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.

Maharashtra reported six new instances of the Omicron variant on Sunday, while a 45-year-old NRI and a British teenager just arrived in Gujarat tested positive for the variation.

Passengers from ‘at risk’ nations traveling at six major Indian airports on or after Monday must pre-book RT-PCR testing, the ministry of civil aviation said last week.

How to pre-book RTPCR test at Indian Airports

• Visit the official website of the destination city’s international airport.
• On the top panel, look for ‘Book Covid-19 Test’.
• Next, choose a trip (in this case, international arrival).
• Name, email, mobile, Aadhaar card/passport number, address, appointment date, time slot, etc.
• After completing the form, pick the test type (in this case, RT-PCR, though Rapid PCR testing is available as well).
• Follow the on-screen instructions to arrange your RT-PCR test at the airport.

Is prebooking RTPCR test mandatory for Indian Airports?

Yes, pre-booking RTPCR test is mandatory for the following Indian airports – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Which airports in India have mandatory RTPCR prebooking?

At the following Indian airports, RTPCR testing is mandatory – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Latest Quarantine Requirements for India

It requires international travelers to submit 14 days of travel history and negative Covid test results.

The amended travel requirements for foreign passengers include a required 7-day home quarantine for travelers from “at-risk” nations who test negative for the virus.

Is PCR test enough?

Passengers must fill out a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha website, detailing their recent travels.

They must also file a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of travel.

A statement verifying the legitimacy of the Covid test findings is also necessary; falsified reports subject the passenger to criminal punishment.

The new rules take effect on December 1, 2021.

Travelers from 12 high-risk nations will be tested and monitored. They must take the Covid test upon arrival and wait for the findings before departing or connecting.

If the test is negative, they will quarantine at home for 7 days, retest on the 8th day, and continue self-monitoring for 7 days.

Which countries are on the watch list

The UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel were among the “at-risk” nations on November 26.

If a passenger shows symptoms during screening, they will be segregated and treated at a hospital.

SARS-CoV-2 genome variants are being monitored by the INSACOG laboratory network, a multi-laboratory, multi-agency network established up by the Indian government.

They’ll be relocated to a different isolation unit and treated as usual. Contacts of such positive patients would be put under institutional or home quarantine, rigorously supervised by the state government.

Travelers from non-risk nations will be able to depart the airport and self-monitor for 14 days.

According to reports from here and here, IATA will be launching a virtual travel document by the end of this year, by which travellers can use the pass for their COVID vaccination status verification and other such details.

All the information like your travel history, COVID vaccination history etc will be avilable on this travel document making it a contactless verification option.

This will be extremely useful for frequent travellers who has to carry a bunch of documents and certificates during these post COVID times.

Typically travellers are asked to carry documents like vaccine certification, certificate from a Government authorized agency, travel history etc other than your regular list of documents.

This is a hassle and probably not a fun way to travel in the future.

The IATA pass will be made available on a mobile app and travellers can save/verify all their documents on the app, making it a convenient way to travel.

The IATA pass will also make it easy for officers to verify travel and COVID details contactless for everyone.

Currently, it looks like the IATA is in talks with many airline companies to have them onboard/participate in this project.

What does IATA Travel Pass do?

IATA travel pass keeps a digital document of your travel details and COVID vaccine related information so that it is easy to verify during travel by authorities.

First, it creates a digital version of your passport.

Which is then connected with your COVID test and travel related information from verified sources.

Then, on adding your flight details, the app will show you the travel requirements and COVID related documentation required.

This is a great way to standardise the whole process as right now, the verification process is disintegrated.

The app will also show you the nearest available verified COVID test centres, so that in case you need to take a test, you can do so easily.

The test centres can send COVID test results and certificates to your IATA app profile, where it will be stored and available for verification.

Through out your journey, the IATA Travel Pass will act as the standard way to verify your ID and COVID test status.

You can even check-in with the airline before travel, right from your home with the IATA Travel Pass.

According to IATA’s official blog…

The IATA Travel Pass App will contain all the passenger details necessary for safe, efficient travel. It will inform passengers on what tests, vaccines, and other measures they require prior to travel, details on where they can get tested, and, most importantly, the ability to share their tests and vaccination results in a verifiable manner that also protects privacy.

