India’s Health Ministry has changed the Covid-19 guidelines for international visitors, removing the previous mandatory requirement for RT-PCR testing of a random 2% subset of travelers. These revised guidelines will come into effect from midnight on July 20.
These changes come in light of the current coronavirus situation and the significant progress made in global vaccination coverage.
However, the ministry clarified that precautionary measures advised for airlines and international travelers in the context of Covid-19 will still be in place.
According to the release, “With these new guidelines, set to be effective from 0000 Hrs (IST) on 20th July 2023, the earlier requirements for RT-PCR based testing of a random 2% subset of international travelers to India, now stand dropped.”
The following guidelines will continue to be enforced:
- All travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated according to the approved primary vaccination schedule against Covid-19 in their respective countries.
- In-flight announcements about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, including the necessity of precautionary measures such as mask usage and physical distancing, will be made during flights and at all points of entry.
- Passengers exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms during travel will be isolated following standard protocols. They will be required to wear a mask, kept separate from other passengers, and subsequently transferred to an isolation facility for further treatment.
- De-boarding procedures will ensure adherence to physical distancing.
- Passengers found symptomatic during screening will be promptly isolated and taken to a designated medical facility, following health protocols.
- All travelers must self-monitor their health post-arrival, report to the nearest health facility, or call the National helpline number (1075) or State Helpline Number if they experience any Covid-19 symptoms.
- Thermal screening will be conducted for all passengers by health officials at the point of entry.
- With these updated guidelines, the Indian government aims to facilitate international travel while ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers and citizens alike.
