As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India has issued guidelines for international arrivals and updates them from time to time. According to the ministry, the present guidelines are being revised in light of an increase in Covid-19 cases in some countries.

New rules require 2% of passengers on a flight to undergo random Covid-19 tests upon arrival at the airport. It is the responsibility of the airlines to identify such travelers on each flight. The guidelines state that after submitting the samples, they may leave the airport.

Additionally, the statement stated that, if such travelers' samples tested positive, they should be sent for genomic testing in the INSACOG laboratory network and treated and isolated as per standard procedure.

After arriving, travelers should self-monitor their health and should contact their nearest health facility or call National Helpline 1075 if they experience any symptoms.

Random testing is not conducted on children under 12 years of age after arrival. If they show symptoms of Covid-19 during the self-monitoring period or on arrival, they shall undergo testing and be treated accordingly.

As of 24th December 2022 (10 AM), this statement provides protocols to be used by international travelers and points of entry like airports, sea ports, and land borders.

Planning for Travel :

Travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated according to their country's primary vaccination schedule against Covid-19.

During Travel :

An in-flight announcement regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, including precautionary measures to be followed, wearing face masks, and maintaining physical distance during flights and at all entry points. When a passenger has signs of Covid-19 during travel, he or she should wear a mask, be isolated and separated from other passengers in flight or travel, and be transferred to an isolation facility for follow-up treatment.

On Arrival :

De-boarding should be done with physical distance in mind. Health officials at the point of entry should conduct thermal screenings on all passengers. In accordance with health protocol, passengers found to be symptomatic during screening should be immediately isolated and taken to a designated medical facility.

SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES