COVID and Traveling to India

[gc_dedo]

Hello,
Has anyone recently traveled to India or planning to travel in next few months.
I am planning to travel in Dec/Jan, but not very clear on Covid related restrictions. I believe, covid negative test is required to board the flight and land India. Not clear how long the test considered valid. Is covid-19 vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) certificate acceptable in India?

Thanks

[monsieur]

If you don't have US citizenship then its advisable to take only Air Bubble flights which are operating non-stop from US to India; this way you can avoid last min travel restriction from any given country. AFAIK United and Air-India has direct flights from US to India

You need recent RT-PCR test to board flight to India.

While coming back to US from India - If you don't have GC/US Passport or Kid who is US Citizen then you must quarantine outside of India for 15 days. Folks are staying in Mexico or someother countries for 14 days and then come to US. There is an exception available but I am not super clear abt it. For exception I will strongly recommend to talk to your company's immi team and get approval before traveling.


Last but most imp - Stamping is hard to get it done in India so look into it as well if you don't have US Visa stamped on your passport.

With more detail abt your status, I may be able to share more relevant info. Good Luck!!

[gc_dedo]

If you don't have US citizenship then its advisable to take only Air Bubble flights which are operating non-stop from US to India; this way you can avoid last min travel restriction from any given country. AFAIK United and Air-India has direct flights from US to India

You need recent RT-PCR test to board flight to India.

While coming back to US from India - If you don't have GC/US Passport or Kid who is US Citizen then you must quarantine outside of India for 15 days. Folks are staying in Mexico or someother countries for 14 days and then come to US. There is an exception available but I am not super clear abt it. For exception I will strongly recommend to talk to your company's immi team and get approval before traveling.


Last but most imp - Stamping is hard to get it done in India so look into it as well if you don't have US Visa stamped on your passport.

With more detail abt your status, I may be able to share more relevant info. Good Luck!!

Thanks Monsieur. My GC was approved recently, haven't received the card yet. It has been more than a decade since I have visited India. So looking forward to it except these Covid related restrictions/protocols are quite confusing. One of my kids is a US citizen though.

[Transformer]

Hello,
Has anyone recently traveled to India or planning to travel in next few months.
I am planning to travel in Dec/Jan, but not very clear on Covid related restrictions. I believe, covid negative test is required to board the flight and land India. Not clear how long the test considered valid. Is covid-19 vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) certificate acceptable in India?

Thanks

You must show RT-PCR negative result taken within 72 hours before boarding flight. You also have to fill a form and upload your results in Air Suvidha website. All the airlines have this information in their website. For example this is the united website:
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/notices.html

[inspired_p]

You must show RT-PCR negative result taken within 72 hours before boarding flight. You also have to fill a form and upload your results in Air Suvidha website. All the airlines have this information in their website. For example this is the united website:
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/notices.html
With GC there should not be any restrictions other than negative test before boarding flight

[sportsfan33]

Everyone,

Maybe I am repeating my questions, but I want to ensure there are no "gotchas" for our upcoming India plans.

I just booked our tickets in the Dec/Jan timeframe for India travel. We all are US citizens and all of us (including kids) have OCI - something I got done this year. Our fights will involve stops while going to India and coming back (there are no direct flights from DC to Mumbai) - in Abu Dhabi while going to India, and in London while getting back.

I do know the part about submitting negative COVID tests and uploading documents to air suvidha etc. Is there anything else we need to be aware of?

Thanks all!

[srimurthy]

Everyone,

Maybe I am repeating my questions, but I want to ensure there are no "gotchas" for our upcoming India plans.

I just booked our tickets in the Dec/Jan timeframe for India travel. We all are US citizens and all of us (including kids) have OCI - something I got done this year. Our fights will involve stops while going to India and coming back (there are no direct flights from DC to Mumbai) - in Abu Dhabi while going to India, and in London while getting back.

I do know the part about submitting negative COVID tests and uploading documents to air suvidha etc. Is there anything else we need to be aware of?

Thanks all!

Most of the details are covered I guess and the points to the best of my knowledge:
1. If you are a US citizen - an OCI card is a must along with the PCR test result of -ve COVID with test conducted in the last 48 Hours (I guess, this may change for airline or 72 hours I am not sure)
2. Have to upload and test results and the airlines have to approve and only then will allow to board the flight.
3. There may be an exception to the OCI card in case of a death in the family but have to produce a copy of the death certificate (info from friends who had to travel last year)
4. If GC, there is no additional requirement other than the PCR test results.
5. Try sticking to the non stop flights and if possible either fly into Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai. Most of the Air India flights are all bringing passengers from different cities and then boarding and landing in Delhi for International
6. Always carry the COVID vaccination record or proof
7. Coming back from India to US (for Citizens and GC) same to have the PCR test and results uploaded to airlines website.
8. As everyone shared for Non-Citizens and non-PRs 14 day quarantine outside of India.

