Entry Requirements with PCR Test To Travel To India

We have faced the Covid-19 for over 2 years and we have always been finding a way to repel the epidemic or how to repel and live together with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Each country will have some requirements to minimize the risk of infection when foreigners enter that country, including India. India is famous for its unique land of vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Hence, It attracts millions of tourists around the world to admire and discover this diverse cultural country every year. If you are planning to travel to India, this article will provide you with all the necessary requirements regarding the PCR test to travel to India for a favorable entry.

Passengers on International flights into India must have the Aarogya Setu App installed on their mobile phones.

The Indian Government has removed some requirements for foreign entry. Tests on arrival and quarantine at home for 7 days are omitted in favor of 14-day self-monitoring instead.

Air India PCR test requirement

1. What needs to prepare about Air India PCR test requirement before traveling

• Fill out the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form and submit it on the online Air Suvidha portal before the travel schedule, including the details of the last 14 days' trips.

• Upload any of the following documents:

  • A negative COVID-19 PCR test to travel to India (The test must be valid within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey) for unvaccinated travelers.
  or
  • Certificate of Covid-19 vaccination: Travelers who are fully vaccinated are exempted from RT-PCR test requirements in India. They just need to upload the certificate of full primary vaccine for the COVID-19 vaccination.

• All travelers should be aware of providing authentic and accurate information on a declaration. Because once they discover the difference with the truth, they must be responsible for criminal prosecution.

• Passengers should also give an undertaking on the portal or otherwise to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, through concerned airlines before they are allowed to undertake the journey that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority regarding any post-arrival requirement to undergo home/institutional quarantine/ self-health monitoring, as warranted.

Note: Travelers should give enough required information, documents as well as PCR test to travel to India in the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form because the Airlines will refuse any shortcoming application.

PCR Test To Travel To India

2. On Arrival:

• Passengers on the flight that just landed will participate in a thermal screening being conducted by the health officials present at the airport. The self-declaration form that is filled out online before will be checked by the airport health staff.

• The on-arrival test at the airport arrival will be conducted randomly with 2% of the total passengers on the flight.

What is going to happen If travelers are infected with the India PCR test:

• Their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network.

• They will be immediately quarantined at a medical facility as per health protocol.

• Others involved passengers shall also be identified and implemented the processes as per laid down protocols. They include the co-passengers seated in the same row, 3 rows in front and 3 rows behind along with identified cabin crew.

All travelers will self-monitor their health for the next 14 days of arrival.

During self-health monitoring, any appearance of foretoken or reaction involved to Co, travelers should be self-quarantined immediately and notify the health facility or call the National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number.

3. RT-PCR test requirements for India at seaports/land ports

The same requirements will be applied to international travelers who choose seaports or land port transport form.

The difference is travelers will submit the self-declaration form as well as fully vaccinated documents or India PCR Test to the concerned authorities of the Government of India at seaports or land ports on arrival instead of the application form online.

RT-PCR Test Requirements To India

4. RT-PCR Test Requirements To India: Transit Case

All fully vaccinated passengers who are traveling on connecting flights will be exempted from on-arrival testing and institutional quarantine. If other passengers are unvaccinated, they should carry a negative RT-PCR test report which has been conducted within 96 hours prior to their flight.

On the other hand, if passengers have any Covid-19 symptoms or are positive, they have to comply with India's institutional quarantine regulatory compliance.

5. Exemptions

Entire pre-and post-arrival testing will exempt children under 5 years of age.

But if they are found with any symptomatic or positive Covid-19 on arrival or during the self-monitoring time, they will take part in the test and be treated as per laid down protocol.

6. Requirements for Travel Documents to India

Before entering India, travelers must get a Visa if they are on the e-Visa unexempted country list. Please Check Requirements to know about some obligatory documents clearly to get an e-Visa before setting foot in India.

Travelers who are eligible for an e-Visa just fill out the Apply for an India e-Visa form with 04 simple steps. This form requires some personal information, e-Visa type, processing time and double-check before making payment.

There are many types of India e-Visas corresponding to different purposes of entry as well as the difference in the documentation requirements so travelers should read carefully and choose the right type that suits their needs to avoid trouble.