In line with the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the government of Kerala in India has announced safety measures for international travellers. As per the updated protocols, travellers from the UAE to the southern Indian state are not required to undergo mandatory quarantine for seven days.

The new protocols have been announced in response to the Omicron COVID-19 variant (B.1.1.529). Announcing the measures, Kerala Health Minister Veena Georges stated that the updated preventive measures will help the state government in limiting the spread of the virus.

Reportedly, the Kerala government will be imposing mandatory quarantine and other strict travel protocols on travellers arriving in India from those countries included in the at-risk list as categorised by the Indian Central government.

As of now, India's list of at-risk countries consists of European countries, including the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

In a press statement issued by Kerala's Information and Public Relations Department, George stated that the state government is implementing the safety measures in line with the guidelines issued by the Centre.

"Kerala will strengthen surveillance at all airports. Currently, there is no cause for concern, but everyone should strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines," the statement added.

The government has also called on people to remain careful, use masks and maintain social distancing. Eligible people have been urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to contain the impact of the pandemic.

As per the latest guidelines issued by the Indian government, all passengers travelling to India are required to undergo an RT-PCR test at least 72 hours before the departure of their flight. They must upload the result of their test on the Air Suvidha portal.

The Kerala state government has affirmed to closely monitor the arrivals from foreign countries as per the Centre's guidelines.

"Travellers from these countries will have to undergo RT PCR at the airport of entry in India. Further check-in facilities are being set up at all airports. They must stay in the quarantine for seven days," George added.

Authorities are required to send samples of suspected patients arriving from at-risk countries for further testing.

According to some travel agents, UAE expatriates are reconsidering their travel plans abroad during the upcoming holiday season in view of the concerns related to the Omicron virus. Ticket prices have also been high for flights from the UAE to the state of Kerala between mid-November and early January.

In the UAE, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) have also announced the suspension of entry for travellers and transit passengers from a number of countries including South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique with effect from November 29. As per the GCAA protocols, UAE nationals, diplomatic missions, golden residence holders and official delegations between UAE and the seven countries are exempted from this decision.