India lifts quarantine rules for international passengers from ‘risk countries’ from Feb 14 (Press Note)

NEW DELHI Feb 10: India government has today revised guidelines for international arrivals, removing the category of ‘at risk’ countries – introduced when the Omicron Covid variant emerged – and also recommending self-monitoring of 14 days for symptoms against the current seven days of home quarantine.

The change comes into effect from February 14, 12.01 am (IST)., the Union Health Ministry said.

According to the new guidelines, all foreign arrivals must fill a 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.

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The @MoHFW_INDIA has issued revised guidelines for International Arrivals ✈️ Guidelines to come in effect from 14th February. Follow these diligently, stay safe & strengthen India’s hands in the fight against #COVID19. Main features include: 📖 bit.ly/GuidelinesIntl (1/6)

– Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) 10 Feb 2022

Under planning to travel, the guidelines say: “All travelers should (a) Submit complete and factual information in self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal (https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration) before the scheduled travel, including last 14 days travel details…. (b) Upload a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR report* (The test should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey) or certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule of Covid-19 vaccination**.”

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.

Click To View List of Countries/Regions in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded (As on 10th February 2022)

These countries include Canada, Hong Kong, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and some European nations.

This major relaxation could spur foreign inbound travel to India if the suspension of scheduled commercial flights is lifted as fares under bubble flights are very steep.