travel to usa from india guidelines

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

• Skip to main content
• Screen Reader Access
• English Hindi

• Visa Guidelines for USA Passport Holders
• Advisory on Satellite Phone
• Emergency Entry Visa Guidelines
• Visa for Diplomatic/ official/ Laissez-Passers Passport Holders
• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Employment Visa
• Transit Visa
• Medical Visa
• Student Visa (Study/Research /Internship)
• Conference Visa
• Mountaineering Visa
• Missionary Visa
• Journalist Visa(Journalist /Documentary filming)
• Film Visa: Visa for shooting Feature Films
• Visa for Pakistani Passport Holders/ Foreign Passport holders of Pakistani Origin
• Important Advisory on Fake Indian eVisa websites
• FAQ’s on Visa
• General Passport Information
• TATKAAL  Passport Services
• Public Advisory on Urgent Re-issuance of Passports
• FAQ on Passport
• EAMs Message on the occasion of Passport Seva Divas 2023 (24 Jun)
• How to apply for OCI ?
• When to Update/Reissue OCI
• Renewal/Re-issue of OCI Card
• General Information on OCI
• Conversion of PIO card to OCI card
• Instructions to Convert PIO Card to OCI Card
• Renunciation of OCI
• FAQ On OCI Related Matters
• Notice regarding Dual Citizenship
• FAQs on Misc. Service
• Outsourcing of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Service for Indian Nationals with VFS Global
• General Information
• FAQs on Renunciation
• Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate-EC)
• Calendar of upcoming Camps
• Past Consular Camps
• Import of Pet
• Data of Death Record
• Adult Protective Services (APS)
• Empanelled NGOs with Consulate
• Child Protective Services (CPS)
• Assistance for distressed women in India
• Minutes of Fourth Interaction-Community Organizations
• Procedure for sending/ forwarding Court Order/ Summons
• India: Leather Exports
• DISCLAIMER: Links given to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement / promotion of external websites by the Consulate General of India, New York. This Consulate does not take responsibility for the content therein. It does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficiency, timeliness, or correct sequencing of such information. They are given solely for access to prima facie information.
• अमरीका में हिंदी
• Statement of Need Certificates for Medical Doctors
• Equivalence Certificate
• Open Admissions - School of International Cooperation, Security and Strategic Languages, Rashtriya Raksha University, India
• CUNY India Study Abroad Program (July 30 –August 15, 2019)
• RIT- OASIS organised Dandiya event with Mr. Jeffrey Cox, Director, International Student Services and Ms. Erica Ford, International Student Advisor
• Meet and Greet for Indian Students in USA, 21 October 2022 Consulate General of India in New York in association with GOPIO- Manhattan organized the 'Annual Day for Indian Students in USA' on October 21, 2022 at the Consulate. The Chief Guest for the evening was Mrs. Chandrika Tandon, Chairperson of Tandon Capital Associates and a recognized business leader, Grammy- nominated artist and humanitarian.
• Celebrating 20 years of Indian School of Business as part of Amrit Mahotsav. CGI, New York hosted ISB delegation led by Dean, its founding chairman & members and alumni on November 18, 2022
• Advisory/Information for students desirous of Pursuing Medical Studies abroad
• Fulbright - Nehru and Fulbright - Kalam Fellowships
• Online Annual Hindi Learning Program by Yuva Hindi Sansthan.
• Emergency Contact
• PIB Accreditation
• PRAMIT Pravasi Mitra (Helpline)

• @IndiainNewYork @IndiainNewYork
• CGI NewYork CGI NEW YORK
• CGI NEWYORK CGI NEWYORK
• PRAMIT PRAMIT
• Google Feedback Google Feedback

• Copyright policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Hyperlinking Policy
• Accessibility Statement

Address: Consulate General of India, 3 East 64th Street (Between 5th and Madison Avenues), New York, NY 10065

Tel No. for all enquiries : +1 347-721-9243

Consulate closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays Official working hours : 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM EST For submission of documents : 09:15 am to 11:15 am (Monday to Friday) Delivery of documents : 11:30 am to 13:00 pm (Monday to Friday) --> For submission of documents : 9:15 am - 12:15 pm Delivery of documents : 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm-->

