RT-PCR Test Not Required for Passengers Transiting From High-Risk Countries

It has come to our attention that the information shared in the article, which was provided by Delhi Airport, was incorrect. We apologize for the error and for any confusion it may have caused. The correct information is as follows;

As per the latest govt. advisory, effective 1st Jan’23 (1000 hrs. IST), all passengers arriving/transiting from countries identified as ‘High Risk’ including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR test (to be conducted 72 hrs. prior to undertaking the journey)

As you may know that India on Thursday imposed a few travel restrictions on international travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand beginning January 1.

These restrictions include a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their departure and filling out the self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha Portal.

Although the Ministries of Health and Civil Aviation have issued detailed guidelines for international arrivals, they have not addressed the rules for passengers transiting through these high-risk countries.

No RT-PCR For Transiting Passengers

The Delhi Airport has now addressed the issue of transiting passengers, stating that passengers transiting from high-risk countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand are not required to take the RT-PCR test or fill out a declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal.

Delhi Airport in a reply to a tweet said;

“If passengers are transiting from a high risk country without completing/ crossing immigration in that country, then they do not need to fill a Self-Declaration form or require a negative RT PCR report to enter India. For any requirement by the airline, you are requested to get in touch with them.”

Advertisement

It should be noted that Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Japan (ANA and Japan Airlines), and Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) are common transit points for a lot of international travellers travelling between India and the Far East, Indonesia, Australia, and the west coast of North America.

As per the Delhi Airport, travellers from high-risk countries are not required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test. However, such passengers are likely to be chosen at random by the airline for Covid-19 testing upon their arrival in India.

• If such travellers’ samples are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network.
• They shall be treated/isolated as per the laid down standard protocol.

Initially, it was suggested that the RT-PCR test would be required for all individuals travelling to India from the six countries, including those simply passing through. However, the health ministry has made no further statements on the matter.