India has revised its rules for entering the country, lifting the mandatory quarantine for all travelers, should of the decree published on February 10. Tests on arrival will only be selective and free for 2% of arrivals. The new order comes into effect on February 14.
Instead of isolating themselves, tourists are encouraged to self-monitor their health for 14 days after arrival. If they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, they should self-isolate immediately and report to the nearest health care facility or call the national or state hotline.
In addition, travelers from 82 countries will be exempted from taking a PCR test before traveling, it will be sufficient to present a vaccination certificate. However, Russia is not yet on this list.
Thus, for a trip to India, Russians must complete and print a declaration on the Air Suvidha portal, upload the results of a PCR test (carried out no earlier than 72 hours before departure) / proof of vaccination with Sputnik V or Sputnik Lightweight, and on the plane fill out an immigration form form.
Recall that India introduced not so long ago – on January 11 – mandatory quarantine against the background of the spread of the Omicron strain, but very quickly abandoned it.
Tour operators say there is a lot of demand for India and they expect demand to fluctuate after today’s news. However, with the main deterrent now being limited air traffic, charters are still banned.
Recall that from October 5, the operational headquarters allowed four flights per week from Moscow to Delhi, and on the routes Moscow – Goa, St. Petersburg – Delhi, St. Petersburg – Goa – one flight per week.