Visitors Since (June, 2018): 9218018

Page last updated on: March 20, 2024

Welcome to Embassy of India, Washington D C, USA

• Skip to main content
• Screen Reader Access

• List of Officers
• Departments
• List of Holidays
• Consulates in US
• Right to Information
• Embassy of India, Washington, DC Jurisdiction
• Emergency Contact Numbers
• A brief history of the Chancery building
• Former Ambassadors of India to U.S.
• Discontinuation of walk-in consular services
• Apply Indian Visa
• EMERGENCY VISA
• Visa for Diplomatic/Official and Laissez-Passer Passport Holders
• Passport Services
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card
• Conversion of PIO card to OCI card
• OCI Card Reissue Guidelines
• Miscellaneous-Attestation Services
• Renunciation of Indian Citizenship
• Global Entry Program (GEP) For Indian Nationals
• Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate-EC)
• Consular Assistance
• VFS Helpline Numbers
• Brief on India-US Relations
• What's New/Press Releases
• Journalist Visas/Documentary Filming in India
• Photo Gallery
• Arts/Culture
• Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR)
• International Day of Yoga
• Contact point
• Education Wing
• Guidelines for Indian Students in the United States
• Registration of Indian Students in USA
• Inviting applications for 'International Hindi Course' by the Central Institute of Hindi, India
• Fulbright Scholarships
• The Quad Fellowship
• Guidelines for issue of No Objection Certificate / Visa for students proceeding to India on Fulbright Scholarship residing under the jurisdiction of Embassy of India, Washington D.C.
• Financial Terms and Conditions for Scholarships handled by ICCR.
• ICCR Scholarship
• Equivalency certificate of academic qualification
• Study in India
• Advisory/Information for students desirous of pursuing medical studies abroad
• Information on various aspects of US Legal system for incoming Indian students
• Public Notices/ Alerts
• How to address issues related to Marriages of Indian nationals to Overseas Indians
• Bill on NRI Marriages
• Procedure for sending/ forwarding Court Order/ Summons
• Legal and other provisions in foreign countries on Indian women cheated/abandoned/abused by Overseas Indian Spouses
• Officer-in-charge
• FAQs on Marital disputes involving NRI/PIO spouses
• प्रायः पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न : "भारतीय महिलाओं का विवाह

• Home > PERMITTED CATEGORIES FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA
• PERMITTED CATEGORIES FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA

A. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders

All OCI/PIO card holders are permitted to travel to India irrespective of their nationalities. It may be mentioned that the Government of India has also allowed extension till 31 December, 2021 for re-issuance of OCI card.  Further, there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was issued. Please see related details at  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/NjI

• The Government of India has restored most visas, which had been suspended earlier, except Tourist Visas (e-Tourist and regular Tourist Visa) issued before 6 October 2021 and e-Visas of all other types issued before 30 March, 2021 .
• Tourist visas (electronic and regular) are also being issued as per details available at  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=87
• Applicants are also advised that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.
• Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan are permitted to travel to India from any country (including any third country).
• Tibetan migrants who have residence in India and holding Certificate of Identity issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Return Visa to enter India, are permitted to travel to India.  In case the visa has expired, an application for fresh visa may be made with the Embassy/concerned Consulate.

For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the respective Consulate depending on their location.

The Government of India has decided to permit all OCI/PIO card holders regardless of which country passport they hold.  It may be mentioned that the Government of India has recently decided to grant further extension of time till 31 December, 2021 to get the OCI card re-issued and that there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was issued. Please see related details at  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/NjI

For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the respective Consulates depending on their location.

The Government of India has decided to permit all OCI/PIO card holders regardless of which country passport they hold.  It may be mentioned that the Government of India has recently decided to grant further extension of time till 31 December, 2021 to get the OCI card re-issued and that there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was issued, the details of which are available at https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/NjI

• Government of India has restored most of the visas, which had been suspended earlier.
• Entry (X) Visa
• Business (B) Visa
• Employment (E) Visa
• Student (S) Visa
• In case the validity of such a visa has expired, an application to obtain a fresh visa of appropriate category may be made with the Embassy/concerned Consulate depending on the location of the applicant.
• In addition, w.e.f. 30 March, 2021 the Government of India has opened e-visas for the following categories, the details of which are available at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html :
• eMedical Visa;
• eBusiness Visa;
• eConference Visa; and
• eMedical Attendant Visa

However, it may be noted that previous valid e-visas for the above categories, as well as for other categories, including eTourist Visa, will continue to remain suspended.  Applicants with e-visa for the above categories, which have been obtained on or after 30 March, 2021 will be allowed entry into India. The applicants are also advised that the Embassy does not process the e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.

