Latest India travel rules updates include Covid tests and quarantine requirements being scrapped for vaccinated UK travellers – but there are still rules in place if you want to visit
India is the latest destination to join a string of countries scrapping Covid tests for vaccinated Brits.
Fully vaccinated UK travellers no longer need a PCR test if they want to visit India, nor will they be subject to seven-day quarantine, or a day eight test.
Instead, they will simply need to fill out a pre-travel declaration form, show proof of full vaccination of one of the approved jabs, and then undergo “14-day self-monitoring”.
UK arrivals who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will still need to show proof of a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours before arrival, and will also be exempt from quarantine.
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It’s worth noting that there are still limited flights on offer for those planning a trip.
According to the UK Foreign Office: “Scheduled international flights remain suspended. A limited number of flights are currently operating between India and the UK under a bilateral agreement but these arrangements may be subject to change at short notice”.
It’s also worth noting that the Foreign Office currently advises against travel to certain regions in India, including:
- the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah
- Jammu and Kashmir, except for (i) travel within the city of Jammu, (ii) travel by air to the city of Jammu, and (iii) travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh
These areas include some tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
India is not the only country to recently have eased restrictions for fully jabbed Brits.
Where can I go on holiday from the UK right now?
Greece and Portugal announced similar moves ahead of half term, while France also axed Covid test rules this week for fully vaccinated Brits. Meanwhile, Tunisia has also relaxed Covid test and quarantine rules for travellers.
There are also plenty more destinations open to Brits for holidays including the likes of Cyprus, the USA and Barbados, although these do still have testing requirements in place.
Meanwhile, the UK’s own travel rules recently changed.
Fully vaccinated arrivals won’t need any Covid tests when returning to the UK, although they will need to fill out a passenger locator form in the 48 hours before their departure for the UK.
For those who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolation and day eight tests have been axed. This means travellers will need to fill out the form, take a pre-departure Covid test, and then also take a post-arrival test.
Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the Foreign Office’s latest India travel advice before booking or going on a trip.
Do you feel confident in booking a holiday abroad this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
