Travel rules tightened in India amid concerns over new variant "Omicron"

As the 'variant of concern' Omicron caused global fear, India has tightened its travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 version.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister conducted a review meeting with top government officials on the COVID-19 situation and immunisation. According to a statement made by the PMO following the meeting, "PM highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified 'at risk'. PM also asked officials to review plans for easing international travel restrictions in light of the emerging new evidence."

In the wake of the discovery of COVID variant 'Omicron,' India has added many nations to the list of countries from which travellers will need to take additional precautions upon arriving. South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Israel, Hong Kong, and European countries such as the United Kingdom are among them.

These states have made RT-PCR a requirement for visitors:

Gujarat

If they are not fully vaccinated, all visitors travelling from other countries must take an RT-PCR test at Gujarat's airports. Travelers arriving from Europe, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong must undergo RT-PCR tests.

Arrivals from these 'at risk' nations will be subjected to a seven-day home quarantine and will be forced to take another test on the eighth day.

IANS said that travellers from 'at risk' nations who are fully vaccinated will be need to confine themselves for 14 days after arrival.

Karnataka

With increased border inspections, airport screening of overseas travellers has been stepped up.

For people arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra, RT-PCR test reports are now required.

Maharashtra

For domestic travellers, Maharashtra has enforced negative RT-PCR testing or full vaccination proof.

The government stated that all travellers arriving from any international destination will be subject to Indian government directives in this regard.

A passenger's samples will be sent for genome sequencing if they test positive for COVID-19.