Updated Travel Guidelines For International Passengers Arriving In India

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has recently changed its guidelines for international passengers arriving into the country. MOHFW said in view of the changed scenario the existing guidelines necessitate a revision.

This new Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) shall be valid w.e.f. 22nd January 2022 00.01 Hrs IST till further orders.

However, based on the risk assessment, these new guidelines shall be reviewed from time to time.

Guidelines For International Arrivals

Guidelines to follow if you are Planning for Travel

• Travelers need to submit self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal & upload negative RT-PCR test report conducted 72 hrs prior to the journey
• Travelers who have to test on arrival can pre-book test on Air Suvidha Portal

Guidelines to keep in mind prior to flying

• Passengers from “at-risk’ countries to inform the airlines that they will undergo post arrival testing and follow all Covid-19 protocols
• Only asymptomatic travelers will be allowed to board the aircraft
• All passengers are mandated to download the Aarogya Setu app

Guidelines to follow on Arrival

Passengers found to be symptomatic will be immediately isolated. Contacts too will be managed as per protocol. 

Guidelines for passengers arriving from ‘At-Risk’ countries

Effective from 22nd January 2022, all International passengers arriving in India from at-risk countries have to submit samples for the post-arrival COVID-19 test* at the point of arrival (self-paid). Such travelers will be required to wait for their test results at the arrival airport before leaving or taking a connecting flight.

If tested negative:

• If tested negative they will follow, home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake RTPCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India*.
• Travelers shall also be required to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test for COVID-19 done on 8th day on Air Suvidha portal (to be monitored by the respective States/UTs).
• If negative, they will further self-monitor their health for next 7 days.

If tested positive:

• If such travelers are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network.
• They shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.
• The contacts of such positive case should be kept under home quarantine monitored strictly by the concerned State Government as per laid down protocol.

List of “At Risk” countries from where fliers need to follow additional measures on arrival!

The list of countries classified as ‘At Risk’ can be accessed below:

• Countries in Europe including the United Kingdom
• South Africa
• Brazil
• Botswana
• China
• Mauritius
• New Zealand
• Zimbabwe
• Tanzania
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Ghana
• Congo
• Ethiopia
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Tunisia
• Zambia

Will infants or kids under 5 years of age need to undertake the RT-PCR test upon arrival? 

Children under 5 years of age are exempted from both the pre and post-arrival RT-PCR testing. However, if symptoms arise, they need to contact a government facility and undertake the treatment as per standard protocols. 

Please note if travelers under home quarantine or self-health monitoring, develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 on re-testing, they will immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number.