The world has turned upside down in the last 72 hours since WHO has declared ‘Omnicron’ as a variant of concern. The timing could not be worse just before the year-end holidays.
In the last 48 hours, the Indian Govt. has updated the guidelines for international arrivals to India with effect from 1st December. Please Click here to view the detailed guidelines. (Updated on 30th Nov ’21)
In addition, some state governments have also released new guidelines for international arrivals into their states. We have compiled the information received by the Centre and the States which is updated as of 2nd Dec, 1500 hrs IST. The situation is dynamic and evolving and we will strive to keep you updated with major new developments.
The core of the Central Government’s plan to handle international arrivals is to classify the countries from where travellers are arriving into two categories: ‘At Risk’ and ‘Not at Risk’. And different set of guidelines apply for each category.
“At-Risk Countries” declared by India as of 01 Dec 2021 currently include all 44 countries in Europe including UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.
Countries not specifically mentioned in the ‘At Risk’ list will be considered ‘Not At Risk’. Countries will be added to the ‘At Risk’ list by the Centre depending on the outbreak of the new variant in those countries and will issue notifications from time to time.
Here are Centre’s guidelines for arriving passengers that have been implemented by Delhi State without any amendments (unlike Maharashtra and Karnataka which have used the Centre’s guidelines and made them more stringent)
All international passengers arriving in Delhi’s IGI airport from the countries listed under ‘countries at risk’ are required to mandatorily submit:
Passengers arriving from countries excluding those countries at risk are required to submit:
Here is an algorithm released by the Central Government on guidelines for passengers arriving from ‘at risk’ and ‘not at risk’ countries:
The link to stay updated with the latest travel guidelines at Delhi’s IGI Airport is>> https://www.newdelhiairport.in/faq
If any of the passengers develop symptoms during the home quarantine or self-health monitoring period, they should report to the nearest health facility or contact the national Covid-19 helpline (1075) or any of the state helpline numbers.
International airports gear up for separate holding areas:
In the revised guidelines, airports are expected to have separate holding areas where passengers can wait for the on-arrival RT-PCR test results. Airports are directed to have proper amenities in place for passengers. Signages may be placed and volunteers may be hired to guide passengers to the hold area.
In addition to the Centre’s guidelines, the Maharashtra government has reviewed the covid situation and issued its own set of guidelines for international passengers arriving at Mumbai airport.
Maharashtra govt. has classified passengers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lasotho, Zimbabwe and Eswatini as ‘ulta high’ risk where they will have to undergo institution quarantine for 7 days. Besides, if any passengers has visited these countries in 15 days preceding their arrival into Mumbai, will also have to undergo 7 days institution quarantine.
An RT-PCR test will be conducted on day of arrival (day 1) and on the 8th day when the traveller completes institution quarantine. If the test result is negative, then they can proceed home for another 7 days of home quarantine. If tested positive, the traveller will be sent to Seven Hills hospital or dedicated private hospital (to be advised).
The link to stay updated with the latest travel guidelines at MIAL is>> https://csmia.adaniairports.com/faqs.aspx
In addition to the Centre’s guidelines, Karnataka has issued its own set of guidelines for international passengers arriving into Bengaluru International Airport from 1st Dec.
Currently, RT-PCR testing is done only for passengers coming from ‘at risk’ countries. As per the new guidelines, ALL arriving international travellers will have to undergo an RT-PCR test AND undergo mandatory home quarantine for 7 days and get re-tested on the 8th day.
Passengers who test positive will be hospitalised and treated separately. The government will soon issue a notification on when the new travel guidelines will come into force.
The link to stay updated with the latest travel guidelines at Bengaluru airport is>> https://www.bengaluruairport.com/travellers/passenger-services/faqs-at-blr.html#COVID