Rising cases of COVID-19 in India have posed a variety of problems for people especially for those who will be traveling to or from India. For citizens who will be arriving in India from other countries, strict rules and regulations are required to be followed upon and after arrival to the country. They should take the RT PCR test in Delhi at the airport on arrival. The omicron variant has proved to be a super spreading virus variant that is being carried into the Indian subcontinent through people who are traveling from other countries. From COVID testing to home isolation, some rules must be followed by all travelers for the safety of themselves and others in India. 

Rules and Regulations for International Travel

We all know that people from selected countries need to take an RT PCR test once they arrive at the airport. However, this is not the only rule that one has to follow when returning to India from abroad. All major states with important airports like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bangalore, and Chennai have taken extra precautions to make sure the virus is contained. Here are the guidelines that travelers will be required to follow:

• Compulsory rapid or RT PCR test in Delhi

People who are arriving at all major airports including Delhi should get themselves tested at the airport. This has been made compulsory by the government as a way to contain the virus. You can pre-book a slot for the RT PCR test in Delhi airport and all other airports so that you can immediately have your sample collected upon arrival. You can opt for SpiceHealth’s RT PCR test in Delhi because it is a cost-effective test and gives a quality diagnosis. 

• Test results required for onward travel

Travelers who have an onward flight from one state to another will be required to wait for their test results before boarding the next flight. This is also applicable to all travelers who will be leaving the airport. People will not be allowed to exit the airport premises without receiving a negative test report. This is why it is recommended to take a rapid test as opposed to an RT PCR test in Delhi for faster results. People with positive test reports will be taken to a nearby medical facility. 

• One week home quarantine

For travelers who have tested negative, you won’t be let off that easily. According to government rules and regulations, travelers who have tested negative will be under compulsory one-week home isolation or quarantine upon their return to their respective homes. After the 8th day, they will be required to take an RT-PCR test in Delhi or elsewhere and upload their test results on the Air Suvidha portal. If they are found to be positive, their samples will be sent for genomic testing.

These are some rules and regulations that all travelers must follow after they arrive in India. Additionally, note that travelers who wish to book onward domestic flights should check the other airports for flight schedules and additional regulations. In some states like West Bengal, flights to and from the state have been limited. Try to opt for a rapid test while making the pre-booking as you will get results in 30 minutes with this test. However, remember that the price of a rapid test as opposed to an RT PCR test is higher. A rapid or RT PCR test in Delhi should be taken to avoid any complications in the future. Travelers are also requested to follow all COVID protocols while traveling and maintain their home quarantine till they have been deemed fit to mix with other people.