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India Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, india - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

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Review of COVID-19 Guidelines for International Flight Operations/ Arrivals

19 th July 2023

COVID-19 Domestic Travel Guidelines

Passengers flying to domestic destinations must follow the following health protocols:

• Flyers are advised to self-monitor health and travel only if they have no symptoms of COVID-19.
• Announcements regarding COVID-19 and COVID appropriate behaviour will be made at the airport. Travellers flying via domestic flights are advised to follow these precautionary guidelines.
• Passengers must use a face mask/ cover, hand hygiene, and physical distancing of six feet as far as feasible.
• Passengers should not spit in public spaces while travelling.
• Flyers are advised to install the Arogya Setu app on their mobile phones.
• If a passenger develops fever while travelling, he shall inform the cabin crew/ TTE/ bus conductor as per the situation.
• Passengers developing COVID-19 signs after reaching the destination should inform the District Surveillance Officer or the State National Call Centre (1075).
• For information on state-wise quarantine rules for domestic flights, flyers are advised to go through the state-wise travel guidelines section.

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Disclaimer: Passengers travelling to India are advised to check official websites of relevant authorities and local government agencies for the latest updates on travel retrictions and plan accordingly.

To avoid inconvenience prior to commencement of journey, it is advisable to verify requirements and check with Airline concerned or the destination Airport.

For International travel, please check with the nearby Embassy or the Airline Concerned.

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As on : 04 Apr 2024 07:09 PM

84,51,80,590 (63.4%) 2nd dose administered

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1,33,30,00,000 Total population

140.15 Dose per 100 people

Data from : CDC, WHO, ECDC, Wikipedia - The New York Times

Cases Across India

12,340 480 Active Cases (0.03%)

4,25,13,248 1,547 Discharged

5,22,006 40 Deaths (1.21%)

4,30,47,594 2,067 Total Cases

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India Travel Restrictions

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Can I travel to India from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter India.

Can I travel to India if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter India without restrictions.

Can I travel to India without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter India without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter India?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering India.

Can I travel to India without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in India?

Mask usage in India is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in India?

Restaurants in India are open. Bars in India are .

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• Home > Updated Advisory on Tourist Visas

Updated Advisory on Tourist Visas

Embassy of India

Washington DC

The Government of India has decided, with immediate effect, to restore valid long duration (10 years) regular (paper) tourist visas for the nationals of USA. Fresh issue of regular (paper) long-duration (10 years) tourist visas has also been restored for nationals of USA.

E-Tourist visas under the three options (one month, one year and five year) which remained suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored for nationals of 156 countries. Applications for fresh e-tourist visas for eligible nationalities can also be made at the Indian E-Visa Portal [ https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html ]

• The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (single entry of 30 days duration) on gratis basis will be discontinued w.e.f. 1 st April 2022.  

Application for fresh tourist visa can be made as per following procedure:

E visa: Eligible foreign nationals can apply for e-tourist visa at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . [The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal].

Regular (Paper) Tourist visa: Application for regular (paper) tourist visa from Embassy / Consulate in USA can be submitted by following the link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind

Foreign nationals on tourist/e-tourist visas would be permitted to enter India only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airport ICPs by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission or ‘air bubble’ scheme or by any flights as allowed by Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. In no case, the foreign nationals will be allowed to enter through land border or riverine routes on Tourist visa/E-Tourist visa.

Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at:  https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf .

28 March 2022

The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (one month stay only) on gratis basis will also continue.

15 March, 2022

            The Government of India has decided to issue fresh tourist visas with effect from 15 October, 2021 for group tourism and from 15 November, 2021 for individual travel.  In this context, the following may be noted:

• All foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism will be allowed to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa through chartered flights (for group tourism only) with effect from 15 October, 2021.
• All foreign nationals intending to visit India for individual tourism purposes will be permitted to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa with effect from 15 November, 2021. Such travel will be allowed through Vande Bharat Mission, Air Bubble Scheme or by any scheduled/non-scheduled commercial flight allowed by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.
• A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant. However, VFS service charge and payments on account of value-added services like courier, etc. will need to be made.
• It may be noted that existing valid e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa issued before 6 October, 2021 will continue to remain suspended and travel on such visas is not permitted.
• The process of obtaining e-Tourist Visa/Regular Tourist Visa may be accessed at the following links:
• e-Tourist Visa -  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.
• Regular Tourist Visa through VFS Global with effect from 13 December, 2021 (12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time) - https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind
• Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsdated30thNovember2021.pdf

Advisory on Tourist Visas

• A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant.
• e-Tourist Visa - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.
• Regular Tourist Visa through the Embassy of India – https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=88
• Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at  https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf .

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This timeline summarizes the most recent developments in the rules and regulations governing international travel to and from India.

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February 2023

• From February 13, 11 AM , passengers coming to India from or via China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will not require a negative RT-PCR report from a pre-departure test for COVID-19. Travelers from these five countries will no longer have to fill the self-health declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal either. The 2% random testing on arrival in India [from any country of origin] policy that was started December 24 last year, shall continue.

January 2023

• Reported by Times of India , all Indians traveling to Sri Lanka will have to follow the country’s revised COVID-19 protocols. Sri Lanka has announced that all tourists to the country will be required to carry their vaccination cards, and unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative PCR report obtained 72 hours prior to their arrival.

December 2022

December 29, 2022.

• On December 29, 2022, India’s Federal Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that RT-PCR test would be mandatory from January 1, 2023 for international passengers travelling to India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand . The test must be conducted within 72 hours of undertaking the journey to India. 
• These negative RT-PCR reports must be uploaded on the Air Suvidha portal before travel.
• This requirement is in addition to the random two percent tests of all international passengers in all incoming international flights on their arrival in India irrespective of their port of departure.

December 28, 2022

Air India Express, India’s first international budget carrier that offers flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, has issued guidelines for the maintenance of Covid-appropriate behaviour by travellers travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. The guidelines include:

• All passengers from UAE should preferably be completely immunised as per the approved primary schedule of Covid vaccination. 
• All visitors should preferably use masks and follow physical distancing on flights/travel and at all points of entry.
• Post-arrival random testing is not required for children under the age of 12. However, if they have Covid-related symptoms upon arrival, they have to undergo testing in accordance with protocol. 

December 26, 2022

• On December 24, 2022, Indian Health Ministry announced that international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand will have to mandatorily present RT-PCR test results . In case any passengers from these countries are symptomatic or test positive for Covid-19, they will be quarantined. 
• Economic Times reporting that Air Suvidha form filling to declare current health status will also be made compulsory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
• Times of India reporting that Qatar has reinstated visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for Indian travellers , which were temporarily halted due to FIFA World Cup 2022 in the country. Indian nationals can get a free VOA in Qatar for a maximum stay of 30 days or as per the hotel reservation and under the following conditions: valid passport for at least six months, confirmed return tickets, and confirmed hotel reservation through ‘Discover Qatar’ website only.
• Times of India  reporting that effective from January 1, 2023 , Serbia has discontinued visa-free travel regulations for Indian citizens , keeping in line with the requirements of European Union (EU) visa policy and measures to control illegal migrants. 

December 23, 2022

New guidelines applicable for international arrivals from December 24, 2022: “All travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.” See here for the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification issued December 22.

India will randomly test 2 percent of international travelers arriving in the country’s airports for COVID, with effect from Saturday (December 24) 10 am IST , as announced by Mansukh Mandaviya, Health Minister on Thursday December 21. Travelers will be allowed to leave the airport after submitting their sample. After the random testing, if found COVID-positive, the person’s sample shall be sent for genomic testing at a designated INSACOG laboratory network; reports shall be hared with Integrated Disease Surveillance Program at [email protected] by the concerned testing laboratory (besides sharing with the airport health organization APHOS) to be in turn shared with concerned state or union territory for further follow-up action.

• India is becoming increasingly cautious after a surge in cases recorded in neighboring China as well as in Brazil, US, Japan, and Korea, besides it being the ongoing holiday and festive season, which witnesses a jump in travel. In another move, visitors to the Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh state), will undergo a COVID-19 test before they enter, as per reporting from news agency ANI. While wearing masks are not currently mandatory in most parts of the country, it will likely be increasingly encouraged. For example, the southern state of Karnataka has made wearing masks mandatory indoors and in closed spaces in guidelines released December 22.

December 14, 2022

• DNA  reporting a travel advisory issued due to the ongoing chaos at Delhi international airport: “To ensure a quick security check, Air India has urged all travelers to bring just one piece of carry-on luggage and arrive at least 3.5 hours early.”
• Times of India  reporting that Hong Kong and Nigeria are among the latest to remove COVID-19 travel rules for international travelers. 
• Business Today  reporting that IndiGo has announced 32 connecting flights between India and Europe – flying to Milan, Manchester, Birmingham, Rome, and Venice – starting December 7, 2022. These international flights will operate in partnership with Turkish Airlines.

