Negative RT-PCR test must for Intl passengers visiting India

The Centre has revised the existing guidelines for international arrivals to India. The revised guidelines, which will come into effect from October 25, require mandatory RT-PCR report showing samples tested as negative for passengers to board an international flight to India. “In view of increasing vaccination coverage across the globe and the changing nature of the pandemic, the existing guidelines for international arrivals in India have been reviewed,” the ministry of health and family welfare said in a notification on Wednesday. The revised guidelines laid down protocols to be complied with international travellers as well those to be followed by airlines, points of entry — including airports, seaports and land border — for risk profiling of passengers. However, the Indian government travellers from certain countries, including European Union, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand and Zimbabwe, would need to follow additional measures on arrival in India, including post-arrival Covid-19 testing.

The Indian government banned international commercial flights since March 23, 2020, to check the spread of the Covid-19 infection. It eased the restrictions on flights in certain countries with which India has had an air bubble arrangement during the past year.