India Issues New Travel Advisory, Offers Exemptions For Indians Stranded In Ukraine

The Health Ministry of India on Monday revised its advisory for international passengers and offers various relaxations for those who are stuck in Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict and waiting for being evacuated.

The revised advisory stated that such passengers are exempted from mandatory pre-departure negative RT-PCR tests and vaccination certificates. Moreover, they have also been exempted from filing self-declaration forms and uploading documents before departure on Air-Suvidha Portal.

Travel Advisory For Indians Stranded In Ukraine

This is with reference to the request received on 25’h February 2022 regarding relaxation on the travel advisory for diasporas of Indian Nationals (mainly students) who have found themselves embroiled in the political turmoil being faced by Ukraine. In this regard: the Ministry of Health & FW, on the humanitarian ground has allowed the following exemptions in the advisory for international travelers:

• Indian nationals not fulfilling either of the mandatory requirements (pre-boarding negative RT-PCR test report or fully vaccinated certificate) as laid down in the present ‘Guidelines for International Arrivals’ have been exempted from uploading these documents on Air-Suvidha Portal before departure to India.

• Further, individuals who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination (irrespective of the country of departure/vaccination) have been allowed to leave the arrival airport in India with the advice to self-monitor their health for the next 14 days.

• In case a traveler is not able to submit pre-arrival RTPCR test or who has not completed their Covid-19 vaccination, they have been allowed to submit their samples on arrival with the advice to continue to self-monitor their health for 14 days after arrival in India. If tested positive they shall be clinically managed as per laid down protocol.

The Health Ministry also informed that as of 28th Feb 2022 (till 12:00 Hrs.), a total of 5 flights (one in Mumbai and four in Delhi) carrying Indians from Ukraine have arrived in India carrying a total of 1156 passengers with none of the passengers kept under isolation so far.

Also Read: Schedule International Flights To Remain Suspended Till Further Orders: DGCA India