November 2022

• Times of India  reporting that Germany is relaxing visa appointment rules for Indian tourists. According to German Missions in the country, Indian travelers can book their visa appointment at any VFS global Visa Application Centre in major Indian cities and the Schengen visa can be applied for three months before the travel date. However, this relaxation does not apply to the D-visa category – students, employment, and family reunion visas, among others.
• New Air India flights announced between India and US, Europe ( Business Traveller ): – Air India is launching new flights connecting Mumbai with New York, Paris, and Frankfurt, and resuming non-stop flights connecting Delhi with Copenhagen, Milan, and Vienna. The new daily Mumbai-New York service to John F Kennedy International Airport will commence February 14, 2023, which will take Air India’s India-US frequency to 47 non-stop flights per week. – The new Air India flights from Delhi to Europe announced are: four weekly Delhi-Milan from February 1, 2023 and three weekly flights each on the Delhi-Vienna and Delhi-Copenhagen routes starting February 18 and March 1, 2023, respectively. – From Mumbai, new Air India flights are currently being planned to Paris* (thrice-weekly) and Frankfurt* (four weekly) from the next quarter. 
• India is discontinuing the Air Suvidha self-declaration form starting November 22, 2022. Passengers flying into India will no longer need to fill out the Air Suvidha form from November 21-22 midnight and will not need to take an RT-PCR COVID-19 test.

On November 14, the Canada  government concluded an expanded Canada-India Air Transport Agreement “to allow unlimited flights between both countries”. The announcement said: “The expanded agreement allows designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week. The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. Money Control reports that this will give Canadian airlines access to the Indian cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai while Indian airlines will receive access to Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver as well as two additional points (Canadian cities) selected by India. India is Canada’s fourth largest international air transport market and there are an estimated 1.5 million Indians living in Canada. Presently the only non-stop direct flights in this market are from Air India and Air Canada.

October 2022

The Financial Express  reports plans of Air India to add 20 weekly, non-stop flights to the US and UK between October and December. “With five additional flights a week to Birmingham, nine additional flights to London, and six additional flights a week to San Francisco, Air India said it will be able to offer over 5,000 additional seats every week.” Soon there will be seven Indian cities offering direct Air India flights to London.

September 2022

• No new updates were made to the “Risk Levels” and “Safety and Security” sections of the Canadian government’s travel advisory for India: The Hindu report .
• Hong Kong is lifting compulsory quarantine requirement for arrivals starting from September 26. There will be three days of medical surveillance during which inbound persons are free to go out but are obliged to comply with Amber Code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass, followed by a four-day self-monitoring period, making it a 7-day observation period in total, as per the Hong Kong government’s notification .
• Taiwan will end mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving in the country from October 13 as per reporting from Reuters . Speaking to the media, Taiwan’s Cabinet spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng stated that from September 29, visa-free entry will be resumed for overseas travelers that previously enjoyed that status. Under its ‘New Taiwan Model’, the government is set to increase weekly arrival limits for international travelers to 60,000 from 10,000 and will not require PCR tests for arrivals. If the pandemic situation is stable, the country will end quarantine from around October 13 and increase the weekly arrival limit to 150,000.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced travel relaxations in Japan while in New York for the UN General Assemebly session. “… from 11 October, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel.”  BBC  reports that the cap on daily arrivals will also be lifted.
• Fiji removed its COVID-19 test requirements for international travelers from September 5, 2022.
• Media is reporting that Indians traveling to Indonesia can fast track their visa applications on arriving in Jakarta as VFS Global has reached an exclusive agreement with the Indonesian Immigrant Department.
• See India’s guidelines for international arrivals – dated September 2, 2022 – which came in effect the next day. The document provides protocols to be complied by international travelers as well as those to be followed by airlines and all points of entry (airports, seaports, and land border). 
• International flights resumed operations starting September 3, in Guwahati’s (Assam state) Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), after a gap of two years. In the next few months, officials speaking to the  Hindustan Times said that the LGBIA airport will start flights from Guwahati to Yangon (Myanmar), Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Bangkok (Thailand).

