The pandemic situation has rocked the tourist industry all over the world, and, India, which witnessed a heavy load of COVID cases, especially after the outbreak of the second wave of the pandemic, is no exception. But the reassuring news is that India’s weekly COVID-19 positivity rate has been steadily coming down over the last few weeks, and continue to ebb encouraging many countries to allow travellers flying from India. All said and done travellers have to strictly follow the pandemic protocols and other travel-related regulations. Canada, as per the latest media reports, has extended the travel ban on flights flying directly from India (previously it was until July 21). However, if you’re from India wanting to travel to Canada, you can fly from a third country.

In the month of July, Germany allowed Indian travellers who are fully jabbed or who can furnish proof of recovery to return to Germany without having to isolate themselves upon their arrival or return. Previously, India was reclassified by German as a ‘virus variant country’.

Travellers from India can fly to the Maldives providing they show a negative COVID -19 PCR test report. The island nation earlier relaxed COVID restrictions to facilitate travel operations. Countries including Serbia, Russia and Egypt permit unvaccinated travellers from India on condition that they should follow the COVID guidelines as laid down by these countries, which isn’t going to be easy due to the availability of flights and their timings.

What are the proofs that these countries generally expect travellers from India besides a compulsory negative RT-PCR test report upon arrival?

Russia – Proof of invitation from any travel agency authorised by the government and tourist Visa with up to 30 days validity for single or double entry. Passengers showing symptoms during the spot test on arrival will be guided to a COVID testing facility.

Serbia – A negative report of the COVID-19 test carried out 48 hours pre-departure.

Egypt – Fully vaccinated certificate, in addition to a 15-minute DNA test termed ID. Now if the passenger is tested positive before entering the country, he/she will be subjected to another round of RT-PCR by the airport quarantine authorities. And even if that test report comes positive, the passenger will have to undergo further tests at a designated hospital or COVID care center.

Qatar – Those travelling from India to Qatar will be mandated to undergo hotel quarantine. If media reports are anything to go by, visitors (including tourist, family, work) who have been jabbed outside Qatar with MOPH recognized vaccines will be subjected to a 10-day mandatory hotel quarantine, while those unvaccinated will not be permitted to enter the Gulf country.

However, countries including the UAE, Australia, The Philippines, Bangladesh, Italy, Indonesia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Singapore, Oman, etc. have sealed their borders for travel, although a few have now relaxed travel restrictions for students alone.

Turkey – Turkish Airlines has announced that travellers from India have been barred from entering Turkey though passengers can use it as a transit for travelling to another touring destination without entering the country.

It is recommended to get in touch with the foreign mission and airlines of the country/countries you’re planning to visit before confirming you travel plans. Because COVID-19 is all about uncertainty, a sudden spike in cases can bring about travel restrictions or changes of plans. Your local travel agency tour packages must give you an idea of whether the destinations you’re looking to travel from India are either suspended or allowed to enter.