India Drops Quarantine, Updates Travel Requirements

India on Thursday, February 10, revised its travel guidelines for international passengers. Now, the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival has been ditched and replaced with a 14-day self-monitoring period. Should a traveler develop any symptoms of COVID-19, they will be required to immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health facility or call the national helpline number (1075).

The guidelines officially go into effect on February 14.

The new regulations apply for travelers entering India via airports, seaports and land borders. Thermal screening will be carried out for all the international passengers by health officials present and a self-declaration form must be filled online and shown to the health staff.

Under the new guidelines, 2 percent of total passengers arriving shall undergo random post-arrival testing. Such travelers in each flight shall be identified by the concerned airlines; they will submit their samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport.

In addition, according to a Twitter thread by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, India’s minister of health and family welfare, travelers must also upload a negative RT-PCR test result (taken 72 hours prior to journey) or upload a certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule, provided they are traveling from countries on a reciprocal basis (which includes the United States).

The demarcation of “at-risk” and other countries has been removed. Accordingly, the need for giving samples at these travelers’ port of arrival and waiting until the result is obtained is dispensed with. Additionally, the requirement of undertaking a RT-PCR test on Day 8 has been removed.

For the latest information, visit www.mohfw.gov.in.

Related Stories

Pandaw Secures New Funding, Plans to Restart in September 2022

Portugal Updates COVID-19 Measures

Thailand Reopens Additional “Sandbox Destinations”

Australia Details Travel Requirements for Reopening February 21