January – August, 2022

• Airlines and travel agents in India have to share details of international travelers with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC) 24 hours before departure and arrival. The information will be provided to the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC). While this rule had been proposed five years ago, to combat tax avoidance and tax evasion, the government has only now developed a regulatory framework to implement this. India is among 60 countries collecting such details of international passengers. The Ministry of Finance issued the notification on August 8, 2022, as per media reports .
• China no longer requires COVID test information for international arrivals from August 31, 2022 : On Thursday, August 25, 2022, China’s General Administration of Customs released  a new health declaration form for international arrivals, which removes the requirement for visitors to report their nucleic acid test results, infection status, and vaccination dates. This ninth version of the health declaration form will be implemented starting from August 31, 2022, and international visitors can report their health status online by filling out a form on the related WeChat account or webpage. Some  media  interpret that with this update, the current entry requirement, that is, the requirement to have international passengers take two PCR tests for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure, the second of which must be within 24 hours of their departure — will be lifted.  However, considering that China is still sticking to its dynamic zero-COVID strategy, we recommend that international travelers double-check with their flight companies for further information.
• The Chinese Embassy in India has updated its “ Application Procedures and Material Requirements of China Visa “, to be implemented from August 24, 2022. See here for the list of requirements and procedures for various types of Chinese visas, including the M-Visa (commercial and trade activities) and the X1-Visa (long-term study): http://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/202208/t20220822_10748221.htm 
• The  Business Standard  noted in a report that China was working to facilitate the return of foreign students, including from India, who have been stuck due to the COVID-19 visa restriction. The paper quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin who told media that the Chinese side were working intensively for the return of foreign students to China. In updated comments on the foreign ministry website, Wenbin said: “We are confident in seeing the return of the first group of Indian students in the near future. Building on that, the Chinese side will further proceed with the return of other Indian students in a well thought-out and orderly manner.”
• India’s domestic air fare caps will end from August 31, as the civil aviation regulator DGCA rolls back restrictions imposed in 2020. This minimum to maximum price band had been introduced to avoid sky high ticket prices due to pent up demand in the domestic travel market. 
• India’s passport offers visa-free access to 60 countries , including Bhutan, Nepal, Macao, Oman, Qatar, and Fiji. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, published by immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, India’s passport ranked 87th. India had ranked 90th in Q3 and Q4 in 2021. The latest index is topped by Japan, whose passport offers visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea and Singapore (at 192 countries each), and Germany and Spain (190). As per reporting by the Hindustan Times: Indians have ‘visa-on-arrival’ access in Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, and Sri Lanka as well as 21 countries in Africa.
• Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, promised to relax restrictions on international travel in an “orderly” way , which would include facilitating the return of foreign students to rejoin Chinese colleges. Around 500,000 foreign students are enrolled at universities in China, including 23,000 Indians. Li said: “All international students may return to China to continue their studies should they so wish, and outbound commerce and trade activities and cross-border travel for labor services will be advanced in an orderly fashion.” The comments were made during a Special Virtual Dialogue with Global Business Leaders hosted by the forum. Foreign diplomatic missions in China are presently trying to speed up the process to facilitate the return of international students to China. While this is now in a small-scale trial mode, any large-scale opening can be expected only when the country’s epidemic outbreaks slow down.
• Competent authorities in China and India are communicating on securing the resumption of flights and to bring back the first group of Indian students to China at the earliest as reported in  The Economic Times.
• Bhutan is allowing travelers into the country from September 23, 2022 – after a two-year gap. Tourists from India should note the levy of a sustainable development fee (SDF), charged at 1,200 ngultrums (approx. INR 1200) per day; children between the age of six and 12 are charged INR 600 per day and no fee is charged from children below the age of five. The SDF fee is not applicable everywhere – there are exemptions to the levy in 11 districts in the less popular Eastern Bhutan region, until December 2024. 
• India is working to roll out e-passports as per its external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. The minister also informed that the Passport Seva System had been integrated with the DigiLocker system to facilitate paperless documentation. Jaishankar added: “The Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Posts operationalized 428 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) to reach out to our citizens at their doorsteps. The Ministry has successfully integrated the passport issuance systems in 178 of our Embassies and Consulates abroad.” 
• Saudi Arabia has lifted COVID-related travel restrictions on citizens travelling to India, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Vietnam and is accepting pilgrims for the forthcoming annual Hajj season, The Hindu  reports June 20, 2022. The requirement to wear face masks in closed places has also been relaxed.
• China has updated its visa policy for Indians , including Indian professionals and students. China will accept visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to return to China for resumption of work in all fields. Visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended. The details of over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly been forwarded to the Chinese government for visa processing. (Over 23,000 Indian students – mostly enrolled in medical colleges in China – had to return to India and were stuck during the last few years due to the coronavirus pandemic, which first broke out December 2019.) However, China is yet to announce resumption of normal flight facilities between the two countries.
• The US does not require arriving international travelers to take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights to the country from June 12, Sunday. “As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country .”
• Media reports say the DGCA has made masks mandatory at Indian airports and during flights. India recorded 7,240 new cases in 24 hours [ June 9 MoHFW update], the highest since March.
• On Wednesday, June 8, India’s aviation regulator DGCA announced fresh guidelines for COVID-appropriate behavior. The wearing of masks is now mandatory inside the flight / throughout the air travel , and mask removal is permitted only under exceptional circumstances. Violators could be treated as ‘unruly passengers’ and removed from the flight before departure. This is in line with a Delhi High Court order, which stipulates that violators can be put on ‘no fly list’. 
• India’s  overall passenger traffic  (both domestic and international) at airports reached 93 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022. International passenger traffic reached 63 percent and 72 percent of pre-COVID levels in April and May, respectively. Recovery of domestic travel reached 98 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022.
• Turkey has relaxed all the conditions for Indian travelers entering the country, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday, June 6.​​ Now, Indian travelers no longer have to show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-29 or negative RT-PCR test report.
• The United States Embassy in India has tweeted (8.23pm, May 29): “The US Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled. Applicants whose placeholder appointments were cancelled may now reenter the scheduling system to book regular appointments. Appointments have been opened through 2023.”
• Media reports say that Israel has removed COVID-19-linked travel requirements for foreign visitors, such as presenting a negative RT-PCR test prior to departure, undergoing an RT-PCR test upon arrival, and quarantine observation.
• Livemint reports: “Malaysia Airlines will add new routes, increase frequencies and upgrade aircraft to cater to the Indian market, which remains a key geography for the airline.”
• Saudi Arabia has banned its citizens from travelling to sixteen countries, including India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, after the Gulf state has recorded a five-fold rise in COVID-19 cases. News18 reports : “Saudi Arabia’s General Department of Passports dropped several Covid-19 restrictions towards the end of last year but are now reimposing some of them as Covid-19 cases are being reported from various parts of the world and China and North Korea bearing the brunt of the Omicron variant which is leading to fresh cases.”
• Indian announced on May 12 that citizens planning to travel abroad are now eligible to get a third (booster/precaution) dose of vaccine three months after their second dose. The rules otherwise stipulate a nine-month gap between the second dose and booster shot. 
• Scoot, the budget airline from Singapore Airlines Group, has launched daily flight services between Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Singapore, up from three times a week. As per reporting by The Hindu  [April 27, 2022], Scoot has a network of 42 destinations in 16 countries and territories, including Australia and Southeast Asia.
• VietJet has announced that it will resume operations of six flights – on the Delhi-Hanoi route and Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route from April 29, 2022. New flights have also been added by VietJet on the Mumbai-Phu Quoc route and New Delhi-Phu Quoc route, which are scheduled to start from September 9, 2022.
• Hong Kong has banned Air India flights till April 24 due to COVID-19 as three passengers on board one of its flights had reportedly tested positive on arrival.
• On April 11,  Times of India  reported that fully vaccinated passengers from the UAE traveling to India will not necessarily require a pre-departure RT-PCR test at the airport. The move is on a reciprocity basis. However, UAE travelers will need to fill out the passenger locator form on the Air Suvidha portal – same as travelers from any other destination visiting India. Also, travelers need to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate onto the Air Suvidha portal.
• Scheduled international flight services have resumed from Sunday, March 27, 2022 after being suspended for two years due to COVID-19. Starting March 27, six Indian airlines and 60 foreign airlines will connect India with 63 countries . Under the new summer schedule (March 27 to October 29), foreign airlines will operate 1,783 weekly flights and Indian carriers will operate 1,466 departures every week. Among domestic airlines, IndiGo will operate 505 departures per week, followed by Tata Group-owned Air India at 361 weekly flights and its subsidiary Air India Express will operate 340 flights per week.
• From the  Indian Express : More international airlines add flights to India : “Emirates said… it will be operating the 35 weekly flights from Mumbai, 28 from Delhi, 24 from Bengaluru, 21 each from Chennai and Hyderabad, 14 from Kochi, 11 from Kolkata, nine from Ahmedabad and seven from Thiruvananthapuram.”
• On March 21, 2022, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced  that from April 1, the Government will lift the flight ban on nine countries (i.e., Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, the USA, and Nepal)  and cut the hotel quarantine period for arrivals. Currently, passenger aircraft from these nine countries are not allowed to land in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive also announced the preconditions for boarding a flight to Hong Kong and the COVID-19 control and prevention measures to be implemented upon arrival. Given this, there are  comments  saying that traveling to Hong Kong will not get much easier even after the ban is lifted. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. plans just one inbound flight every two weeks for fear to be subjected to the city’s 14-day ban on airlines that carry too many passengers found to be infected with COVID-19.
• Singapore announced it is lifting restrictions for all vaccinated travelers from next week. According to officials, from April 1, fully vaccinated adults and unvaccinated children will be allowed to enter Singapore without quarantining, if they take a pre-departure test . Only travelers on a ‘restricted list’ will face curbs in entering Singapore; as of March 24, 2022 – there are no countries on this list.
• On March 21, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced relaxed COVID-19-related regulations. NDTV reports MoCA saying “cabin crew members need not wear PPE kit, airlines need not keep three seats vacant on international flights for medical emergencies and security personnel at airports can resume pat-down search of passengers.” However, the use of face mask and maintenance of hand hygiene/sanitizer continues to be mandatory . Airlines may carry additional PPE protective gear, sanitizers, and N-95 masks to handle any respiratory infections related to cases on air – for passengers as well as the crew.
• Cochin International Airport announces summer schedule (March 27 to October 29) with 1,190 weekly operations (international and domestic flights). 20 airlines will operate flights to destinations abroad (including 16 international carriers). Indigo has the most weekly departures to international destinations (42) and Air India Express accounts for 38 weekly departure operations. Other prominent carriers are Air Asia Berhad, Ethihad, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Gulf Air, and Fly Dubai. 44 weekly departures are scheduled for Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi with 42. Air India Express will continue its weekly operations to London and Thai Air Asia will resume Kochi operations in June, with 4 weekly direct flights to Bangkok. Source:  The Hindu Business Line
• Useful Quick Links from the Air India portal: – Official Circular on Restoration of Indian Visa (E-Tourist Visa and Tourist Visa) for Foreign Tourists   – Circular For Generating and Accessing International Digital Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate – International Travel Advisories
• Singapore Airlines Group press release: All Singapore Airlines flights from India to Singapore will operate as vaccinated travel lane (VTL) services from March 16, 2022. This will provide eligible customers with quarantine-free entry into Singapore from eight points across India. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, will also progressively convert its non-VTL services from Amritsar, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchi, and Visakhapatnam to VTL services. Short-term visitors and Singapore work-permit holders who seek to avail VTL services must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) prior to their visa application. VTP applications should be made between three and 60 calendar days before the person’s intended date of entry into Singapore. Travelers must ensure their eligibility to use the VTL services before their flight. 
• Regular international flights to resume March 27, 2022 after two years suspension. This is the start of the summer schedule 2022.
• Economic Times reporting “ Global travel shedding Covid baggage as several nations ease restrictions for Indians “. 
• India has once again extended its ban on regular commercial international passenger flights – until further orders – as per a circular dated February 28, 2022 issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flights under air bubble arrangements and international cargo flights will continue.
• On February 28, 2022 , the Indian government updated its “ List of Countries/Regions in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded ” on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website: see document here . There are 88 countries now on this list . (The Union health ministry has removed the at-risk categorization of countries.) 
• India and Thailand have finalized an air bubble arrangement, bringing the total number of such bilateral flight agreements to 37. Airline carriers between India and Thailand will begin operating flights starting in March, which will be subject to approval from the government. Thai Airways will commence flights between India and Thailand starting March 1 under this air bubble. Travelers should note the health protocols and the respective schedules of approved flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Bangkok. Meanwhile, on February 25, SpiceJet announced it will launch six new international flights to Bangkok, commencing from March 10 in a phased manner. SpiceJet plans to launch flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata with Bangkok. India reportedly has plans to reopen its regular international travel from March 15, but this is still a tentative date.
• Singapore, UAE, and Kuwait have updated their travel guidelines and COVID-prevention protocols for travelers from India. See here to know more.
• The Airport Authority of India has updated its state-wise guidelines for arriving passengers – by region. The PDF links may be accessed here: COVID Guidelines India Northern Region 14-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India Western Region 21.02.2022 COVID Guidelines India Southern Region 22-02-20212 COVID Guidelines India Eastern Region 18-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India North East Region 17-02-2022
• Dubai ends rapid RT-PCR rules for Indian travelers. Under the new rules , travelers from India have to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued by an approved health service provider and generated 48 hours before scheduled departure of the flight. Passengers will undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers will be expected to follow rules governing entry at their final destination.
• It is being reported in The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has requested approval from the health ministry to allow resumption of international flights from mid-March. Reason cited by unnamed government source is that domestic traffic has rebounded.
• The government has removed restrictions on the number of flights that can be operated between India and Ukraine under their bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate travel of Indians from the eastern European country. India has advised its citizens to temporarily leave Ukraine amid its deteriorating relations with Russia.
• Indian media are reporting that the government is soon to make a decision on whether regular international flights can resume in the summer (March/April). It is being reported by The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has set an internal target of resuming international flight services once domestic airlines capacity touches 80% of pre-COVID flights. (Domestic airlines operated over 2,800 flights before the pandemic struck in 2020; as of February 13, they operated 2,058 flights. To reach the 80% mark, this number has to exceed 2,200.)
• No testing or mandatory quarantine required for international travelers from February 14, 2022: On February 10, India revised guidelines for international arrivals, which will come into effect February 14, 2022 (Monday, 00.01 Hrs IST). The new guidelines remove the category of ‘at risk’ countries and has scrapped the seven-day mandatory quarantine. Instead, India’s health authorities recommend self-monitoring of 14 days for symptoms . The Union Health Ministry stated that there is “need to monitor the continuously changing” COVID-19 virus but accepted that “economic activities need to be taken up in an unhindered manner”. As per the latest guidelines, all foreign arrivals have to fill a self-declaration form online (Air Suvidha web portal), including a travel history of the past 14 days. They must also upload a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the departure date. Alternatively, they can upload a certificate confirming that they are fully vaccinated. This alternative option is only available for passengers arriving from the 72 countries whose vaccination program are recognized by the Indian government. They include Canada, Hong Kong, USA, UK, Bahrain, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries. See here for the official notification on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare portal.
• Australia will reopen its borders for international tourists from February 21 , subject to conditions. The move comes after almost two years of pandemic-linked travel restrictions. Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while making the announcement: “The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia. That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.” However, travelers to Australia should note the state-wise rules and restrictions.
• Vietnam reported to reopen for tourism, welcome foreign travelers from March 15, 2022. See here for information pertaining to travel to Vietnam .
• On February 5, Bali reopened its borders for international travelers and resumed direct international flights. See here for information on travel to Indonesia .
• On February 4, the state of Kerala released revised guidelines for international travelers. ( See here for the official notification by the Kerala government.) Any international traveler coming to Kerala, irrespective of their duration of stay, must undergo symptom surveillance. If they are found symptomatic, they must undertake an RT-PCR test at cost at the airport and take further action as per the test results. The revised rules advise home quarantine for international travelers who do not show symptoms; they must self-monitor their health for 7 days from the date of arrival and undergo testing if they develop symptoms. Rapid Antigen Test is advised on the 8th day after arrival. There will be random testing of 2% of international travelers on the flight, irrespective of the country of departure, and the costs will be borne by the Kerala state government. 
• Singapore Airlines has restarted the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with India. VTL flights allow quarantine-free travel into Singapore. There are VTL flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai into Singapore. (Singapore has also restarted its vaccinated travel lane with Malaysia.) Passengers should note that there are limited flights and reduced seat quota on these routes.
• The West Bengal state government announced on January 31, that it is rolling back its ban on all international direct flights coming from the United Kingdom to Kolkata.
• Indians who are fully vaccinated can reportedly travel to these seven countries: UK, Thailand, Singapore, Cyprus, Vietnam, Israel, and Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
• Canada has relaxed COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from India, starting January 28, 2022. People traveling on direct flights or on a one-stop flight from India do not have to show a negative RT-PCR test done at the Delhi airport within 18 hours of their departure. However, Canada still requires travelers from India to show an RT-PCR test report from an ICMR-approved lab . Fully vaccinated travelers must upload their relevant details onto the ArriveCAN app or website. 
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs – Guidelines for International Arrivals – Quick Access to Documents: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf 
• India has extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights to 23:59 February 28, 2022: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This ban does not apply to international all-cargo operations and the DGCA-approved flights. The notification was released by the DGCA on January 19, 2022.
• Hong Kong bars flights from India, U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Pakistan, and Philippines over Omicron fears, reports The Hindu (Jan.5, 2022).
• Countries reported to be requiring mandatory vaccine booster shots for travelers include Kuwait, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Austria, Greece, and Israel. 
• Gulf News is reporting that India is currently making a “day to day” assessment on the resumption of normal international flights. “One has to balance the concerns of public safety and travel,” said Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, Government of India. “We will take very expeditious action as and when things improve and the assessment is carried out. I’m hopeful that [full] international travel will resume soon.”
• Starting January 1, 2022, India’s air bubble arrangement with Saudi Arabia will be in effect. 
• India has reached an air bubble agreement with Australia. According to reporting from Livemint : “Australian airline Qantas has recently started flights between Sydney and New Delhi. The airline is also set to start flights between New Delhi and Melbourne before Christmas. Air India also operated direct commercial flights connecting New Delhi with Melbourne and Sydney before scheduled international flights were suspended by the Indian government. Air India flights between India and Australia will resume in coming days, said a senior official with the airline.”
• As of December 7, 2021 , India’s Civil Aviation and Health Ministry has made contactless self-declaration at Air Suvidha Portal mandatory for purpose of contact tracing. Exemption forms from the Air Suvidha portal has been discontinued. All international passengers arriving in India must fill in all the details.
• 108 countries recognize India’s COVID-19 vaccination certificate for travel purpose as per data available on December 6, 2021 .

