India makes one-week stay at home must for all international arrivals

India has amended its travel rules for all the international passengers arriving in the country, making seven-day home quarantine mandatory from next week, amid rising Omicron cases.

All travellers from specified countries at risk will be tested upon arrival, the cost of which shall be borne by the passenger.
All travellers from specified countries at risk will be tested upon arrival, the cost of which shall be borne by the passenger. Photo: Connected to India

With the addition of nine more countries, which are at risk, the total count has capped to 19, since last month.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) said all international passengers entering India will be required to undertake a mandatory seven-day quarantine upon arrival in the country. The new guidelines notified on Friday will be effective from January 11.

In a fresh set of guidelines, the ministry said thermal screening of all inbound international passengers will be carried out upon arrival at Indian airports.

The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to a medical facility as per health protocol. If tested positive, their contacts shall be identified and managed as per laid down protocol.

All travellers from specified countries at risk will be tested upon arrival, the cost of which shall be borne by the passenger. The passenger will then have to wait for the test results before leaving or taking a connecting flight. If tested negative, they will be required to undergo home isolation for one week after which they will have to again take an RT-PCR on the 8th day.

The travellers will also be required to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test for Covid- done on 8th day on Air Suvidha portal, which will be monitored by the respective states or Union Territories.