COVID surely has messed up with the travel plans the world had. World travel is slowly resuming now and the joy of travelling is back! There are a new set of rules and guidelines on how to travel safely with all the things going on. Though only a few countries are open for Indians to travel, there are a new set of guidelines updated by the Indian government on 20th October 2021. Know all these rules and restrictions and choose your International tour packages.
Also read: Canada travel guidelines | Dubai travel guidelines | Germany travel guidelines | Singapore travel guidelines | UK travel guidelines
To which countries can Indian tourists travel?
Though there are many countries around the globe, there are only a few countries that allow Indian tourists holding a visa to enter the country. The remaining major countries have either banned travel to and from India or not yet released the global travel ban because India is still under the red-listed countries.
The countries are
- United Kingdom
- Sri Lanka
- UAE
- Kenya
- Egypt
- Mauritius
- Russia
- Serbia
- Iceland
- Turkey
Though India is still being listed as a red-list country, you can travel to these countries with utmost safety precautions and valid prerequisites and documents.
What are the needed precautions before travelling from India?
- Avoid travelling outside too much when your date of international travel is nearing.
- Use face masks, hand sanitisers and practice social distancing very strictly.
- Make sure you are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to your travel date.
How can Indian tourists get a visa?
Indian tourists who want to avail of a tourists visa for international travelling purposes should start the process early. You can either go in person and undergo a visa interview and obtain it. Or, there is an option called e-Visa, where tourists can the entire process is online and you don’t have to travel anywhere regarding the visa interview. The best you can do is go for the e-Visa option during the pandemic.
Who can travel from India?
People who are either fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated should take up the COVID test. If the traveller is not fully vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, then the traveller must take up the RT PCR test on arrival at both airports.
Latest updates on international travel for Indian tourists
Let us take a look at the detailed guidelines on how to travel safely during the spread of COVID-19.
- You must book your tickets well in advance in order to avoid chaos and last-minute confusion.
- Travellers including kids must be either fully vaccinated or take up the RT PCR test.
- You should produce the RT PCR negative test report at the airport (the test must be taken only within 72 hours before your travel date)
- A self-declaration form must be uploaded in a portal called AIR SUVIDHA that is managed by the Indian government.
- You should wait until the test report is received.
- If the test result comes out to be positive, you should undergo a quarantine period of 14 days.
- If the test result is negative, then you are free to continue the travel.
- On arrival at the destination, (ie- Dubai airport/ UK airport/ Maldives airport) you must take up the second RT PCR test and wait at the hotel you have booked for your stay.
- After you receive the RT PCR negative result, you are free to enjoy the vacation.
- In case the test result turns out to be COVID positive, then that person will be quarantined for 14 days or until the person is completely recovered and will not be allowed to continue the trip.
Vaccinations and travel for Indian tourists
Many countries like the United Kingdom and the UAE have a new set of rules and regulations regarding vaccines. The UAE government has imposed new laws stating the vaccines that are accepted and recognized by the government. Citizens of the UAE are free to travel without vaccinations but tourists from India must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the travel date.
Click here to read Dubai travel guidelines.
What are the standing rules to be followed during international travel from India?
If you are travelling from India to any other country that is free to travel, there are some very strict and needed safety measures to be followed by the passengers throughout the journey.
- Compulsorily wear masks all the time.
- Strictly follow social distancing and avoid crowded areas.
- Always carry hand sanitisers with you and sanitise your hands every now and then.
- Be careful with what you buy and what you eat during the travel.
- In total, be very careful during travelling and do not touch anything unnecessarily.
How much does a COVID test cost?
Covid tests can range from INR 2000 to 5000. But at some airports, the test is conditionally free but not at all times.
What to do before you board?
- Produce the RT PCR negative test report that is taken only within 72 hours before the travel date.
- Upload a self-declaration form in the AIR SUVIDHA portal before the travel date.
- All the passengers should have the Aarogya Setu app downloaded on the phone and monitor the status.
What to do if the passenger is tested positive during the travel?
- If you test positive during the travel, the person shall be immediately quarantined until the recovery.
- If the passenger feels the symptoms of COVID-19, the person shall be immediately isolated and monitored continuously until the test report comes out to be negative.
FAQs about international travel for Indian tourists
- Are all countries open for Indians to travel? No. only a few major countries like the United Kingdom, the UAE, Sri Lanka etc are open for Indians for a tourist visa.
- Can you travel without being fully vaccinated? The person travelling should be fully vaccinated compulsorily at least 14 days before the travel date.
Thus, these are the latest international travel guidelines for Indian tourists as per the Indian government. It is very important to follow all the procedures with utmost priority. Have a very safe travel and follow all the precautious methods.