Centre revises guidelines for international arrivals to prevent “omicron” from spreading

The Union Health Ministry on Sunday, 28 November, announced revised travel guidelines for international passengers. In order to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, ‘Omicron’ has been classified as a ‘Variant of Concern’ by the World Health Organization (WHO). The new guidelines will come into effect from December 1, Wednesday.
The new guidelines mandate any international travelers submit their 14 days’ travel history and upload negative COVID test results on the Air Suvidha portal before the journey.
Further, travelers from “at-risk” countries will have to go undergo a Covid test and wait for the result in the airport. If reported negative then they will have to follow home quarantine for 7 days and have a Covid test again on the 8th day. Then further self-monitor for 7 days.

The ‘at-risk countries include the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel.

Travelers from countries excluding those countries at risk will be allowed to leave the airport and shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post-arrival.