New Delhi (The Stellar News) Saksham Kalia: On Thursday, government revised guidelines for the international arrival, removing the category of ‘at risk’ countries which was introduced when the omicron varient was emerged in the country.
Government also removed the mendatory RT-PCR test and 14 days quarantine for internatiional arrivals. The ministry stressed the “need to monitor the continuously changing” covid-19 virus but also acknowledged that “economic activities need to be taken up in an unhindered manner”.
As per new guidelines, all foreign arrivals must fill the self declaration form online (available at the Air Suvidha Web portal), including a travel history of the past 14 days. They must also upload a negative RT-PCR test that was conducted within 72 hours of the travel date.
Alternatively, they can also upload a certificate confirming they have received both vaccine doses.
This option, however, is only available for passengers arriving from 72 countries whose vaccination programmes the Indian government recognises as part of a reciprocal programme.
These countries include Canada, Hong Kong, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and some European nations
“Airlines (will) allow boarding (of) only those passengers who have filled in all the information in the self-declaration form… and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report or COVID-19 vaccination certificate…” the Health Ministry has said.
