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India has allowed international flight to and from the country at a 100 percent capacity with effect from March 27 after a suspension of services for almost two years. The Indian authorities had suspended regular flights as COVID-19 safety measures, while operating some flights under air bubble agreements with various countries, including the UAE.
With travel restrictions easing across the world, UAE and India are resuming flight operations to pre-pandemic levels.
Dubai-based Emirates has announced to resume pre-pandemic flight frequencies to key destinations in India with effect from April 1. As per the airline, 170 weekly flights will be operated by Emirates to nine cities in India.
Here is a step-by-step guide for people planning travel to and from the UAE from India. These measures are based on the latest updates posted by various airlines including Air India, Emirates and Etihad Airways on their websites as of March 27.
Authorities have noted that these rules are subject to change in accordance with the regulatory announcements by both India and UAE authorities.
Flying to India
· Fully vaccinated people and those holding a vaccination certificate issued in India are not required to take a COVID-19 PCR test. It is important for the travellers to ensure that vaccine doses are completed at least 15 days before the travel date.
· For those without a vaccine certificate issued in India, passengers are required to undertake a PCR test within 72 hours of the flight departure.
· Furthermore, children aged under 5 years are exempted from PCR tests.
· Passengers are required to upload all relevant documents including a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal.
· Only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board the flights.
· Passengers are also advised to download India’s Aarogya Setu app before travel to the country.
· Indian airport authorities will be conducting thermal screening of all passengers.
· Upon landing, some passengers will be selected for random PCR testing. The airport authorities will allow them to leave after sample collection.
· All travellers are required to self-monitor their health for 14 days after arrival in India.
Flying to the UAE
· All UAE residents are allowed to travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai without GDRFA or ICA approvals.
· Fully vaccinated people are not required to take a PCR test before travel to the UAE.
· Those with a COVID-19 recovery certificate issued within 30 days of departure are also not required to take a PCR test.
· Children aged below 16 years flying to Abu Dhabi are not needed to take a PCR test. At the same time, children aged below 12 flying to Dubai are not required to take a COVID-19 PCR test. All others are urged to take a PCR test within 48 hours of travel to the UAE.
· Passengers flying to Abu Dhabi are not needed to take a test on arrival. They may undergo one for the cost of Dh40.
· If requested, passengers travelling to Dubai must undergo a PCR test on arrival. Such passengers chosen randomly will be asked to undergo self‑quarantine until their test generate a negative result.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times