New Guidelines Announced: Seven Day Quarantine For All International Arrivals

It was just an outbreak from the Covid-19 pandemic but this new variant of coronavirus, Omicron hit the travel industry again. To prevent the spread of this variant, the Indian Government has issued new advisory guidelines for international travelers arriving in India taking a risk-based approach. World Health Organization has also classified Omicron as a variant of concern.

On 7th January 2022, authorities revised the guidelines, which came into effect from 11th January 2022 until the government issues further orders. Traveling to India is a bit risky but if you follow all the guidelines properly then it is not a big deal. Book domestic and international flights from Canada to India from airfarebooking.ca and experience the adventures India has to offer without any worries.

Revised International Travel Protocols: Requirements for Testing and Home Quarantine

Earlier guidelines mandated travelers from ‘at-risk’ countries to undergo Covid testing upon arrival and necessitated their wait at the airport before departure.

As per the new guidelines, seven days of home quarantine is mandatory for all international passengers. After seven days of home quarantine on the eighth day getting the RT-PCR test is also compulsory.

The growing effect of Omicron will necessitate periodic revisions to the guidelines. If you are planning to visit India with current guidelines then there are some points to take into consideration:

Before planning your travel, you need to fill a self-declaration form on the Online Air Suvidha Portal.
You need to upload a negative RT-PCR test report conducted 72 hours prior to the departure.
Advised for all passengers, download the Arogya Setu app on your mobile phone, please.
If any passenger reports symptoms of Covid-19, authorities will isolate them as per protocols.
De boarding of flights should be done ensuring physical distancing.

People who are traveling from specific countries ‘at-risk’ need to follow extra protocols:

Upon arrival, authorities conduct the Covid-19 test, requiring passengers to wait at the airport for the results.
If tested positive they need to follow home quarantine for seven days and undertake another RT-PCR test on the 8th day.
If tested negative, please self-monitor your health for seven days.

People who are traveling from other countries:

Travelers need to follow the protocols followed by people from ‘at-risk’ countries, which include seven days of home quarantine.
Randomly 2 percent of travelers from airlines arriving from not-at-risk countries will have to undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival.

Both post and pre-arrival testing excuse children under 5 years. However, if found symptomatic then they also have to undergo testing and treatment according to the protocols.

The Indian Council of Medical Research protocols mandate quarantining and testing all contacts—co-passengers in the same row, three rows ahead, and three rows behind, as well as identified cabin crew—for 14 days if a suspicious case arises. All these protocols are very important and must be followed by every international traveler visiting India after 11 Jan 2022, book your cheap international flights from Airfarebooking and enjoy the festive season in India without any hassle.

Also Read: Guide for International Travels Between India and Canada