The COVID-19: New guidelines for Indian travel

There are new COVID-19 protocol requirements that you should be aware of if you plan on visiting India over the winter break.

The updated “Guidelines for International Arrivals” were released by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) “in light of the increasing trajectory of COVID-19 cases being noted in some countries around the world.”

The protocols, according to the Ministry, are mandatory for both international travellers and points of entry beginning on December 24 at 10 a.m. Indian Standard Time (8.30 a.m. UAE).

Here are the details of the updated guidelines that have been announced:

COVID-19 vaccination

The recommendation states that all travellers should ideally be completely vaccinated in accordance with their country’s primary schedule for vaccination against COVID-19.

Masks and social distancing

In accordance with the regulations, statements will be made throughout flights regarding the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and safety precautions that should be taken, such as “the preferable use of masks and following [of] physical distancing.”

Symptomatic passengers

Any passenger exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms while travelling will be isolated in accordance with standard protocol, which stipulates that the affected passenger should be wearing a mask, should be isolated and segregated from other passengers during flight or travel, and should then be transferred to an isolation facility for further care.

Protocol to follow on arrival in India

The guidelines state that:

1. Physical distance should be maintained during deboarding.
2. The health professionals on duty at the point of the entrance should conduct thermal screening on each and every passenger.
3. In accordance with the above-mentioned health procedure, any passengers who are discovered to be symptomatic during screening must be immediately segregated and transferred to a recognised medical institution.
4. At the airport, 2% of all passengers on the flight will be randomly tested after landing. The airlines involved will identify the passengers on each flight, and it is ideal if they are from various nations. They will have to turn in the samples before being permitted to exit the airport. Post-arrival random testing is not required for children under the age of 12. However, they should submit to testing and receive treatment in accordance with the established protocol if they are discovered to be symptomatic for COVID-19 upon arrival or during the self-monitoring period.
5. If the travellers test positive, their samples must be forwarded to a lab connected to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics for additional genomic testing (INSACOG).
6. They must be handled or kept apart in accordance with established standard protocol.
7. After arriving, every traveller should check on their health. Additionally, individuals should go to the closest medical facility or dial the 1075 National Helpline or their State’s Helpline Number if they exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms.

Also Read: COVID-19 rules for Dubai’s vaccinated residents