Commercial international flights were suspended in India since March 25, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Travel restrictions have begun to be gradually relaxed from October 2021.

Below we highlight the latest guidelines for international travel to and from India.

Latest updates

Status of india’s international air operations.

• On March 8, an order from the government confirmed resumption of regular international flights from March 27, 2022 . “After being recognized the increase of vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from March 27, 2022, ie [that is] start of the summer schedule 2022,” said the order. India had suspended international flights for the first time in March 2020 and began operating air bubble arrangements since July 2020. 
• As of February 28, 2022, India has extended its suspension of scheduled international flights “till further orders”. 
• India rolled back its intention to resume normal international flight schedules from December due to the emergence of the Omicron COVID variant. On December 9, 2021, the civil aviation regulator announced announced the postponement of international scheduled commercial flights till February 28, 2022. Air bubble and evacuation flights schedules, approved flights, and air cargo will function.

India releases periodic guidelines for international passengers coming into India based on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of regional variants and their threat assessment. The latest travel guidelines for international arrivals to India were released on February 10, 2022 (and supersede previous notifications): https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf

• The Air Suvidha portal for submission of Self Declaration Form, which is mandatory: https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration 

For evacuation flight schedule Phase 14 (October 1, 2021 to March 26, 2022), see Air India Vande Bharat Mission here (download PDF): https://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/VBM-schedule-dtd-30sep2021-PHASE14.pdf . The evacuation mission has been in place since May 7, 2020. For destinations operated under air bubble arrangement Phase 13 ( September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021), click here for PDF download .

• As of April 15, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored electronic visa (e-visa) facility for foreigners from 156 countries. The e-visa facility is applicable for international tourists who wish to visit India for conferences, medical purposes, or business. The e-visa also extends to medical attendants.

Air Transport Bubbles

India has also established “Transport Bubbles” or “Air Travel Arrangements”, which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

The details of such arrangements were last updated in February 2022.

India now has 37 air bubble arrangements in place: Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, and Uzbekistan.

More details can be seen on the government website here: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles 

• Full service carrier Vistara has started non-stop flight services to Paris from Delhi under the air bubble agreement between India and Europe, according to reporting from The Economic Times . Under the air bubble pact, Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner) aircraft will fly twice a week between Delhi and Paris – on Wednesday and Sunday. London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Male are the other international destinations covered by Vistara, which is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
• The US will be lifting travel restrictions on foreign countries from November 8, Monday. Travelers must show proof of vaccination (WHO-approved vaccines); unvaccinated minors will be subject to testing requirements; and all travelers will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure to the US. See here for Reuters coverage of the changing rules.
• Air India will offer non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney starting November 15, 2021. Air India will operate the thrice-a-week service on the Delhi-Sydney-Delhi route under the Vande Bharat Mission. Australia has also formally recognized Covaxin, India’s COVID-19 vaccine.
• India’s new visa norms stipulate that visas will be granted to foreigners only if they use water and air routes, not land routes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed the gradual resumption of international travel to start from October 15, 2021 and tourist and e-visas will be issued for only a single entry per month. From November 15, all individual foreign nationals (on fresh tourist visas) will be allowed to enter India after observing prevailing COVID-19 protocols as notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 
• The Union Home Ministry announced on Thursday that India will allow foreign tourists traveling by chartered flights (Vande Bharat and air bubble flights) from October 15, rest from November 15, 2021. Foreigner tourists will be allowed to come in on non-charter flights from November 15 unless the extended restrictions on scheduled flights is substantially lifted. See the Home Ministry’s press briefing here  and reporting by the Economic Times here .
• The Hindustan Times reporting on October 2 : “Australia’s visiting trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan said foreign students will be able to start “returning towards the end of this year and the beginning of next year”, ahead of the start of the first semester in February-March 2022. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia listed Covishield and China’s Coronavac (Sinovac) as “recognised vaccines” after an initial assessment of data on protection offered by the two jabs.”
• CoWin, India’s digital platform for COVID-19 vaccination, is allowing travelers to download an international version of their COVID-19 vaccine certificate, which is compliant with WHO’s international travel guidelines. This feature went live on September 30, 2021, and allows fully vaccinated individuals to update their existing photo identity to passport number and date of birth to get their International Travel Certificate. See website: https://www.cowin.gov.in/
• The Indian Bureau of Immigration noted the specific categories of foreign nationals who are permitted to enter India by water routes or by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission, or ‘Air Bubble’ (Bilateral Air Travel Arrangements) Scheme, or by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in its notice MHA O.M. No.25022/24/2020-F.V/F.I dated October 21, 2020. See here for reference.
• Air India has said it will run direct services between Muscat and Vijayawada “once a week or thrice from the first week of July”. The Vijayawada International Airport resumed international flights to Gulf destinations, such as Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat in June, to Singapore in April.
• Budget carrier Air India Express will operate a total of 64 flights between Malaysia and India in July under Vande Bharat Mission. More below.
• Foreign nationals who wish to travel to India for medical treatment can apply for a fresh visa under this category and choose one attendant to accompany them as per the visa category provisions (that is, if the original applicant has their medical visa approved).
• On October 8, 2020, India’s civil aviation authority said the future of international flights will depend on the availability of a vaccine, hinting at the extension of air travel bubble arrangements into March-April next year.
• Low-cost carrier SpiceJet announces its new flight operations connecting Delhi and Mumbai with London, starting December 4, which will come under the India-UK air bubble agreement.
• New standard operating protocol announced August 22, 2020 for non-scheduled commercial flights under the repatriation scheme, Vande Bharat Mission, and Air Transport Bubble Agreements.