• In addition, applications for Medical Visas, including for Medical Attendants, by foreign nationals intending to visit India for emergency medical treatment, may also be made with the Embassy/concerned Consulate. 
• Foreign nationals not covered by the above categories requiring travel to India urgently due to a family emergency may make an application for Entry Visa.  Such visas will be issued on a case-to-case basis depending on the merit of the case.

12 April 2021

The Government of India has decided to permit all OCI/PIO card holders regardless of which country passport they hold.

• The Government of India has restored most of the visas, which had been suspended earlier. However, these do not include electronic visas (e-Visa) of any type, Tourist Visa and Medical Visa, which continue to remain suspended.
• Below is the list of some of the categories where in case the applicant has a valid regular paper visa (and not an electronic visa), there is no need for a fresh visa:
• Entry (X) Visas
• Business (B) Visas
• Employment (E) Visas
• Student (S) Visas
• In case of Medical Visas, including for Medical Attendants, foreign nationals intending to visit India for emergency medical treatment, may also make an application with the Embassy/concerned Consulate. 

• Copyright policy --> Copyright policy
• Terms & Conditions --> Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy --> Privacy Policy
• Hyperlinking Policy --> Hyperlinking Policy
• Accessibility Option --> Accessibility Option

Chancery Address: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008

Consular Wing Address: 2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008

Disclaimer: The Embassy is not responsible for the information or content provided in any of the external links given in its Website.

Tel No. for all enquiries:(202) 939-7000 Embassy closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public holidays. Official working hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM EST

Page last updated on: March 20, 2024

© Embassy of India, Washington DC, USA 20008. All Rights Reserved. Ardhas Technology India Private Limited. -->

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

• Media Login
• Skip to main content
• Screen Reader Access
• Please select Language --> English हिन्दी -->

Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

• Organization Structure
• Internship with Us
• Disclosure of Gifts received in Toshakhana
• Immovable Property Returns of IFS Officers
• President Visits
• Vice President Visits
• Prime Minister Visits
• Incoming Visits
• Virtual Meetings
• Facilitation of Foreign Media
• Media Accreditation
• Documentary Filming in India
• MEA Media Campaigns
• Speeches & Statements
• Press Releases
• Bilateral/Multilateral Documents
• Response to Media Queries
• Media Briefings
• Photo Gallery
• Media Advisory
• Rajya Sabha
• India in Business
• Other Offices
• Other Publications
• OIA Publications
• NAI Archives
• Bilateral Briefs
• Development Partnerships
• Voice of Global South Summit
• India and the United Nations
• Disarmament and International Security Affairs
• Indian Treaties Database
• ISA Founding Conference
• India’s G20 Presidency
• Guide to Consular Services
• Attestation/Apostille
• Bachelorhood / Single Status Certificate
• Consular Access
• Transfer of Sentenced Persons
• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)
• Passport Services
• Online Indian Visa
• Diplomatic / Official Visa
• Verify Foreign Visa / Permit / CDCs
• Visa Facility for Indian Nationals (Ordinary Passports)
• For Diplomatic Passports
• Visa Facilitation Agreements
• Visa Services Provided By FRROs
• Checklist for FRRO Registration Formalities
• Outsourced CPV Services
• Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme
• Know India Programme
• Know Goa Programme
• Scholarship Programmes for Diaspora Children
• Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra
• Bharat ko Jaaniye Online Quiz (BKJ)
• Students Registration Portal
• Marital Issues of Indian nationals married to overseas Indians
• Overseas Employment
• How to enrol as an Overseas/NRI elector
• National Voters' Service Portal
• Brochure for Overseas Electors
• Brochure for Service Voters
• OWRC, MRC and PBSK
• Welfare Compensation Claims
• Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)
• Indian Community Welfare Fund
• Details of Organisations/NGO's registered with Indian Missions/Posts Abroad
• Indian Students Abroad
• Transfer of Mortal Remains
• Multilateral Co-operation
• Model Contracts
• Notification
• Social Security Agreements
• Labour Mobility Partnership (LMPA)
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)
• India Centre for Migration (ICM)
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• Population of Overseas Indians
• Distinguished Lectures
• Documentaries
• Documentary / Feature Film Catalogue
• India Perspectives
• Bharat Ek Parichay
• Lodge Complaint
• Integrity Pact
• Complaints Committee
• Acts, Legislations & Rules
• Demands for Grants
• Grants-in-aid to Autonomous Bodies
• Citizens' Charter
• Travel Advisories
• The President of India
• Vice President of India
• Prime Minister of India
• Indian Parliament
• United Nations News
• Protocol Division
• Indian Council of Cultural Relations
• Monthly Major Achievements of MEA