[gammaray]

If you don't have US citizenship then its advisable to take only Air Bubble flights which are operating non-stop from US to India; this way you can avoid last min travel restriction from any given country. AFAIK United and Air-India has direct flights from US to India

You need recent RT-PCR test to board flight to India.

While coming back to US from India - If you don't have GC/US Passport or Kid who is US Citizen then you must quarantine outside of India for 15 days. Folks are staying in Mexico or someother countries for 14 days and then come to US. There is an exception available but I am not super clear abt it. For exception I will strongly recommend to talk to your company's immi team and get approval before traveling.


Last but most imp - Stamping is hard to get it done in India so look into it as well if you don't have US Visa stamped on your passport.

With more detail abt your status, I may be able to share more relevant info. Good Luck!!


Most of the details are covered I guess and the points to the best of my knowledge:
8. As everyone shared for Non-Citizens and non-PRs 14 day quarantine outside of India.

This is not entirely accurate. Non-citizens without a US born kid that have an approved AP can also travel without the 14-day quarantine requirement. There are multiple posts on trackitt with people successfully travelling with AP with no issues at the CBP. Folks should still call and confirm with the CBP at the POE and the airline (direct flights as folks have mentioned) before booking tickets.

[monsieur]

@gc_dedo - Thanks that helps. As you have GC, Travel proclamation signed by Prez Biden doesn't apply to you and you can enter US without any 14-day quarantine requirement. For covid protocol - what Transfermer mentioned is correct. Check Air Suvidha site (link below) for India requirement and upload RT-PCR test results (done no earlier than 72 hrs) as well. As mine was direct flight to Delhi, I just needed RT-PCR test and avoided transit country rules. I got response within 24 hrs + carried printouts which no body looked at Delhi airport. And check transit county requirements if you have transit. If you havent booked tickets then I recommend direct flights to India. Both coast has available via United and Air-India. Hearing American will be starting one soon as well.

@sportsfan - If you all have US Passports then check India consulate site what visa they are allowing. For POI - They are allowing OCI and Entry visa, others are restricted. If you have GC which means valid Indian passport then no further action. As you are traveling from Abu Dhabi and London check their requirements as close to your travel dates and act on it. In most cases its carrying RT-PCR test and may be local testing even for transit (as currently is the case in Dubai). These requirements changes almost on week to week basis as covid condition changes so check closer to your travel dates.

One of the reason I preferred direct flights to India is coz of consisting changing requirements of transit country requirements which may impact travel. so.....

My general guidance for travel during Covid times
* Try to book direct flights between countries. This way you can avoid changing requirements of transit country.

Till few weeks ago, Hong Kong had 7-day quarantine but now its 21 days. Same with Dubai who was not allowing folks who visited India to now mandatory administered testing in Dubai airport for folks who visited India (Emirates has list of countries). India has its requirements (airport testing if you travelled via UK) which I access it via https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/allairports
https://www.emirates.com/us/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/tourists/

* Check air-line websites as they have pretty good details based on traveling to countries section. Transformer posted one for United, I shared Emirates in this message. Same is available for almost all airlines which I have looked recently.

* Check Consulates for more authoritative answers. Feel free to carry print-out so when questioned by local officer you can show their own directives. (this is for extreme cases)

Last but not least - India's own requirement which are available via Air Suvidha site https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/allairports

[gc_dedo]

Thanks a lot guys. This information is so valuable. Requirements looks consistent with I have been reading too. I was just confused with other ongoing things like 'Vande Bharat' and 'Air bubble agreement'.

A couple of concerns I had was the RT-PCR testing results time. I read somewhere that it might take 48-72 hrs to get results, in which case uploading results on Air Suvidha site in timely manner may not be possible. But it seems like we can get test results within 24-48 hrs.
Another concern was the reliability of tests (false positive etc), but that's a separate discussion.

Hopefully things will be better by Dec/Jan.

[monsieur]

And just like that its changed again - Travel Ban from India will be eased soon for folks with covid vaccine record. But it impacts folks who are not citizen of restricted countries but also haven't taken vaccine yet (eg. Thai or Japanese citizen with no vaccine)

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/20/us-to-ease-travel-restrictions-for-foreign-visitors-who-are-vaccinated-against-covid.html

[sportsfan33]

Thanks a lot folks! I will explore if direct flights are available.

[qesehmk]

Thanks a lot folks! I will explore if direct flights are available.
There is a really nice direct air india flight from DC to Delhi. I am sure connection to Mumbai will be quite alright too. EWR has a direct to Mumbai but its a nightmare to drive to EWR.

[monsieur]

A couple of concerns I had was the RT-PCR testing results time. I read somewhere that it might take 48-72 hrs to get results, in which case uploading results on Air Suvidha site in timely manner may not be possible. But it seems like we can get test results within 24-48 hrs.
Another concern was the reliability of tests (false positive etc), but that's a separate discussion.