(Note: This article was originally published on August 4, 2020 and last updated on February 10, 2023.)

India Briefing  is produced by  Dezan Shira & Associates . The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in  Delhi  and  Mumbai . Readers may write to   [email protected]  for business support in India.

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India USA Travel

Travel to india from usa – all questions answered.

Traveling to India from the USA can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your trip and have an amazing experience. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to India from the USA, from visas to vaccinations .

In this article…

Indian visa requirements for US tourists

India is the largest democracy in the world, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people. It’s also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a GDP that reached an estimated $2.4 trillion in 2019. If you’re interested in experiencing a large, diverse country, with bustling cities and rural villages, then India is worth considering as a destination.

The Government of India has announced that, with effect from April 1, 2021, all international travelers, except those coming from Nepal and Bhutan, will need to possess a negative COVID-19 test report before undertaking their journey to India.

The test report must have been obtained within 72 hours prior to the commencement of travel.

All passengers will also be required to mandatorily fill up and submit self-declaration forms on the online portal prior to their departure.

Apart from the above, all travelers from USA will need to obtain a tourist visa before undertaking their journey to India. The process for obtaining a tourist visa is as follows:

1. Applicants will need to fill out an online application form available on the website of the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

2. Along with the completed application form, applicants will need to submit their passport (valid for at least six months from the date of travel), two recent passport-size photographs, and the applicable visa fee .

3. Applicants will also need to furnish proof of their onward and return journey tickets, as well as hotel reservations for their stay in India.

4. Once the application is complete, it can be submitted online or in person at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

5. The processing time for tourist visas is typically about four to five days. However, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the planned travel date to avoid any last-minute delays.

Indian visa requirements for tourists from USA are not onerous, and the process for obtaining a visa is relatively straightforward.

However, it is important to note that all travelers from USA will need to possess a negative COVID-19 test report before undertaking their journey to India.

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Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA

The Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA is a non-immigrant visa issued by the Government of India to citizens of the United States of America for the purpose of tourism in India.

The tourist visa can be applied for online through the Indian Visa Application website or through the nearest Indian consulate .

The application process is simple and straightforward and requires the submission of a few documents , including a passport-sized photograph and a copy of the applicant’s passport.

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with an application number. This number can be used to track the status of the application online. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an electronic visa, which must be printed out and presented at the time of entry into India.

The Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of India. With its rich culture and history, India is a country that should not be missed.

How to obtain a visa for travel to India from the USA

When traveling to India from the United States, citizens of the United States must obtain a visa in order to enter the country. There are several types of visas that can be obtained, and the type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel.

For example, those traveling for business purposes will need to obtain a business visa, while those traveling for tourism will need to obtain a tourist visa. The process for obtaining a visa can vary depending on the country of origin, but generally, travelers will need to submit an application and supporting documents to the Indian consulate or embassy in their home country.

The processing time for a visa can also vary, but it is typically between two and four weeks.

India entry details and exceptions for visitors

All foreign nationals except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan require a valid passport and visa to enter India. Nationals of Maldives can enter India without a visa for a period of up to 90 days.

Indian visas are granted by Indian diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) abroad. In countries where India does not have a diplomatic mission , visas can be obtained from the nearest British diplomatic mission.

Visas are also available on arrival at certain airports in India for nationals of Bangladesh, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Tonga, Turkmenistan and Tuvalu.

These visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.

There are a number of different types of visas available for India, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas and employment visas. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of the visit.

Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran , Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan are not eligible for visas on arrival and must apply for their visas in advance.

Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of arrival. Business visas are valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of arrival, but can be extended for up to one year.

Student visas are valid for the duration of the course of study, up to a maximum of five years. Employment visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.

All foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival in India. Those staying in hotels should register with the hotel authorities.

Tips for traveling to India from the USA

Assuming you are traveling from the USA to India , there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your trip as smooth as possible.

1. Get your visa well in advance.

You can apply for an e-visa up to 60 days before your travel date, and it is recommended that you do so to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

2. Keep your passport and other important documents handy.

You will need these when going through immigration , so make sure you have them easily accessible.

3. Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations.

India is a country with a variety of diseases, so it is important to be up-to-date on your vaccinations.

4. Pack light.

You will be doing a lot of walking, and the heat can be unbearable at times, so pack accordingly.

5. Have a loose plan.

India is a vast country with a lot to see and do. It is impossible to see everything in one trip, so it is best to have a general idea of what you want to do and see, and then go with the flow.

6. Be prepared for culture shock.

India is a very different place from the USA, and you will likely experience culture shock at some point. Be patient and open-minded, and you will have a great time.

7. Bargaining is a way of life.

In India, bargaining is expected when buying anything from souvenirs to taxi rides. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit to get the best price.

8. Be aware of scams.

Unfortunately, there are many scams in India, so it is important to be aware of them. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

9. Drink plenty of water.

India is a hot country, and you will need to stay hydrated. Drink bottled water whenever possible, and carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.

10. Have fun!

India is an amazing country with so much to see and do. Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy your trip.

What to Expect When Arriving in India

Assuming that the tourist is arriving in India for the first time, there are a few things that they should expect. India is a vast and varied country, so it is difficult to make sweeping statements about the entire nation. However, there are some generalizations that can be made.

First and foremost, India is a very populous country. With over 1.3 billion people, it is the second most populous country in the world after China. This means that there will be a lot of people everywhere the tourist goes.

Another thing to expect is the heat. India is a tropical country, so the temperatures can be quite high, especially during the summer months. The humidity can also be quite intense, so the tourist should make sure to stay hydrated.

The food in India is also quite different from what the tourist is probably used to. Indian cuisine is very spicy, so the tourist should be prepared for that. There are also a lot of vegetarian and vegan options available, as many Indians do not eat meat.

Finally, the tourist should be prepared for the poverty that they will see in India. While there are some very wealthy people in the country, there is also a large population that lives in poverty.

The tourist should not take photos of people living in poverty without their permission, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

Can I travel to India now?

Yes, you can travel to India now. The country has reopened its borders to international travelers and is welcoming visitors with open arms.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you travel, however. First, make sure you have a valid passport and visa.

Second, check with your airline to see if there are any restrictions on travel to India.

Third, be sure to get travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Lastly, research your destination and plan your trip accordingly. With a little preparation, you can have an amazing and safe trip to India.

Can US citizens travel to India?

Yes, US citizens can travel to India. There are a few things to keep in mind, however.

First, a visa is required. The process for obtaining a visa can be found on the website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Second, although there are no specific restrictions on travel to India, visitors should be aware of the current security situation and exercise caution.

There have been terrorist attacks in India in the past, and the risk of terrorism remains high. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for political unrest and demonstrations.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Indian visas are required for all foreign nationals travelling to India, with the exception of nationals of Nepal and Bhutan. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay in India.

If you are planning to travel to India for business purposes, you will need to apply for a business visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in India for up to six months and can be extended for up to one year. If you are planning to travel to India for tourism purposes, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in India for up to six months.

If you are planning to stay in India for more than six months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Long-term visas are typically valid for up to five years and can be renewed.

If you are a student planning to study in India, you will need to apply for a student visa . Student visas are typically valid for the duration of your studies, up to five years.

Once you have obtained your visa, you will need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your planned arrival in India. You will also need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination.

Can I travel to India with OCI on my old passport?

Yes, you can travel to India with OCI on your old passport. However, you will need to carry your new passport with you, as well as your old passport containing the OCI sticker. At the airport, you will need to present both passports to the immigration officer.