IATA

Hoping to see more details emerge soon.

More details here – https://www.iata.org/

Here’s how it works.

Imagine you’re at a large gathering or event. And at the queue, everyone’s being temperature checked. You flash a card and they let you go.

That’d be cool right?

Well, looks like you could actually do it. Thanks to Excelsior Pass.

What is Excelsior Pass?

Excelsior Pass is a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The use?

Flash it at places like events/gatherings and you could get easy entry without the regular checks.

Where can you use Excelsior Pass?

Anywhere in New York, at Events, gatherings etc where you’re likely to be checked for COVID.

Currently, it’s only available in New York, but other cities are expected to catch up and launch something similar.

How does it look?

A QR code enabled card that you can carry with you or in your mobile app.

Where can you get Excelsior Pass?

You can apply online here.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who have taken the COVID vaccine, you could travel to the following countries. Here’s what you need to know.

• You will need to carry your vaccination documents.
• You might need to pre-fill documents prior to your visit through an app.
• You needn’t take COVID test after or before arrival.
• You might need to have taken the vaccine within a time frame prior to travel.

Countries you can travel to with COVID vaccination.

• Iceland
• Belize
• Madeira, Portugal
• Romania
• Iceland
• Poland.

How to travel with COVID vaccination

Belize

No prior COVID test required. Vaccination certificate required. Vaccination before two weeks of arrival. Fill in documents through app, online. Details here.

Madeira, Portugal

No prior COVID test required. Vaccination certificate required. Official website.

Iceland

No prior COVID test required. Vaccination certificate required. Vaccine to be approved by European Medicines Agency.

Romania

No quarantine required. Vaccine certificate should be from an authorised Government agency. Romanian Government Travel Advisory.

Poland

Certain countries are not allowed but most others can travel within Poland without a Quarantine. Official website.

The pandemic has made life miserable for most of us. If you need to travel internationally, then you might have to jump through fire and hoops, if you’re lucky to get a ticket that is.

After Biden took over, the US have brought in new rules for international travelers.

Update: Fully vaccinated travelers can travel to US from November 8th 2021.

As of January 26, 2021, all incoming airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within three calendar days of travel. (Source)

Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. 

So, a negative COVID test is a must for US travelers. If you’ve recovered from COVID 19, a recovery certificate recommended.

Make sure you get one of the best health insurance plans for visitors to USA.

Where should you get COVID test done if traveling to USA?

It’s not clear where you need to get the test done but having it done from a reputed hospital with a legible English language certificate is recommended.

Do you need COVID negative results when traveling to USA?

Yes.

Can I travel to USA if I have recovered from COVID 19?

Yes, you can. Provided, you can produce essential documentation from a reputed health care provider of having recovered from COVID19 in the 90 days before travel.

When should you get COVID test done when traveling to USA?

Ideally three days before your travel date.

Will you need to show the negative test results to airlines?

Yes. You will need to show your negative test results to airline staff before boarding.

Should I go on quarantine after arriving in USA?

Yes, after you arrive in USA, you need to get tested 3-5 days after your travel and stay home to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.

How many days of quarantine after visiting USA?

You need to go on 7 days of self-quarantine after arriving in the USA.

Who needs COVID test when visiting USA?

Everyone who’s traveling to USA by air, excluding kids under the age of two years, needs to provide negative test results.

What documents will be accepted for negative COVID test in USA?

Any authorized lab report from the country’s national health authorities will be considered as valid documentation. This has to be self-attested by the traveler.

Do you need COVID test results if you are traveling to USA for a short time?

Yes, anyone traveling to USA by air (excluding kids under 2 years) will need to show negative COVID test results before boarding plane.

Which countries are banned from entering USA?

Nationals from the following countries are not allowed to travel to the USA as of Jan 26, 2021.

China, Iran, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, United Kingdom, (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), Republic of Ireland, Brazil, South Africa.

Do I need to get tested for COVID when traveling to USA from India?

Yes, you need to get tested for COVID 19 when traveling to USA from India, and provide the lab test report to the airline staff before boarding.