Check local counties site to see if they are still providing covid testing for free or stopped. I did 2 tests (1 paid from local hospital 2 days before date of travel; another free by county 1 day before date of travel) just to avoid false positive and/or delayed results. (Thanks to my Dad for this suggestion). Both results came within 24-30 hrs window. Local hospital added exact time of testing when they came to know this is for travel so its easier to calculate 72 hrs.

Some big employers are also providing free testing from their on-site health clinic so thats another option. As true American fashion - price compare before you go for testing ;)

[sportsfan33]

Thanks folks!

Q and others, for the direct flight from DC to Delhi - is there mandatory quarantine in place in Delhi? Also, this is an Air India flight - the general recommendation I have heard from people is NOT to travel by Air India. Anyone has any comments/anecdotal evidence to support this?

[monsieur]

When I traveled in Summer there was no mandatory 14 day qurantine in Delhi airport. They will ask you for mandatory testing if you are arriving from certain parts of world; for other just a recent negative RT-PCR test will do.

My assumption here is mandatory quarantining will kick in if you test positive but at that time you have to think abt your health than worrying abt travel.

[sportsfan33]

Hey folks,

The direct flight options are terrible. The Newark - Mumbai tickets are crazy expensive, and DMC - Delhi is Air India, which I am trying to avoid taking at all costs after reading reviews of recent flight experiences of many people.

Does anyone know which transit options are safe? There are a ton of flights through London for example - anyone has an idea how safe is it to travel through there?

Just frustrating almost 2 years in COVID, and traveling is such a pain in the ass.

Thanks folks!

[srimurthy]

Hey folks,

The direct flight options are terrible. The Newark - Mumbai tickets are crazy expensive, and DMC - Delhi is Air India, which I am trying to avoid taking at all costs after reading reviews of recent flight experiences of many people.

Does anyone know which transit options are safe? There are a ton of flights through London for example - anyone has an idea how safe is it to travel through there?

Just frustrating almost 2 years in COVID, and traveling is such a pain in the ass.

Thanks folks!

My brother travelled last month by Air India from Chicago - Delhi - Hyd and back in the first week of Sep. No quarantine requirements in Delhi. Same PCR test and negative results to be uploaded both directions and no issues and was less crowded I guess as most students already come here in Aug

[qesehmk]

Why do you dislike AI? AI is no quantas or singapore airlines - but it is alright. I have flown it many times over last two decades and never had a bad experience. Wife flew last year from India to US in August. No issues.

p.s. - London flights usually have 8 hour layover.
Hey folks,

The direct flight options are terrible. The Newark - Mumbai tickets are crazy expensive, and DMC - Delhi is Air India, which I am trying to avoid taking at all costs after reading reviews of recent flight experiences of many people.

Does anyone know which transit options are safe? There are a ton of flights through London for example - anyone has an idea how safe is it to travel through there?

Just frustrating almost 2 years in COVID, and traveling is such a pain in the ass.

Thanks folks!

[monsieur]

Does anyone know which transit options are safe? There are a ton of flights through London for example - anyone has an idea how safe is it to travel through there?



As of today, if you travel from UK you have to get mandatory RT-PCR test in Delhi and wait for results which will take multiple hrs if not days.

Yes, traveling options are all bad and its not safe either as folks are not following instructions basic mask req guidelines. Atleast in Intl you have to present RT-PCR test but for Domestic no such option.

In my grp circle, folks are taking Intl trips only for emergency and not for leisure. As you mentioned too many bad options or crazy high prices.

[sportsfan33]

Thanks all for helpful comments.

I ended up buying United tickets. They were expensive, but there weren't other good options available. Air India tickets were somewhat cheaper, but we decided against getting Air India, since United is said to be the most covid-friendly airlines in terms of rescheduling.

Good luck to all!

[inspired_p]

Thanks all for helpful comments.

I ended up buying United tickets. They were expensive, but there weren't other good options available. Air India tickets were somewhat cheaper, but we decided against getting Air India, since United is said to be the most covid-friendly airlines in terms of rescheduling.

Good luck to all!

Now that Dubai has opened up my choice for the airline is Emirates. And never again Air India , cancellation and refund is a nightmare and we have still not received full refund , we are writing it off as of now

[gammaray]

Thanks all for helpful comments.

I ended up buying United tickets. They were expensive, but there weren't other good options available. Air India tickets were somewhat cheaper, but we decided against getting Air India, since United is said to be the most covid-friendly airlines in terms of rescheduling.

Good luck to all!

United for Newark-Mum is about $900 for November and $750 for next week. That to me is actually way cheaper, than normal, for a direct flight. Not sure where you are getting the expensive part. Emirates in a regular year is 1K - 1.1K easy and its a one-stop flight.
It's different if you are travelling post Dec 12 to New Years that's peak season every year and then the tickets run up to 2K+, but that's a known fact.