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Mani Karthik

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USA Travel Checklist – Items to Carry & Things To Do

Forms to fill when traveling from india to usa, vaccinations for us citizens traveling to india.

I actually have a question about travel times and dates. If I need to arrive in Chennai, India, for an event beginning on August 4 (including one day of rest before the event), on what day should I schedule my departure? I’m a bit confused about change of time zones and duration of flights. Thank you so much.

Hi Patty, I’d say you need to travel in the last week of July. Not sure how long your flight is but assuming it’s the longest one with ab out 24+ hours, you’d need to be in Chennai atleast on the 2nd of August (which is the 1st of August in US). To be safe, I’d recommend booking the flight on 30th or 31st of July.

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

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U.S. Restricts Travel From India Amid COVID-19 Surge

Suprabhat Dutta / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• On May 4, the United States government restricted the travel of foreign nationals from India to the U.S.
• The restriction is in response to a surge of COVID-19 cases in India and will significantly impact Indian Americans and immigrants who will not be able to go home and visit their families.
• Individuals can help by supporting and donating to mutual aid and fundraising efforts.

On May 4, the United States government enacted travel restrictions on India amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, limiting most non-U.S. citizens from traveling to the U.S.

The ban does not apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, journalists, certain students and academics, and people traveling for humanitarian, public health, or national security reasons.

“What happens in India—or really anywhere in the world—affects all of us,” Krutika Kuppalli, MD , assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina, tells Verywell. “The situation in India will have downstream global effects and it is in our best interests to get this under control.”

Why Is There a Surge of COVID-19 Cases in India?

About three months after India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the country's COVID-19 infections and mortality reached an all-time low , the country experienced the highest daily tally of new COVID-19 infections ever recorded globally.

With 314,835 new cases recorded on April 22, India's case count exceeded the previous highest one-day rise of COVID-19 cases set by the U.S. back in January. The country's numbers continued to set and surpass a new global record as the days passed. As of May 8, India reported 401,078 new infections.

“The surge is due to a complex number of things and not just one thing,” Kuppalli says. “India has very complicated population density issues that intersect its socio-economic dynamics. This, along with the relaxing of public health measures, set up a perfect storm for the surge to occur. I also think there was a false narrative [that] India ‘beat’ the pandemic because they did relatively well compared to other countries during the first wave.”

Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP , hospital epidemiologist and associate professor of infectious diseases and global medicine at the University of Florida, tells Verywell that other factors contributing to the surge may include “poor leadership, mass gatherings, a slow vaccination drive, lack of public health infrastructure, and variants that are more communicable with inadequate protective immunity from prior infection."

The Impact on India's Healthcare System

The massive surge of cases continues to overwhelm India’s healthcare system, leading to shortages of basic supplies and hospital beds.

“For context, this is like what we experienced in New York City, only exponentially widespread and worse,” Cherabuddi says. “We have not yet seen the peak of this second wave and that is concerning as deaths will follow.”

India currently needs:

• Oxygen cylinders
• Delivery equipment and concentrators
• Pulse oximeters
• Frontline medical provider supplies
• COVID-19 tests
• COVID-19 vaccines and raw materials to produce it
• Hospital beds

“We are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in India and neighboring countries,” Cherabuddi adds. “This is not just about medical care. It will affect every aspect of human life in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The repercussions include regional and global spread, delayed supply of COVID-19 vaccines from India to the world, and impact on global medicine supply.”

Why Is a Travel Restriction Necessary?

Throughout the pandemic, countries have enacted travel restrictions and bans in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

“Travel restrictions and lockdowns are epidemiological tools that help prevent spread when there is a huge surge in cases,” Cherabuddi says. “We have learned from prior experiences during this pandemic that they must be implemented in a humane manner. Travel advisories and restrictions are consistent with standard public health response to any epidemic or pandemic.”

However, “travel restrictions don’t prevent these variants from spreading and that by the time a variant is detected in another country, it has likely already spread,” Kuppalli says, adding that these bans will only slow the spread of variants—not prevent them.

According to Cherabuddi, a supervised or mandatory quarantine upon return to the U.S. in addition to a travel warning was a possible alternative.

Travel Restrictions Are Affecting Indian Americans

The current travel restrictions were implemented as a necessary public health measure, but now some Indian Americans and Indian immigrants in the U.S. are unable to see their families in person. "Even figuring out how to send supplies to them is a challenge as well," Kuppalli says.

“Indian Americans and communities are dealing with their friends and family members, including immediate family, becoming seriously ill or passing away,” Cherabuddi says. “There is a strong sense of helplessness, guilt, and grief of not being there for their loved ones in this time of need.”

Fully vaccinated individuals with relatives in India may have been looking forward to visiting their families. But travel restrictions make the situation even more fraught.

“It is really difficult to not be able to visit family, and stay away from loved ones,” Lija Joseph, MD , adjunct associate professor of pathology & laboratory medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, tells Verywell. “I know of some who are not able to go home for the funerals of their loved ones, which makes it really difficult to bring closure in addition to the tragedy of the pandemic.”

Cherabuddi says the COVID-19 crisis in India may lead to some long-term effects including “the negation of gains made over the past decade in poverty, literacy, hunger, malaria, [and] HIV and TB control and mortality. On a global scale, most of humanity has not been vaccinated and this surge will spread like wildfire unless swift action is taken."

What This Means For You

You can show your solidarity by supporting and donating to mutual aid and fundraising initiatives working to help India contain the surge of COVID-19 cases and recover. Cash supplies will be used to provide medical equipment, food, and other necessary provisions.

How Can I Help?

The U.S. government is stepping up to help India, Joseph says. The U.S. promised to send about 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine when it receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has also provided cash assistance, oxygen cylinders and regulators, rapid diagnostic tests, and N-95 respirators.

“The U.S. government has supported waiver of IP protections on COVID-19 vaccines which is helpful, but we must do more, including active intervention with provision of vaccine supplies and partnering with agencies in the production of vaccines which is crucial to curb further surges and deaths,” Cherabuddi says. “This is the time to help build capacity, exert influence on the government, and galvanize the international community in tackling this crisis.”

Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP

It is not too late. Many communities and agencies have already led the way to action and are making a difference.

Other countries aside from the U.S. are also offering aid, but individuals can make a difference, too. 

“It is not too late. Many communities and agencies have already led the way to action and are making a difference,” Cherabuddi says. “Individuals can show solidarity, advocate for support, and participate in donating effort or money to recognized agencies.”

You can support initiatives like OxygenForIndia to provide medical oxygen to hospitals and patients at home or Mazdoor Kitchen to supply meals to daily wage workers in Delhi. Online fundraising platforms like Mutual Aid India and Give India have plenty of crowdfunding campaigns on their website as well.

Many community organizers are also running mutual aid and fundraisers for vulnerable communities in India without social safety nets, and you may donate directly to the tribal families in Maharashtra , rural transgender people in Tamil Nadu , or Indians living in resettlement colonies in Chandigarh .

“There are many organizations that are providing online fundraising portals,” Joseph says. “Please support these efforts.”

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our  coronavirus news page .

The White House. A Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease .

U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease .

World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Coronavirus Tracker .

U.S. Agency for International Development. United States Airlifts Emergency Supplies to Help India Address Deadly Second Wave of Covid-19 Pandemic .

By Carla Delgado Carla M. Delgado is a health and culture writer based in the Philippines.

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India Healthy Travel Packing List

Pack items for your health and safety.

• You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
• This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.
• Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions
• Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
• Suture/syringe kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Altitude sickness medicine
• Medicine to prevent malaria

Medical supplies

• Glasses Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged
• Contact lenses Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
• Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Suture kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Diabetes testing supplies
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antihistamine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough drops
• Cough suppression/expectorant
• Decongestant
• Medicine for pain and fever Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Mild laxative
• Mild sedative or other sleep aid
• Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer or wipes Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes
• Water purification tablets See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection .
• Water purification tablets May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas
• Insect repellent Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites
• Permethrin Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.
• Bed net For protection against insect bites while sleeping
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure .
• Sunglasses and hat Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.
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Home » International Travel Guidelines for USA to India During Covid-19 12-12-23

International Travel Guidelines for USA to India During Covid-19

Last Updated on Dec 12th, 2023 by Heena Ganotra, 15 comments

Crazy long queues at the check-in counter. Ho-hum affairs at the baggage claim. Careless swishing and swooshing when the flight lands. Hubbub of people deboarding India flights for a grand homecoming!

Nostalgia hits hard when airport memories grab us by the arm and seek attention. But memories of India travel and booking cheap tickets to India are all we have!

Even though the year 2020 (and whatever part of 2021 we have seen) is all wasted because of everything that has been falling apart one after the other, the chief threat has been COVID-19. It has quite literally ruined the year in its entirety, making it the biggest nightmare of the century. While leisure trips are the last thing on anyone’s list, emergency travel falls first because of its unavoidability.