Guidelines for International Arrivals

• Fight Against COVID19
• Vaccine Maitri
• Mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates
• Important links
• Indian Mission

• Home ›   Useful Links ›   COVID-19 ›   Guidelines for International Arrivals
• Control Room, South Block 23011954 / 23012292 / 23017160
• Working hours at Headquarters 9:00 A.M. To 5:30 P.M.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Hyperlinking Policy
• Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. All Rights Reserved.

Website content managed by XPD Division, Ministry of External Affairs; Designed & developed by M/s Silver Touch Technologies Limited; Hosted by National Informatics Centre.

Visitors: 211590096

Page last updated on: 15/2/2023

• US Is Open For Indian Travellers....

US Is Open For Indian Travellers. Here Are All The Updated Guidelines

After an entry ban that was first imposed in march 2020, the us is resuming travel under its new policy..

Last month, the White House announced a new travel policy aimed at relaxing earlier curbs for entry into the US. The policy, in effect from November 8, is applicable to vaccinated Indians, both residents and tourists.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, one of the two widely administered vaccines in India, is now on CDC's (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) list of approved vaccines.

Here are all the details you need to know before you begin planning your travel to USA.

Who can travel to the US?

All fully vaccinated Indians, including permanent US visa holders, and tourists can now travel to the US. India and several European, and Asian countries were rid of a long-standing travel ban following the Presidential proclamation.

What modes of transportation to the US are open?

Flights to the US are operational and land borders with Mexico and Canada have also been reopened after the long Covid-induced hiatus. Vaccinated travellers are allowed to enter through land, air, and sea routes.

What about countries with low vaccination rates?

While travel to the US is open only to vaccinated individuals, the Biden administration has identified 50 countries including Afghanistan, Sudan, and Libya, with vaccination coverage less than 10 per cent. Individuals from these countries fall under the exemption category and can travel to the US with prior permission.

What is considered fully vaccinated?

Individuals who have received a single dose vaccine, or both doses of a two-dose vaccine, approved by the CDC or on WHO's EUL (Emergency Usage Listing), and have completed 14 days thereafter, are considered fully vaccinated.

For Indians, Covishield and Covaxin are on CDC's list. The Russian vaccine Sputnik is not on this list.

What about Sputnik?

Sputnik is not on CDC's list of approved vaccines. This means that those who have received the vaccine will not be considered fully vaccinated. Hence, they will not be able to travel to the US.

What do you need to travel to the US?

All travellers arriving by air in the US, need to follow these guidelines.

• Proof of vaccination submitted to the airline in digital or print form.
• A verifiable COVID-19 viral test (RT PCR) conducted three days before departure. This means test reports must include a QR code that can be digitally verified against a database.
• A completed Passenger Disclosure and Attestation Form .
• The CDC also recommends (does not mandate) getting a viral test 3-5 days after arrival in the US and self-monitoring your health.

Do you still need to get tested if you are vaccinated?

Yes, you need a negative COVID-19 viral test report even if you are vaccinated. An RT-PCR test is accepted.

What about children?

Children travelling to the US fall under the exemption category and need not be fully vaccinated. However, all children between the age of two and 18 will need to submit a negative Covid viral test report. Children up to the age of two are exempted from testing.