[bangaloreboy]

Thanks all for helpful comments.

I ended up buying United tickets. They were expensive, but there weren't other good options available. Air India tickets were somewhat cheaper, but we decided against getting Air India, since United is said to be the most covid-friendly airlines in terms of rescheduling.

Good luck to all!

Wish you a great time back home! Air India...Not sure if bad stuff only happens to me. My first bad experience was when an Air India flight was delayed 12 hours. I thought that was just bad luck but on a different flight they delayed us 10 hrs, and then promptly said that flight was cancelled. And then they gleefully handed out vouchers to everyone. more than 90% of us were turned away at the hotel due to no vacancy. And when we returned back to the airport, the staff was all gone. Since it was a medical emergency, I booked a Delta flight and dealt with refunds later. No Air India for me again.
But just seeing posts about travel makes me feel happy for you all!

[srimurthy]

But just seeing posts about travel makes me feel happy for you all!

One quick question everyone, with the travel's on GC, are we still required to have the Passport valid for more than 6 months when entering back into US? or if it is still valid and expires in a month or so is that fine? Because on Visa if I remember we need to have a passport validity at for 6 more months.

[qesehmk]

One quick question everyone, with the travel's on GC, are we still required to have the Passport valid for more than 6 months when entering back into US? or if it is still valid and expires in a month or so is that fine? Because on Visa if I remember we need to have a passport validity at for 6 more months.
My understanding is that between US and India there is some sort of arrangement by which both recognize each others passports 6 months beyond stated expiry.

[Moveon]

My understanding is that between US and India there is some sort of arrangement by which both recognize each others passports 6 months beyond stated expiry.

You just need a valid passport to enter the US with a GC . However is your passport has expired the airline will not allow you to board in the first place even if the US is willing to let you in

[srimurthy]

You just need a valid passport to enter the US with a GC . However is your passport has expired the airline will not allow you to board in the first place even if the US is willing to let you in

Thanks for the clarifications.

[iamdeb]

Has anyone travelled to India via Emirates or Qatar Airways this year? I would appreciate if someone could share their travel experience via Dubai or Doha.
Thanks!!

[BigAnt]

Has anyone travelled to India via Emirates or Qatar Airways this year? I would appreciate if someone could share their travel experience via Dubai or Doha.
Thanks!!

Yes, I travelled to Delhi recently by Qatar airways via Doha but it was just before Omicron popped up, travel was smooth with regular inflight services, only thing they needed then was RT PCR negative test report performed with in 72 hours before the departure time and passengers need to wear the mask during the journey. No Covid tests were performed either in Doha or Delhi during arrivals. Return journey process was same but they were only allowing fully vaccinated passengers to board, it was mandatory, they checked vaccine certificate along with negative RT PCR report.

[gammaray]

Yes, I travelled to Delhi recently by Qatar airways via Doha but it was just before Omicron popped up, travel was smooth with regular inflight services, only thing they needed then was RT PCR negative test report performed with in 72 hours before the departure time and passengers need to wear the mask during the journey. No Covid tests were performed either in Doha or Delhi during arrivals. Return journey process was same but they were only allowing fully vaccinated passengers to board, it was mandatory, they checked vaccine certificate along with negative RT PCR report.

I think the biggest change in the last month or so is that you need a negative RT PCR of a test taken within 24 hrs of the flight back to the US.

[idliman]

Has anyone travelled to India via Emirates or Qatar Airways this year? I would appreciate if someone could share their travel experience via Dubai or Doha.
Thanks!!
I traveled via Etihad (Abu Dhabi Airport) with the rest of my family. We went for a short 2 week trip and came back immediately after Christmas.

Onwards Journey:

COVID-19 Testing: At the beginning of December 2021, India accepted COVID tests taken 72 hours before flight deparure. We took it 48 hours before (to give us added cushion in case of flight cancellations or delays). You can take it at CVS, Walgreens etc., Their cost is ~ $140 per person. It will be runthough the insurance and most insurance might pay for it. Whether you say "for travel reasons" or others such as recent exposure to people who tested positive or COVID like symptoms might play a part when insurance claims are received. I went with the truth and truth only. They send it to Labcorp (in NC) to get the test done. If you go directly to Labcorp they charge you only $100 per person and you can avoid the transport time or wait time for the CVS / Walgreeens sample pickup. I heard that in NJ they offer group discounts if you pay by cash (~$70 to ~$80 per person). Running it through insurance may be the best bet for most.

Providing samples in CVS / Walgreens is very easy. You take an appointment atleast 7 to 10 days before at the targeted sample time. Then drive through. Do the swabs yourself, seal it an drop it in the box. There is no human contact while providing testing samples.

