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India’s Guidelines On International Travel – Latest Rules Amendment

In India, the ‘Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’ has recently published ‘New Guidelines for International Flyer Arrivals’. According to the latest laws, there will be a direct impact on international flight tickets online in India. These rules specifically address the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Indian government and aviation industry actively updating norms to ensure safety and control. They have modified the new international travel guidelines in response to the declining trajectory of COVID-19 cases worldwide.

Scope of International Arrivals New Guidelines

According to the new guidelines administered by the Indian government for international arrival, international travelers will have to comply with certain new protocols at the entry points (airports, seaports, and land border). These latest rules will be valid from 13th February 2023 (11.00 Hrs IST) till the next orders by the government.

So if you are traveling on affordable flight tickets to India after 13th February at 11 AM from or via China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, you will not need a negative RT-PCR report from a pre-departure test for COVID-19. In fact, you will no longer have to fill up the self-health declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal either from these five mentioned countries. The Indian government has passed new laws, implementing a policy of conducting only 2% random tests upon arrival in India from any country.

This policy started on 24 December 2022 and will continue until the next update. For say, if you book cheap flight tickets to India after 13th February 2023, then you will have to abide by the latest travel guidelines for international travelers (no negative RT-PCR report & self-health declaration form). However, you will have to get a 2% test on arrival from any country around the world

Latest Guidelines On International Traveler Arrival

Planning for International Travel

The latest international travel guidelines require travelers to have completed a full vaccination course according to an approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their respective countries.

During International Travel

There will always be in-flight announcements about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including precautionary measures. Travelers must use face masks and follow physical distance on flights/travel and at all points of entry.
Authorities will isolate airline passengers displaying COVID-19 symptoms during travel according to the standard protocol. For instance, if you are traveling on last minute tickets to India, then you must wear a face mask, isolate and segregate yourself from other passengers in-flight/travel, and shift to an isolation ward later for follow-up check-up and treatment.

On International Arrival

Officials will conduct de-boarding to ensure physical distancing and eliminate the chances of Covid-19 spread.
Flyers will undergo thermal screening by the health officials available at the point of entry.
Authorities will immediately isolate and transport travelers found with symptoms during screening to a designated medical facility in accordance with the health protocol.
The new travel guidelines also require following the below-mentioned protocol post-arrival.: –

a) A sub-section of approximately 2% of the total flyers* in the flight must undergo random Covid-19 testing at the airport on arrival post-arrival.
b) Concerned airlines from different countries must identify travelers on each flight, including business class international flights. Subsequently, each passenger must submit samples for Covid-19 testing and then leave the airport afterward.
c)If any passenger tests positive, the concerned authorities must send the same sample for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network.
D) Furthermore, authorities must treat/isolate travelers who test positive for Covid-19 as per the standard protocol.

Passengers must self-monitor their health post-arrival and further report to the nearest health facility or call the National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case of any Covid-19 positive symptoms occur.

*Important Note* Children under 12 years of age are exempt from Covid-19 random testing post-arrival. However, if authorities detect any symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival or during the self-monitoring period, they will conduct testing on children and provide further treatment according to the laid-down protocol. For instance, if you are coming via international flight tickets online in India with kids, then your children might not require to undergo certain random tests. You can checkout Flyopedia.ca for flight tickets from Canada to India.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are the frequently asked questions about the latest guidelines on international travel issued by the Indian government: –

Q – What Are The New International Flyer Arrivals Guidelines?

A – To keep Covid-19 under control, the Indian government has introduced some new amendments to the international flyer arrival guidelines.

Q – When Will The Latest International Travel Guidelines Be Followed?

A – Each airport within the country will follow the new rules for international air travel from 13th February 2023.

Q – Is There Any Exemption For Children?

A – Yes, children under 12 years of age aren’t required to undergo Covid-19 random testing. However, they will have to follow all the protocols if any positive symptoms are found.

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