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.

The guidelines were revised on 7 Jan 2022 but came into force from 11 January 2022 till further orders from the government. 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. 

As per the earlier guidelines travelers coming from ‘at-risk’ countries had to undergo Covid testing on arrival and they were required to wait at the airport before leaving. 

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. 

Guidelines shall be revised from time to time with the growing effect of Omicron. 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.
• All passengers are advised to download the Arogya Setu app on their mobile phones. 
• As per protocols if any passenger reports symptoms of Covid-19 then he/she shall be isolated. 
• De boarding of flights should be done ensuring physical distancing. 

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

• The Covid-19 test is done on arrival and passengers are requested to wait at the airport for 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 then they are requested to self-monitor their 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. 

Children under 5 years are excused from both post and pre-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic then they also have to undergo testing and treatment according to the protocols.

If there is any suspicious case then all the contacts like co-passengers in the same row, 3 rows in front, and 3 rows behind along with identified cabin crew would be subjected to quarantine for 14 days and tested as per protocols launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research. 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