The test results arrive about 24 to 36 hours or so after the test (depends on the time sample is sent to the lab). When the Lab started running the samples in the next business day, we started getting results one by one from starting from 11AM to 3:30PM. If you know the time the sample is picked up by the lab, you can schedule the test immediately before. Make sure that you had signed up for electronic delivery of the reports and a way to PDF the reports for upload to AirSuvidha. Also call the center and inquire about the turnaround time. With COVID cases peaking now things are constantly changing. Get a handle of the testing situation 2 weeks before you provide test samples.

Air Suvidha:
Prepare individual PDFs files for each passenger: 1) COVID Vaccination Proof, 2) Passport Personal (Bio) Pages and 3) COVID Test Results and organize them in folders before you login to Air Suvidha. Each file size should not exceed 1MB. You will be uploading 3 files for each passenger.

You will provide your PNR and all personal details. Add all passengers in one entry. Air Suvidha will ask for almost everything. So be prepared to spend 30 to 45 minutes in the website. IF you have all the documents organized you can get it done faster. Just take your time and make sure that there are no typos in names.

Once you submit AirSuvidha provides you a tracking info and a download of the AirSuvidha form. Download the PDF and make sure that you print in "COLOR". The first page of AirSuvidha has a colored bar that depends on the country of origin. That's all they look at the Arrival Airport (MAA for me).

On the local flight, they did the usual Passport and Visa checks and just asked if we had completed AirSuvidha and gave boarding passes all the way through. I thought it could not be that easy. However, in JFK/IAD they check the air suvidha form in detail and verify the details. The airline on the final leg will do that verification before you depart USA. They will check the names for the exact match with the documentation that you had provided. Only then you are issued the boarding pass for international flight leg.

e-Pass: Most states will advice you to take an ePass. It is simple and straight forward. We took the ePass, however there were no curfews in December 2021. So nobody checked it.

Most airlines Emirates, Gulf, Etihad, etc., provide you custom instructions based on the destination airport along with the things to do for that state.

I travel another 10+ hours on road to my home town. Could not get economical options for nearby Airports. That was the hardest part of the entire journey.

Return Journey:
You need to take a COVID test 24 hours before your flight departs. It costs about INR 800 to INR 2000 per person for COVID test. The test report needs to be uploaded to Etihad portal where the call center will verify info and validate. The other option is to have a printout and do verification at the airport counter. The test should be done in Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) certified center. Almost all major test centers in india are connected to the Govt database and have standards. So just ask for ICMR certified test report. Mostly small cities do not have this. My report was run from an adjacent big city. If you are like me who travels another 10+ hours by road before reaching airport, taking tests in 24 hours is a challenge. You can pull some strings or ask the test center to run reports at 5AM (money ++) or stay in Chennai / Mumbai / Hyderabad / Bangalore and take test there or take test directly at the airport. The logistics of 24 hour COVID tests need to be worked out in advance.

For Etihad, the immigration is done in Abu Dhabi and you land at the local terminal in USA. Customs are also done in Abu Dhabi. The officer had a display of Indian spices like curry leaves and asked if we are carrying anything (They had all major Indian spices on display). Then he asked if we are carrying food. We told yes and then later clarified food as snacks. He did not bother to ask us to show it, he just stamped the passports. In Abu Dhabi there are no special lines for GC Holders, Citizens or Visa Holders. Everyone goes through the same line. They do immigration only for three flights (to IAD, JFK and ORD) in Abu Dhabi. So they let people based on the flight number and their departure time. Also it looks like they called people from Lahore or no Indian origin first before they let others to go in. For my eyes it looked like 70% or more passengers orginated from Indian airports.

All the flights were 100% occupied. People wore masks. But you have to take it off during meal time. If someone 2 or 3 rows from you has COVID, there is a good chance that you will get it. But that's the risk in flight travel and everyone is fine with it. Visiting the family is worth it in my opinion.

Update:
1. We took three sets copies of everything; a) Air Suvidha b) COVID tests c) Vaccination Cards and d) Passport Bio Pages; They will take one set in JFK/IAD and one at arrival airport in India.
2. Airport / Ticket counter checks your name for exact match. Make sure that the name on Passport, Ticket, COVID Test and Vaccination Cards match.
3. On the return journey CDC form is required for entry to USA. I took it to airport, most people did not. However, the airline provided everyone with a CDC form in Abu Dhabi.
4. If you are booking travel, plan ahead and book it. There is no way to predict when the next COVID wave will hit where. However, once the current COVID wave is done, it might take 6+ months for the next wave.
5. This was my first trip after getting GC. While traveling with GC the only thing that matters is how long you stayed outside. So DHS will ask you how long was the duration of the trip. If you plan to stay more than 6 months outside of USA, you need to obtain a reentry permit. However, with GC you should not take such long trips (not more than 3 or 4 months). That will lead to questions about your intent as a permanant resident in USA.
6. No one in India is bothered to wear masks. However, if you want to return safe make sure that you wear it at all times. Also avoid parties and such (very hard to do). If you keep a minimal footprint you will be safe.

