No Need For RT-PCR Test, 7-Day Mandatory Quarantine For International Passengers: New Guidelines Issues

The Ministry of Health has issued revised guidelines for international passengers arriving in India from 14 February.

What’s Out

It has removed the categorisation of countries as ‘at-risk’.

This means passengers from ‘at-risk’ countries will no longer have to give samples upon arrival and wait for their results.

The rule requiring passengers to take RT-PCR test on 8th day and uploading the same on Air Suvidha portal is done away with.

It has also removed the rule requiring 7-day home quarantine post arrival.

What’s In

Passengers are now recommended 14 days of self-monitoring post-arrival.

If they develop symptoms during this period, they will have to immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number.

Passengers have the option to either upload a negative RT-PCR report (taken 72 hrs prior to journey) or a certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule.

Planning For Travel 

Passengers need to:

• 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

This includes travel details of the last 14 days.

• Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report of test taken within 72 hrs prior to journey

One can also upload a certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination

• Submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise

Before Boarding 

Only those will be allowed boarding who have filled in all the information in the Self Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha portal and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report or vaccination certificate.

After thermal screening, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board.

On Arrival

2% of the total passengers in the flight shall undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport on arrival.

The selected travellers will be identified by the concerned airlines.

They can leave the airport after submitting the sample.

Those found symptomatic during thermal screening will be immediately isolated and taken to a medical facility. 

Exemption

If they test positive there, their contacts will be identified and managed as per protocol.

The contacts are the co-passengers seated in the same row, 3 rows in front and 3 rows behind along with identified Cabin Crew.

Children under 5 years of age are exempted from pre and post arrival testing. 

If found symptomatic on arrival or during self monitoring, they will be tested and treated.

The official guidelines can be accessed here.