If you have an emergency flight to board, the following are a few things (under the International travel India checklist) that you must consider during COVID-19-

Travel Documents

As per the International Travel Guidelines given by the government on 21 September 2020, all Visas and e-visas issued before 30 June 2020 are invalidated. This, however, does not apply to- 

– Diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations or project visas/all categories of Employment visas

– Business visa (excluding B-3 visa for sports)

– Airline crew

Further, the Centre had also eased Visa Restrictions on 7 August 2020, allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and certain categories of foreigners from countries with which India has “air bubble agreements” with – like the USA, the UK, France, Germany, etc. Referring to this air-bubble agreement, The Ministry of Home Affairs said, “…all OCI card holders holding passports of such countries are permitted to enter India.”

The order that was released also mentioned that Indian nationals, who hold any type of valid visa of countries with which India has air-bubble agreements, can travel to that country, provided that particular country doesn’t have any travel restrictions on the entry of Indian nationals. 

Sidenote (For India to USA travelers) – Since the US holds no such restrictions, Indian Nationals with valid visas can easily travel to the USA without any hassles. 

Not only this; foreigners from countries with which India has entered into air bubble agreements can travel to India for business or medical reasons and also those who have some Indian connection (as given in the June 22 order). This allows –

• Foreign minors and students who have at least one parent as an Indian Citizen or an OCI cardholder 
• Foreign nationals who are married to Indian citizens 
• Foreigners who are single parents with an Indian passport or OCI card-holding children. 

Apart from this, the government had also allowed entry to dependent family members of foreign diplomats and service staff who are accredited to foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or accredited International Organizations in India. However, they are required to hold official service passports.

Passport Validity 

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of the visa application to obtain a visa and must have two blank pages.  

A Negative RT-PCR Test

A negative RT-PCR test is required for India travel if you wish to seek exemption from the compulsory institutional quarantine at the transit city. However, to know the nitty-gritty of the same, you can read the why, how, where, and when of the negative RT-PCR test requirements here . 

Travel Insurance

It’s absolutely important that you get travel insurance before your India trip. Also, make sure it covers emergency medical expenses across countries so you aren’t rendered bankrupt if you happen to fall sick during or after any of your trips. While most countries have made it mandatory, India hasn’t; but we’ll still recommend you have one. 

Self-Reporting Form

It is a declaration by an individual that s/he doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms to the best of his knowledge. For India travel, this form is available official website by the name of ‘Air Suvidha Self-Reporting Form’. This form is to be filled mandatorily by all international travelers before the departure of their flight according to the guidelines for India travel, and even though the form is available from the New Delhi Airport website, it is applicable all over the country. 

Carrying the printout of the same is absolutely necessary as the digital copy alone wouldn’t suffice. For those who fill the online form but end up not carrying the printout would have to fill two self-declaration forms on arrival before clearing the immigration, leading to delays at the health screening areas at the airport. On submission, the form is forwarded to the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (GOI). Travelers can then refer to their mail for the updated form. This completed form is what is to be shown at the APHO counter before proceeding for immigration.

COVID Tracking App

Arogya Setu App 

Many countries have come up with COVID-tracing apps to track the movements of immigrants. While the Arogya Setu app is compulsory in India, different apps are compulsory in other countries. For example – Australia has COVID Safe app, Dubai has the COVID-19 DXB Smart app, and Singapore has Trace Together. 

Note: You only have to download the app. Many people have reported issues of not getting their OTPs in time. In that case, just install the app and leave. The checkings aren’t too strict and the officials only check if the app is there on the mobile device or not. 

Safe Seniors App

Because aged people are at a higher risk of catching the virus, this app must be considered as part of senior citizens’ international travel guidelines checklist when they travel to India. The app analyzes the pre-conditions, exposure history, daily symptoms, and its evolution, thereby keeping a track of an individual’s daily health. Having been designed by the RPG Life Sciences and Seniority, this app can fully be trusted as it has been validated by the top-most doctors with specialization in the field of infections. 

Google Maps

This app gives precise information on bar and restaurant closures. Therefore, downloading the same can help you with easy and convenient journeys.   

Protective Gear

Masks, Gloves, & Face Shields 

While masks are mandatory to wear and are the best gears working against coronavirus, gloves can be worn for extra protection. Make sure you pack extra masks and gloves in case you lose one. Face shields act as an additional security measure. Since COVID spreads easily through touch and breaths, one must take all the necessary precautions to prevent it. 

Disinfectant Wipes/Spray

Whether you are a kid, senior citizen, or a young professional, do not touch anything before wiping it with a disinfectant wipe. The armrests, the aircraft meal trays, the windows, etc must not casually be touched while boarding/deboarding an India flight even otherwise. If finding these wipes is a hard nut to crack, you can take along any alcoholic spray. 

Sanitizer (>100 ml)/Soap

Another item you must have in your travel checklist is the travel-sized hand sanitizer. This is an absolute requirement to keep yourself safe from catching the virus. However, keep this for the flight journey only. Once you land and wherever you have access, prefer washing hands with soap. 

Medications

Carrying the prescribed medication is of the utmost importance as the salts available in a particular medicine aren’t available in another. Chances are that you might not get the same ones in India so it’s better to be on the safer side by carrying a pack or two extra. 

Additional Items

Packed Food 

Even though the airlines that bring travelers to India offer food, it is very limited and light. Chances are that you’ll have further cravings. The same can be satiated if you carry home food along because it is absolutely allowed and definitely a safer option to rely on. 

Bottled Water 

Don’t forget to carry a water bottle with you. It becomes all the more important if you are traveling with kids because they will keep asking for water. Seeking help from the air hostess every time they are thirty won’t be a great option, considering the risk factor. 

Ziploc Bags

You can use these bags to carry food or segregate the used and the unused masks to check upon the cross-contamination among them. These bags are super effective and can be helpful for quite a lot of things. 

You might end up with a chuckle here, but more often than not, you will forget to carry this tiny but essential item. The consequence of this will be you asking for a pen from strangers at the airport but to no avail. It’s better you keep a few pens with you in the carry-on baggage because pens have the tendency of disappearing when they are needed the most. So even if you lose 2-3, you’ll still have one to use. In case you happen to be a careful person, you can lend it to someone in need and seek their blessings. Because in the end, when everything fails, blessings alone help, and this might be your chance to escape COVID-19. 

That’s it! 

If you take these international travel guidelines seriously, we are sure of the fact that, if not more, you will be five steps away from catching the virus. Precaution is indeed better than cure and this checklist is the sure-shot way of preventing the deadly virus. 

MyTicketsToIndia wishes you all good health.

And if you have any queries regarding VISA, RT-PCR test, state-wise quarantine guidelines in India, or booking flights to India , we are here to help you out. Just give us a call or join the live chat and we’ll love to offer our assistance. 

Until then, stay safe! 

If you found this blog helpful, do like and share it with your peers. Sharing is caring! 

About Heena Ganotra | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness like herpes. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)

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I have a flight from Chicago to Ahmedabad. So, if I have a negative Covid test report prior to flying, do I need to get tested at Ahmedabad airport. If so, do I need to wait for the results or can I leave the airport straightaway?

I did not find any information about rules and restrictions for travel from India to USA

How does a visitor to the US get a RT-PCR test in California for the purpose of return?

Hello Sunil,

We feel that our travel experts will be able to guide you better. Kindly give us a call @ 1-585-948-0222 or join the live chat (you’ll find the chatbox towards your right) so we can help you better.

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Warm regards, Team MyTicketsToIndia

I AM FLYING BACK TO INDIA AFTER 4 MONTHS STAY IN USA. I AM NOT CLEAR WHETHER I NEED RTPCR COVID TEST TO TAKE FLIGHT FIR INDIA. WHETHER I WOULD NEED COVID NEGSTIVE TEST AT DELHI IN INDIS AFTER KANDING ? PLS CONFIFM AND WHATVIS ORESENT GUIDELIBES FOR TRAVELLING TO INDIA N BOARDING FLIGHT FRM USA PLS CONFIRM EARLY

Hello Narang ji,

It is indeed important to take the RT-PCR test before traveling to India. However, you can take the test at the Delhi Airport as well. While we have listed all the details in the blog, we’ll love to solve any queries that you might have. You can either give us a call @ 1-844-444-3067/ 1-585-948-0222 or join the live chat and we’ll love to help you out.

Very useful. I will be vaccinated in this month l want to travel to India in April. Do I still need negative certificate?

This article offers clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that actually how to do blogging. Saudra Shurlock Keg

Good guideline Thank you

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Thank you so much. We are glad that you liked them.

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W sam raz tutaj szukaliśmy informacji na temat tym, że gepard być może biec z prędkością nawet 120km/h.

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Well, we can proudly say that flights fly 10x faster. 😛 Have a great day!

Thanks. marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.

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Petition For Air India To Begin Service At Dallas/Fort Worth Receives Nearly 4,000 Signatures

• Demand for direct flights from Dallas to India is high due to a significant Indian population in Texas.
• Air India has considered adding US destinations like Dallas in the recent past.
• With improvements in the carrier's operations, nonstop flights to Dallas may soon become a reality.