VISA process

In a Facebook Live with Don Heflin, Minister Counsellor for Consular Affairs, the US Embassy India, addressed several common visa queries for immigrant, student and tourist visas.

The bottom line here remains that there is a huge backlog of visa appointments, and it may be a while before you get one.

Is it possible to travel on an existing long-term visa?

Yes, travel for existing visas opened on November 8.

When will visa appointments open?

Visa appointments for January to May 2022, for immigrant and student visas and drop boxes for tourist visa renewals, are likely to open in the next couple of weeks (November end- early December).

Will there be enough visa appointments to cover the backlog?

There is no guarantee of that and there will be significantly less visa interviews.

Will fresh tourist visas be entertained?

The likelihood of an appointment for a first-time tourist visa will be rare. For those who have had a tourist visa before, drop box interviews are possible.

For those on an H1B visa, is visiting India for stamping and return to the US possible?

As per the Embassy, booking an appointment before going is recommended. However, there is no guarantee for an appointment. Travelling back as such, is currently discouraged.

When will visa appointments get back to normal?

There is no information on that yet.

For more specific visa-related questions, you can refer to the video here or tweet to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services .

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Occupational Therapy
• Healthy Aging
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

U.S. Restricts Travel From India Amid COVID-19 Surge

Suprabhat Dutta / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• On May 4, the United States government restricted the travel of foreign nationals from India to the U.S.
• The restriction is in response to a surge of COVID-19 cases in India and will significantly impact Indian Americans and immigrants who will not be able to go home and visit their families.
• Individuals can help by supporting and donating to mutual aid and fundraising efforts.

On May 4, the United States government enacted travel restrictions on India amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, limiting most non-U.S. citizens from traveling to the U.S.

The ban does not apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, journalists, certain students and academics, and people traveling for humanitarian, public health, or national security reasons.

“What happens in India—or really anywhere in the world—affects all of us,” Krutika Kuppalli, MD , assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina, tells Verywell. “The situation in India will have downstream global effects and it is in our best interests to get this under control.”

Why Is There a Surge of COVID-19 Cases in India?

About three months after India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the country's COVID-19 infections and mortality reached an all-time low , the country experienced the highest daily tally of new COVID-19 infections ever recorded globally.

With 314,835 new cases recorded on April 22, India's case count exceeded the previous highest one-day rise of COVID-19 cases set by the U.S. back in January. The country's numbers continued to set and surpass a new global record as the days passed. As of May 8, India reported 401,078 new infections.

“The surge is due to a complex number of things and not just one thing,” Kuppalli says. “India has very complicated population density issues that intersect its socio-economic dynamics. This, along with the relaxing of public health measures, set up a perfect storm for the surge to occur. I also think there was a false narrative [that] India ‘beat’ the pandemic because they did relatively well compared to other countries during the first wave.”

Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP , hospital epidemiologist and associate professor of infectious diseases and global medicine at the University of Florida, tells Verywell that other factors contributing to the surge may include “poor leadership, mass gatherings, a slow vaccination drive, lack of public health infrastructure, and variants that are more communicable with inadequate protective immunity from prior infection."

The Impact on India's Healthcare System

The massive surge of cases continues to overwhelm India’s healthcare system, leading to shortages of basic supplies and hospital beds.

“For context, this is like what we experienced in New York City, only exponentially widespread and worse,” Cherabuddi says. “We have not yet seen the peak of this second wave and that is concerning as deaths will follow.”

India currently needs:

• Oxygen cylinders
• Delivery equipment and concentrators
• Pulse oximeters
• Frontline medical provider supplies
• COVID-19 tests
• COVID-19 vaccines and raw materials to produce it
• Hospital beds

“We are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in India and neighboring countries,” Cherabuddi adds. “This is not just about medical care. It will affect every aspect of human life in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The repercussions include regional and global spread, delayed supply of COVID-19 vaccines from India to the world, and impact on global medicine supply.”

Why Is a Travel Restriction Necessary?

Throughout the pandemic, countries have enacted travel restrictions and bans in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

“Travel restrictions and lockdowns are epidemiological tools that help prevent spread when there is a huge surge in cases,” Cherabuddi says. “We have learned from prior experiences during this pandemic that they must be implemented in a humane manner. Travel advisories and restrictions are consistent with standard public health response to any epidemic or pandemic.”