[srimurthy]

I traveled via Etihad (Abu Dhabi Airport) with the rest of my family. We went for a short 2 week trip and came back immediately after Christmas.

Onwards Journey:


Nice summary Idliman. I made a quick trip too in the new year after 1st and back this Monday.
I flew direct via AirIndia from NJ to HYD and the RT-PCR test getting an appointment was tough as my trip was unplanned.
I booked the tickets after getting a confirmation for RT-PCR test at an Urgent Care where the results are provided in 15 min and cost a little but wroth the travel.
The flights were booked fully and a lot of people are travelling. I did not take copies of all the documents, but I showed them and collected the RT-PCR and Vaccination info back.

The part in Delhi was the most waste of time as the AirSuvidha form was checked by security atleast 4 or 5 times steps after deplaning before collecting the baggage.
Also when returning, I did the RT-PCR tests from two centers as I was a bit skeptical about the promptness of results from test centers just to be safe. One returned the results in 24 hours as promised and the other a very big hospital did not return the results in 24 hours and said will deliver after 48 hours. Way after my flight leaves, so that caution was helpful.

The flights everyone wore masks and since I stayed home mostly in India, I reduced the chance of exposure. AirIndia also gave face shields to be used and I used it one way and the other way I just took it off.
But I did a double mask and hand sanitize to be safe as much as I can.

And not to miss, travelling with GC was a lot less stressful than with Visa.

[iamdeb]

I traveled via Etihad (Abu Dhabi Airport) with the rest of my family. We went for a short 2 week trip and came back immediately after Christmas.

Onwards Journey:

COVID-19 Testing: At the beginning of December 2021, India accepted COVID tests taken 72 hours before flight deparure. We took it 48 hours before (to give us added cushion in case of flight cancellations or delays). You can take it at CVS, Walgreens etc., Their cost is ~ $140 per person. It will be runthough the insurance and most insurance might pay for it. Whether you say "for travel reasons" or others such as recent exposure to people who tested positive or COVID like symptoms might play a part when insurance claims are received. I went with the truth and truth only. They send it to Labcorp (in NC) to get the test done. If you go directly to Labcorp they charge you only $100 per person and you can avoid the transport time or wait time for the CVS / Walgreeens sample pickup. I heard that in NJ they offer group discounts if you pay by cash (~$70 to ~$80 per person). Running it through insurance may be the best bet for most.

Providing samples in CVS / Walgreens is very easy. You take an appointment atleast 7 to 10 days before at the targeted sample time. Then drive through. Do the swabs yourself, seal it an drop it in the box. There is no human contact while providing testing samples.

The test results arrive about 24 to 36 hours or so after the test (depends on the time sample is sent to the lab). When the Lab started running the samples in the next business day, we started getting results one by one from starting from 11AM to 3:30PM. If you know the time the sample is picked up by the lab, you can schedule the test immediately before. Make sure that you had signed up for electronic delivery of the reports and a way to PDF the reports for upload to AirSuvidha. Also call the center and inquire about the turnaround time. With COVID cases peaking now things are constantly changing. Get a handle of the testing situation 2 weeks before you provide test samples.

Air Suvidha:
Prepare individual PDFs files for each passenger: 1) COVID Vaccination Proof, 2) Passport Personal (Bio) Pages and 3) COVID Test Results and organize them in folders before you login to Air Suvidha. Each file size should not exceed 1MB. You will be uploading 3 files for each passenger.

You will provide your PNR and all personal details. Add all passengers in one entry. Air Suvidha will ask for almost everything. So be prepared to spend 30 to 45 minutes in the website. IF you have all the documents organized you can get it done faster. Just take your time and make sure that there are no typos in names.

Once you submit AirSuvidha provides you a tracking info and a download of the AirSuvidha form. Download the PDF and make sure that you print in "COLOR". The first page of AirSuvidha has a colored bar that depends on the country of origin. That's all they look at the Arrival Airport (MAA for me).

On the local flight, they did the usual Passport and Visa checks and just asked if we had completed AirSuvidha and gave boarding passes all the way through. I thought it could not be that easy. However, in JFK/IAD they check the air suvidha form in detail and verify the details. The airline on the final leg will do that verification before you depart USA. They will check the names for the exact match with the documentation that you had provided. Only then you are issued the boarding pass for international flight leg.

e-Pass: Most states will advice you to take an ePass. It is simple and straight forward. We took the ePass, however there were no curfews in December 2021. So nobody checked it.

Most airlines Emirates, Gulf, Etihad, etc., provide you custom instructions based on the destination airport along with the things to do for that state.

I travel another 10+ hours on road to my home town. Could not get economical options for nearby Airports. That was the hardest part of the entire journey.

