Mumbai Airport Issued Advisory For Passengers On Random Post-Arrival Testing

On Friday, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport issued an advisory to international passengers informing them of the latest Ministry of Health guidelines stating that 2% of all international passengers arriving at the airport must undergo random post-arrival Covid-19 testing at the airport.

This new set of rules comes after an unexpected increase in Covid-19 cases in Japan, the United States, China, Brazil, South Korea and other countries.

Mumbai Airport Advisory On Random Post-Arrival Testing

In adherence with the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoFW) for air travel, currently, 2% of all International passengers arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) shall undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport. Such travellers will be identified by their respective airlines and guided to a separate dedicated area for their RT-PCR tests.

Besides, adequate steps have been taken for RT-PCR testing of passengers, facilitated by CSMIA through ICMR and NABL-approved laboratories. The airport has also ensured that messages on preventive measures and the latest advisories are placed strategically across the terminal. All stakeholders have been sensitized and informed to follow directives laid down by the Government from time to time.

The CSMIA in its advisory also stated that it has extended all the necessary support to mitigate the new variant of COVID-19. It also advised passengers are requested to cooperate with the staff.

Furthermore, according to the official website of CSMIA the Covid-19 testing facility in the international arrival area will be activated on 24th Dec 2022;

• Test results will take up to 8 hours.
• The report will be sent via email.
• Valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card and Passport is a must.
• The amount charged for the test is Rs 500 (as per the rate fixed by the government).
• Payment via cash and digital mode is available.
• Rapid RT-PCR test is available at a charge of Rs. 1975 per test and the results are provided in 1-2 hours.

New Guidelines For International Arrivals

Amid the latest outbreak, India on Thursday also updated its guidelines and include protocols that must be followed by international travellers as well as points of entry (airports, seaports, and land borders) and will be in effect from December 24, 2022.

This includes, random testing of international arrivals and precautionary measures to be followed (preferable use of masks and following physical distancing) shall be made in flights/travel and at all points of entry.