This article was last updated and fact checked on December 11, 2022 by Mani Karthik.
Arrival RT-PCR testing is required for all “at risk” travellers. Here are the new COVID quarantine rules for India.
The revised standards, in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, require all overseas visitors to India to quarantine for seven days before an RT-PCR test on the eighth day.
Previously, only travellers from “at-risk” nations were required to be isolated. If they test negative on the eighth day, they must self-monitor for the following 7 days. They will be “managed in an isolation facility” if confirmed positive, and their samples will be submitted for genetic monitoring.
Updated COVID Quarantine Rules for India
Last Monday, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare expanded the number of “at-risk” nations from 12 to 19. Eight more nations were added: Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia. Previously, “at risk” nations included the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Ghana, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Hong Kong, and Israel.
Arriving visitors from these countries must undertake required RT-PCR examinations. Awaiting outcomes at the airport before departing or connecting.
In some nations, 2% of all travellers are randomly tested upon arrival, and all must “self-monitor” their health for 14 days. The RT-PCR test is now required for all of them on their eighth day of arrival.
According to the government’s press release, “all travellers shall also be required to upload results of RT-PCR test for Covid-19 done on 8th day on Air Suvidha portal.”
Also, before boarding, all passengers must submit a negative Covid-report.
The guidelines also exempt children under five years of age from pre-and post-arrival testing. They must be tested and treated as per procedure if found symptomatic for Covid-19 upon arrival or during home quarantine, the instructions stipulate.