Return Journey:
You need to take a COVID test 24 hours before your flight departs. It costs about INR 800 to INR 2000 per person for COVID test. The test report needs to be uploaded to Etihad portal where the call center will verify info and validate. The other option is to have a printout and do verification at the airport counter. The test should be done in Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) certified center. Almost all major test centers in india are connected to the Govt database and have standards. So just ask for ICMR certified test report. Mostly small cities do not have this. My report was run from an adjacent big city. If you are like me who travels another 10+ hours by road before reaching airport, taking tests in 24 hours is a challenge. You can pull some strings or ask the test center to run reports at 5AM (money ++) or stay in Chennai / Mumbai / Hyderabad / Bangalore and take test there or take test directly at the airport. The logistics of 24 hour COVID tests need to be worked out in advance.

For Etihad, the immigration is done in Abu Dhabi and you land at the local terminal in USA. Customs are also done in Abu Dhabi. The officer had a display of Indian spices like curry leaves and asked if we are carrying anything (They had all major Indian spices on display). Then he asked if we are carrying food. We told yes and then later clarified food as snacks. He did not bother to ask us to show it, he just stamped the passports. In Abu Dhabi there are no special lines for GC Holders, Citizens or Visa Holders. Everyone goes through the same line. They do immigration only for three flights (to IAD, JFK and ORD) in Abu Dhabi. So they let people based on the flight number and their departure time. Also it looks like they called people from Lahore or no Indian origin first before they let others to go in. For my eyes it looked like 70% or more passengers orginated from Indian airports.

All the flights were 100% occupied. People wore masks. But you have to take it off during meal time. If someone 2 or 3 rows from you has COVID, there is a good chance that you will get it. But that's the risk in flight travel and everyone is fine with it. Visiting the family is worth it in my opinion.

Update:
1. We took three sets copies of everything; a) Air Suvidha b) COVID tests c) Vaccination Cards and d) Passport Bio Pages; They will take one set in JFK/IAD and one at arrival airport in India.
2. Airport / Ticket counter checks your name for exact match. Make sure that the name on Passport, Ticket, COVID Test and Vaccination Cards match.
3. On the return journey CDC form is required for entry to USA. I took it to airport, most people did not. However, the airline provided everyone with a CDC form in Abu Dhabi.
4. If you are booking travel, plan ahead and book it. There is no way to predict when the next COVID wave will hit where. However, once the current COVID wave is done, it might take 6+ months for the next wave.
5. This was my first trip after getting GC. While traveling with GC the only thing that matters is how long you stayed outside. So DHS will ask you how long was the duration of the trip. If you plan to stay more than 6 months outside of USA, you need to obtain a reentry permit. However, with GC you should not take such long trips (not more than 3 or 4 months). That will lead to questions about your intent as a permanant resident in USA.
6. No one in India is bothered to wear masks. However, if you want to return safe make sure that you wear it at all times. Also avoid parties and such (very hard to do). If you keep a minimal footprint you will be safe.

Appreciate your detailed response Idliman! this is invaluable information and I will use all the tips provided in your elaborate travel journey!

[gammaray]

Nice summary Idliman. I made a quick trip too in the new year after 1st and back this Monday.
I flew direct via AirIndia from NJ to HYD and the RT-PCR test getting an appointment was tough as my trip was unplanned.
I booked the tickets after getting a confirmation for RT-PCR test at an Urgent Care where the results are provided in 15 min and cost a little but wroth the travel.
The flights were booked fully and a lot of people are travelling. I did not take copies of all the documents, but I showed them and collected the RT-PCR and Vaccination info back.

The part in Delhi was the most waste of time as the AirSuvidha form was checked by security atleast 4 or 5 times steps after deplaning before collecting the baggage.
Also when returning, I did the RT-PCR tests from two centers as I was a bit skeptical about the promptness of results from test centers just to be safe. One returned the results in 24 hours as promised and the other a very big hospital did not return the results in 24 hours and said will deliver after 48 hours. Way after my flight leaves, so that caution was helpful.

The flights everyone wore masks and since I stayed home mostly in India, I reduced the chance of exposure. AirIndia also gave face shields to be used and I used it one way and the other way I just took it off.
But I did a double mask and hand sanitize to be safe as much as I can.

And not to miss, travelling with GC was a lot less stressful than with Visa.

I would have thought flights would have been less crowded in the New Year's after the December rush. But I guess not. Likely also because direct flights always tend to be full, specially in covid times. Guessing Air India has regular food service? Double masking and face shields are good till it's time to eat : )

Think you may have missed the mandatory 7-day quarantine at home that was recently enforced for all arrivals to India, followed by a PCR test on the 8th day. Hopefully someone who travels after Jan 7 can post their experience here. The India regulations are not very clear on how the 7-day quarantine is enforced especially if the domestic connecting flight is after 1-2 days.

[srimurthy]

Think you may have missed the mandatory 7-day quarantine at home that was recently enforced for all arrivals to India, followed by a PCR test on the 8th day. Hopefully someone who travels after Jan 7 can post their experience here. The India regulations are not very clear on how the 7-day quarantine is enforced especially if the domestic connecting flight is after 1-2 days.