Source: CDC

So, CoronaVirus outbreak is spreading like wildfire and many countries are restricting travel. Almost all major countries of the world have brought in travel bans and restrictions. (Source CDC, European Commission)

As a result, many flights are canceled and people who have booked their travel are finding it difficult to get their tickets refunded/rescheduled.

There’s a lot of uncertainty among international travellers as of now. But over the last few days, we’ve seen that it’s getting more clearer on how to travel, when and where, as more and more international authorities are laying down rules and processes in place.

It’s time we accepted that the pandemic is here to stay for a long time. Even after the vaccine is made available, there shall be a learning curve and it might take some time until things get back to “normal”.

During this time, we shall keep updating you on what are the processes, updates, and news coming in from authorities regarding travel during COVID times.

Travel insurance is one such thing many are seeking information on.

“Which is the best travel insurance plan that covers coronavirus and COVID 19?”

This is probably the most asked question in our forums and groups today.

Best Travel Insurance That Covers COVID

The best travel insurance that covers COVID is Atlas America, Safe Travels USA, and Atlas Essential America. Here is the full list.

In this article, I’ll share with you some of the best travel insurance plans that cover the Coronavirus pandemic.

As of July 15th, 2020, the best travel insurance plans that cover Coronavirus and COVID testing are.

1. Atlas America.
2. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive.
3. Safe Travels USA Cost Saver.
4. Atlas Essential America and
5. Atlas Premium America.

Also, read Coronavirus & Travel Insurance – What you should know.

Keep in mind that there are two types of coverage for plans that might cover Coronavirus testing and treatment.

One is medical coverage and the other, is travel coverage. Let’s look into both.

Medical Coverage for Coronavirus

For visitors in the US, medical coverage for Coronavirus treatment can be availed if you have a good travel insurance policy that covers any flu-like diseases.

Also read: Will travel insurance cover cancellations due to Coronavirus?

According to Insubuy,

As of March 13, 2020, in most visitors insurance plans for the U.S., there is no specific exclusion for coronavirus. Therefore, if you are infected with coronavirus while visiting the U.S., it would be treated just like any other illness, and subject to the general terms and conditions of the policy.

Update: As of July 16, 2020, some travel insurance plans (like the ones mentioned in this article) are offering testing and treatment for Coronavirus as part of the standard insurance plan.

Can you get treated for Coronavirus if you buy a travel insurance plan?

If you arrived at your destination (say USA) before travel bans or warnings were issued, you might qualify for coverage. It depends on various factors though. Please check with your airline directly.

Can you get a refund due to flight cancellations from Coronavirus?

The short answer is that, in order to get a refund, you need to have bought a travel insurance plan that covers “cancellations against any reason”. Depending on your airline policies, a refund is possible.

Can you get travel insurance if you travel to Corona affected countries?

Likely not.
But it depends on your citizenship, your destination, and the status of whether or not they are included in the restricted travel list. Please check with your airline directly.

Can you claim travel insurance if you travel from Corona affected countries?

Not in most cases.
Please check with your airline for details. Check the updated status for whether or not your country is included in the high-risk areas.

What type of travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to CoronaVirus?

You’d need travel insurance plans that offer “cancelations against any reason”. There are a few good plans and the best ones are mentioned in this article.

Will my Credit Card cover Coronavirus?

If you’re sick and have a Doctor’s prescription, yes you might qualify to get covered for trip cancellation because of CoronaVirus.

Can I get a refund for the trip cancellation because of Coronavirus without travel insurance?

Likely. It depends on your airline. Many airlines are considering the current situation as a special one-off one and are offering cancellations/refunds without any questions asked. Talk to your airline asap.

Which are the best travel insurance plans that cover Coronavirus?

The best travel insurance plans covering Coronavirus are Atlas America, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Safe Travels USA Cost Saver, Atlas Essential America, and Atlas Premium America.

Disclosure: Some of the above links may contain partner links, which means if you buy a product from those websites, we might earn points/revenue without any extra cost to you. But this, in no way influences the way we have provided information.

Also, the information shared above may not be accurate. I strongly suggest you check with the policy provider before making a purchase. The above information is for education and comparison only.