checks.

Relaxations and New Flights

Germany has relaxed visa appointment rules for Indian tourists, while IndiGo has announced new flights between India and Europe. Air India is also launching new flights to various destinations, including the US and Europe.

Summer Schedule

India’s domestic air fare caps are set to end, and the summer schedule for international flights will commence from March 27, 2022.

Relaxations in Various Countries

Several countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, have lifted or relaxed travel restrictions for international travelers.

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Entry Requirements

Entry requirements and visa policies may vary, so it is important for travelers to check the latest guidelines and regulations before planning their trips.

Conclusion

The guidelines for international travel to and from India are constantly evolving as the situation with COVID-19 changes. It is important for travelers to stay updated on the latest rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and safe journey. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the iBlog website.

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