Yes I was luck to go and come back before the mandatory quarantine times. But a few of my friends have travelled this week. And you have to quarantine for 7 days and submit the PCR test on the 8th day. They are randomly sending the people to the listed address where fliers are quarantining and checking during the day if people are actually quarantining. And police or team visiting is not leaving the place until they meet the members quarantining as this was relayed today itself by my friend.
Even though everything is open in India and everyone is going out freely.. with no masks.

The night curfews that were in place in middle of Jan in some cities are also pulled back now I guess.

[gammaray]

Yes I was luck to go and come back before the mandatory quarantine times. But a few of my friends have travelled this week. And you have to quarantine for 7 days and submit the PCR test on the 8th day. They are randomly sending the people to the listed address where fliers are quarantining and checking during the day if people are actually quarantining. And police or team visiting is not leaving the place until they meet the members quarantining as this was relayed today itself by my friend.
Even though everything is open in India and everyone is going out freely.. with no masks.

The night curfews that were in place in middle of Jan in some cities are also pulled back now I guess.

That's interesting, guess that's India for you, wasting resources and time "checking" on vaccinated and tested people. Meanwhile the general populace is walking around maskless and in large gatherings (marriage season is ongoing undeterred as I hear). I won't even comment on night curfews which is one of the most ridiculous things implemented.

[gammaray]

On a side note, new guideline just released today, no mandatory quarantine anymore, only 14-day self monitoring. Also RT PCR test OR vaccination record required for travel, not both.

[idliman]

On a side note, new guideline just released today, no mandatory quarantine anymore, only 14-day self monitoring. Also RT PCR test OR vaccination record required for travel, not both.

Here's the PDF of the official guideline. (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFeb ruary2022.pdf)

This Standard Operating Procedure shall be valid w.e.f. 14th February 2022 (00.01 Hrs IST) till further orders. Based on the risk assessment, this document shall be reviewed from time to time.

A.1. Planning for Travel
i. All travellers should
a. Submit complete and factual information in self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal (https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration) before the scheduled travel, including last 14 days travel details.
b. Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report* (The test should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey)
or
Certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination**.
c. Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise.
ii. They should also give an undertaking on the portal or otherwise to Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, through concerned airlines before they are allowed to undertake the journey that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority any post arrival requirement to undergo home/institutional quarantine/ self-health monitoring, as warranted.

A.2. Before Boarding
iii. Do?s and Don'ts shall be provided along with ticket to the travellers by the airlines/agencies concerned.
iv. Airlines to allow boarding by only those passengers who have filled in all the information in the Self Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha portal and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report or Covid -19 vaccination certificate of having completed the primary vaccination schedule**.
v. At the time of boarding the flight, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board after thermal screening.
vi. All passengers shall be advised to download Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices.

A.3. During Travel
vii. In-flight announcement about COVID-19 including precautionary measures to be followed shall be made at airports and in flights and during transit.
viii. During in-flight crew shall ensure that COVID appropriate behaviour is followed at all times.
ix. If any passenger reports symptoms of COVID-19 during flight, he/she shall be isolated as per protocol.
x. Proper in-flight announcements should be made by the airlines regarding the testing requirements and people who need to undergo such testing to avoid any congestion at the arrival airports.

A.4. On arrival
xi. De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing.
xii. Thermal screening would be carried out in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the airport. The self-declaration form filled online shall be shown to the airport health staff.
xiii. The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facility as per health protocol. If tested positive, their contacts shall be identified and managed as per laid down protocol#.
xiv. The following protocol post arrival shall also be followed
a. A sub-section (2% of the total passengers in the flight) shall undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport on arrival.
b. Such travellers in each flight shall be identified by the concerned airlines (preferably from different countries). They will submit the samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport.
c. If such travellers are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network.
d. They shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.
xv. All travellers will self-monitor their health for next 14 days of arrival.
xvi. If travellers under self-health monitoring, develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, they will immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number.

* Children under 5 years of age are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic for COVID-19 on arrival or during the period of self-monitoring period, they shall undergo testing and treated as per laid down protocol.

** There are Countries which have agreement with India on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates of Nationally recognised or WHO recognised vaccines. Similarly, there are Countries which presently do not have such an agreement with India, but they exempt Indian citizens fully vaccinated with Nationally recognised or WHO recognised vaccines. On the basis of reciprocity, the travellers from only such Countries which provide quarantine-free entry to Indians will be allowed for relaxation under Certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination. The listing of such Countries is available on website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (mohfw.gov.in) and the link of the same will be available at website of Ministry of External Affairs and Air Suvidha Portal. This is also a dynamic list and will be updated from time to time. The travellers from such countries only are considered for allowing entry based on vaccination certificate & shall upload their fully vaccinate certificate on the Air Suvidha portal.