India: Authorities increase restrictions effective Jan. 1 amid rising COVID-19 activity /update 63

Event

Indian authorities have issued orders to increase COVID-19-related restrictions effective Jan. 1 amid rising international disease activity. Under the new directives, international travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand will be required to submit a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to departure and a self-declaration form on the virtual Air Suvidha portal; affected travelers must also list their last 14 days of travel when the form is filled. While the new measures do not impact other inbound passengers from other countries, authorities may expand these restrictions to other states in the event of higher COVID-19 cases.

Domestic Measures
Officials may require travelers to take COVID-19 tests to enter certain public places. Most interstate travel is no longer restricted; however, some regions with protected tribal populations, such as the Ladakh Union Territory and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, continue requiring such documents or on-arrival testing.

International Travel Restrictions
All inbound travelers will be subject to random testing upon arrival at all ports of entry; minors under 12 years of age are exempt from post-arrival random testing. Officials will require symptomatic arriving passengers to segregate from other passengers and isolate at a designated facility; the quarantine time frame will likely vary by state. The government also advises that persons traveling to India be fully vaccinated.

Incoming travelers will undergo thermal screening on arrival and must self-monitor for up to 14 days after entering the country. Officials may modify restrictions at short notice depending on disease activity and bilateral agreements. State-specific quarantine and testing requirements may also change at short notice, especially during localized spikes in COVID-19 cases; travelers applying for exemptions and waivers must do so from authorities in all intended destination and transit states before arrival.

Advice

Abide by national health and safety measures. Do not check out of accommodation without confirming onward travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for fresh disruptive measures. Carry proper identification documents; heed all official security advisories.

Resources

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Help Page
Bureau of Immigration
Air India
Electronic Visa Application