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...l/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...l/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/...ents/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-t...nst-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.