International Air Travel possible with new rules and regulations

In this covid-19 pandemic where life has almost come to still, there is a little relief with the bubble air arrangements.

Under the bilateral air bubble arrangement with countries like the USA, UAE, France, and Germany, airlines of both countries will be operating with some restrictions and a new set of rules and regulations.

What are the extended guidelines for International Travel?

1. All passengers need to submit a self-declaration form at least 72 hours before the flight on the online portal.
2. According to the newer rules, travelers have to undergo 14 days of quarantine. This includes seven days of institutional quarantine that will be paid from the passengers’ end, followed by seven days of home quarantine.

However, you can be exempted from seven days of institutional quarantine in the following cases:

• If you are a pregnant women
• If you or any other member of the family is suffering from a serious illness
• In case you are visiting for death in the family
• Parents of children below ten years of age
• If the person has a COVID-negative certificate from a test taken 96 hrs before the journey.

Any of the above exemptions is the sole decision of the government of India. For the exemption, passengers can apply on the online portal at least 72 hrs before boarding.

Passengers arriving India

Aarogaya Setu app is to be downloaded on the mobiles of passengers traveling to India from the USA.

In case the travelers have not submitted the self-declaration at the time of flight departure, they can produce the same at arrival to the Health and Immigration officials at the airport.

Only asymptomatic passengers after the thermal screening will be allowed to board a plane or ship.

Suitable announcements regarding travel safety are to be made by the airport and inside the flights to maintain proper safety and security.

General precautions like wearing masks, following proper respiratory hygiene, maintenance of social distancing should be ensured by the flight attendants.

After the flights have arrived in India, thermal screening is done for the passengers. And, if found symptomatic, they are transferred to the COVID health centers for further assessment and treatment.

All the other passengers are taken for institutional quarantine in the arrangements by the state or the UT government.

The transport bubble is a temporary arrangement between the two countries. You can avail flights with AIR India, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, etc. under this arrangement. Now with some precautions and extra care business professionals, health care professionals and families can meet and have some chunk of the routine life back. Happy journey! Stay safe!