The United States continues to attract Indians for various reasons, be it economic opportunities or for higher education, among others. As such, demand for nonstop flights is present almost all year round. And while New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, DC are currently served with non-stop connections, other cities in the country are also demanding direct services.

Petition for Dallas-Hyderabad flight

The significant Indian population in Texas is voicing its opinions about the lack of a convenient way to travel back to India to meet their family and friends. A resident of Frisco, Texas, Venkat Mulukutla, has started a petition to request Air India to start a non-stop service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Hyderabad in South India.

The Indian-origin communities along the East and West Coast and the Midwest have convenient non-stop options to fly back to India, with Air India serving New York-JFK, Newark, Chicago, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. But for those living in Texas, the journey back home is often more than 20 hours, with a stopover at airport hubs in the Middle East or Europe.

Mulukutla’s petition says,

“We request Air India to start a Direct Flight from Dallas to Hyderabad. India. Dallas Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas are considered Telugu speaking Hub. Out of 400 thousand Indians in DFW at least 50- 60% are Telugu people. Every Year lot of Telugu students coming to Dallas to study while lot of Telugu including elderly parents are traveling to live with their children.”

He further adds that instead of first flying to places like Doha or Dubai, which are around 4-5 hours away from India, it would be better if Air India offered a nonstop service. The petition has already gained more than 3,700 signatures.

There have been some developments

Air India seems to be aware of the demand for such flights from the US. Not too long ago, Simple Flying reported that the carrier added three additional US destinations to its map – Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle. However, those plans did not materialize, and the airline never got around to announcing the routes.

Coming Soon? Air India Adds 3 US Destinations To Its Route Map

While we don’t know the exact reasons for their removal, the development did suggest that Air India is considering expanding into the US. Clearly, there’s demand for such flights, and the carrier would want to capitalize on the opportunity as part of its growth plans.

Possibility in the near future?

Air India has been planning more US flights for the longest time, but several factors – including the lack of enough widebody airplanes – halted those plans. However, there have been significant changes within the company since the Tata Group took over its operations. Several of its grounded widebody planes have been fixed and many more have arrived on leases.

The carrier primarily operates Boeing 777s on its US routes. It has acquired several of these planes on short-term leases and doubled down on existing US airports on its network. Perhaps with the new Airbus A350s, and more arriving soon, we could see more places in the US, including Dallas, appear within its international route network.

Examined: Air India's North American Operations

What are your views on this? Please leave a comment below.

IATA/ICAO Code: AI/AIC

Airline Type: Full Service Carrier

Hub(s): Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport

Year Founded: 1946

Alliance: Star Alliance

CEO: Campbell Wilson

Country: India

Region: Asia

Skift India Summit Video: Hyper-Personalizing the Air Travel Experience

Amadeus + Skift

April 2nd, 2024 at 12:01 PM EDT

In this video from Skift India Summit 2024, Jonathan Tong, senior vice president, airlines — Southeast Asia, India Subcontinent and Greater China for Amadeus, spoke about the critical role of data, collaboration, and tech in reshaping today's passenger experiences.

This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner.

In this video:

• The shift towards hyper-personalization in the airline industry and the importance of leveraging customer data to improve the travel experience.
• Challenges in personalization efforts, including the complexities of integrating diverse data sources and the need for cross-functional collaboration within airlines.
• How advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing can facilitate personalization strategies for higher customer engagement and loyalty.

The airline industry stands at the precipice of a transformative era powered by hyper-personalization. Despite varying maturity levels among global carriers, there’s a unanimous trend towards achieving a 360-degree view of the customer to facilitate basic to advanced personalization strategies. However, the journey towards personalization comes with its own challenges.

In this video from Skift India Summit 2024, Jonathan Tong, senior vice president, airlines — Southeast Asia, India Subcontinent and Greater China for Amadeus, spoke with SkiftX content director, Alison McCarthy, about how airlines can use customer data to provide a more personalized travel experience.

The conversation explored the role of AI and machine learning technologies in optimizing personalization efforts, highlighting innovative practices like dynamic pricing and the potential of generative AI in improving customer engagement. The discussion also touched upon the promising future of biometrics and digital identities in streamlining travel processes. Despite the technological advancements and pilot projects in biometric boarding and airport processes, there’s a need for industry-wide collaboration to fully realize the benefits of these technologies.

Tong shared insights into how Indian travelers have unique expectations shaping how airlines and the broader travel industry adapt. His advice for building an effective customer data strategy emphasized the importance of embracing new technologies and creating collaboration to navigate the complexities of personalization in the digital age.

This content was created collaboratively by Amadeus and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX .

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Tags: airline technology , airlines , artificial intelligence , india , personalization , tourism , travel tech , Travel Trends

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How many months do I need left on my UK passport before I travel?

Many countries across the world require you to have a few months left on your passport at the time of travel – here are the main holiday destinations to watch out for, article bookmarked.

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You might think that you can just hop on a plane with an in-date passport and travel the world. In fact, many countries demand that visitors have months left on their passport before it expires.

Some – including Australia , Canada and the US – only require your travel document to be in date for the duration of your trip.

But others give a more restrictive time frame, with no real pattern from region to region – while most of Asia requires six months on your passport, for example, different Caribbean islands demand different time frames.

In some destinations, you can also be caught out for not having enough space left in your passport for new immigration stamps.

Here are the key passport validity rules for British passports for the world’s top holiday destinations.

• Barred from Europe: 2.4m Brits caught in post-Brexit passport chaos
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Valid for the duration of your stay

These countries only ask that your passport is valid until the day you leave the country.

*While this is technically the rule for Canada, if you have six months or less on your passport, it may take longer for you to get through immigration.

Valid for one day

Costa Rica requires Britons to have one day’s validity from the day of their departure.

Valid for three months

All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country. This is true for the following countries:

• Republic of Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

These non-European countries also require three months’ validity on your day of departure:

• British Virgin Islands
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• South Korea

Valid for six months

In most cases, this means valid for six months from the date you arrive in the country, but it’s worth checking the Foreign Office’s individual entry requirements for the country you’re visiting to make sure.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador (& Galapagos Islands)
• Madagascar*
• Philippines
• South Africa*
• United Arab Emirates

*South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya also require you to have two blank pages left in your passport; Namibia requires one blank page.

Valid for 180 days

India requires a more specific 180 days of validity from the date you arrive. It also asks visitors to have two blank pages available for their visa.

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Vistara crisis: How to get compensation for flight delays, cancellation

The ministry of civil aviation stepped in on april 2, 2024, asking vistara to give them daily updates about the flights they're cancelling or delaying..

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• Vistara facing crisis due to crew shortage
• Nearly 100 flights cancelled this week, causing passenger frustration
• DGCA rules ensure passenger rights in case of delays, cancellations

Tata-owned full-service airline Vistara has been facing a crisis due to a shortage of crew which has resulted in numerous flight delays and cancellations over the past week.

The airline has had to cancel nearly 100 flights this week, as reported by different sources. They cancelled around 50 flights on April 1, and the count could reach 60 by Tuesday, April 2.

Many passengers, stuck and annoyed, have been venting their frustration on social media about the delays they're facing because of Vistara. Despite paying for their tickets, customers have been facing issues due to the disruption in services.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation stepped in on April 2, 2024, asking Vistara to give them daily updates about the flights they're cancelling or delaying.

To help Vistara customers facing cancelled or delayed flights, the ministry tweeted, "Ministry of Civil Aviation is keeping an eye on Vistara flight cancellations... Airlines must follow DGCA rules to make sure passengers are taken care of when flights are cancelled or delayed."

Your rights as a passenger

According to the rules laid out by the DGCA, if your Vistara flight gets cancelled:

Alternate flight or compensation - Vistara has to either get you on another flight or give you some money back along with a full refund for your ticket. Also, if you're already at the airport for your original flight, they should give you meals and drinks while you wait for the new one.

Flight delay - If your flight is late, Vistara should provide you with food and drinks, another flight, or your money back for the ticket. Depending on how long the delay is, they might also have to sort out a place for you to stay (with transport included).

Travel insurance can help

In case your flight is delayed or cancelled, having travel insurance can be a lifesaver.

Manas Kapoor, Business Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar.com, told The Economic Times that a travel insurance policy with coverage for flight delay can provide compensation for expenses incurred at the airport due to delays beyond the time specified in the policy.

Flight delay cover, often part of comprehensive travel insurance plans, offers a fixed benefit if your flight is delayed beyond a certain timeframe. This cover applies to delays caused by various factors such as bad weather, crew shortages, technical issues, air traffic, or operational challenges.

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To arrive at this hypothesis, the team used supercomputers to simulate the potential formation of the area, tracing back as far as 140 million years. The findings, outlined in a recent study published in the journal Geophysical Re … Read more

To arrive at this hypothesis, the team used supercomputers to simulate the potential formation of the area, tracing back as far as 140 million years. The findings, outlined in a recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, revolve around an ancient ocean that no longer exists. Read less

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To arrive at this hypothesis, the team used supercomputers to simulate the potential formation of the area, tracing back as far as 140 million years. The findings, outlined in a recent study published...