The West Bengal government has made it mandatory for international passengers from seven more countries including China and South Africa to undergo RT-PCR tests on arrival in the state even if they are fully vaccinated.
 The new rule will come into effect from today 08th Sep 2021. It may be noted that a similar rule is already in place for passengers from the United Kingdom (UK) and Brazil.
The decision was taken at a meeting between senior officials of the health department and experts from various related fields.
“International passengers coming from the seven countries will have to undergo RT-PCR test for Covid-19 on arrival here, irrespective of their negative test report before boarding or even they have completed vaccination.”
“We are following the directive of the ministry of health and family welfare… what is already being done with passengers from or transiting through the UK or Brazil,” an official said.
RT-PCR Test Mandatory For Passengers From 9 Countries
- Bangladesh
- Botswana
- Brazil
- China
- Mauritius
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- Zimbabwe
Both Free and Paid RT-PCR Service Available
As per the decision, the testing would be a paid service at the Netaji Subhas Chandra International Airport in Kolkata. If any passenger wants a free service, he or she would be sent to Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in the city, he added.
However, it is not clear where the travelers from these countries would stay till the results of the RT-PCR tests are received.
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