However, “travel restrictions don’t prevent these variants from spreading and that by the time a variant is detected in another country, it has likely already spread,” Kuppalli says, adding that these bans will only slow the spread of variants—not prevent them.

According to Cherabuddi, a supervised or mandatory quarantine upon return to the U.S. in addition to a travel warning was a possible alternative.

Travel Restrictions Are Affecting Indian Americans

The current travel restrictions were implemented as a necessary public health measure, but now some Indian Americans and Indian immigrants in the U.S. are unable to see their families in person. "Even figuring out how to send supplies to them is a challenge as well," Kuppalli says.

“Indian Americans and communities are dealing with their friends and family members, including immediate family, becoming seriously ill or passing away,” Cherabuddi says. “There is a strong sense of helplessness, guilt, and grief of not being there for their loved ones in this time of need.”

Fully vaccinated individuals with relatives in India may have been looking forward to visiting their families. But travel restrictions make the situation even more fraught.

“It is really difficult to not be able to visit family, and stay away from loved ones,” Lija Joseph, MD , adjunct associate professor of pathology & laboratory medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, tells Verywell. “I know of some who are not able to go home for the funerals of their loved ones, which makes it really difficult to bring closure in addition to the tragedy of the pandemic.”

Cherabuddi says the COVID-19 crisis in India may lead to some long-term effects including “the negation of gains made over the past decade in poverty, literacy, hunger, malaria, [and] HIV and TB control and mortality. On a global scale, most of humanity has not been vaccinated and this surge will spread like wildfire unless swift action is taken."

What This Means For You

You can show your solidarity by supporting and donating to mutual aid and fundraising initiatives working to help India contain the surge of COVID-19 cases and recover. Cash supplies will be used to provide medical equipment, food, and other necessary provisions.

How Can I Help?

The U.S. government is stepping up to help India, Joseph says. The U.S. promised to send about 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine when it receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has also provided cash assistance, oxygen cylinders and regulators, rapid diagnostic tests, and N-95 respirators.

“The U.S. government has supported waiver of IP protections on COVID-19 vaccines which is helpful, but we must do more, including active intervention with provision of vaccine supplies and partnering with agencies in the production of vaccines which is crucial to curb further surges and deaths,” Cherabuddi says. “This is the time to help build capacity, exert influence on the government, and galvanize the international community in tackling this crisis.”

Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP

It is not too late. Many communities and agencies have already led the way to action and are making a difference.

Other countries aside from the U.S. are also offering aid, but individuals can make a difference, too. 

“It is not too late. Many communities and agencies have already led the way to action and are making a difference,” Cherabuddi says. “Individuals can show solidarity, advocate for support, and participate in donating effort or money to recognized agencies.”

You can support initiatives like OxygenForIndia to provide medical oxygen to hospitals and patients at home or Mazdoor Kitchen to supply meals to daily wage workers in Delhi. Online fundraising platforms like Mutual Aid India and Give India have plenty of crowdfunding campaigns on their website as well.

Many community organizers are also running mutual aid and fundraisers for vulnerable communities in India without social safety nets, and you may donate directly to the tribal families in Maharashtra , rural transgender people in Tamil Nadu , or Indians living in resettlement colonies in Chandigarh .

“There are many organizations that are providing online fundraising portals,” Joseph says. “Please support these efforts.”

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our  coronavirus news page .

The White House. A Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease .

U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease .

World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Coronavirus Tracker .

U.S. Agency for International Development. United States Airlifts Emergency Supplies to Help India Address Deadly Second Wave of Covid-19 Pandemic .

By Carla Delgado Carla M. Delgado is a health and culture writer based in the Philippines.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For International Visitors

Know Before You Visit

Almost a million individuals enter the U.S. daily. Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations. The more international travelers know about what to expect, the easier and quicker the process becomes.  

Related Travel Resources

• Money and Other Monetary Instruments  
• Prohibited and Restricted Items

Update January 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

India Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, india - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

India USA Travel

Can indians travel to the us.

According to the White House , the USA has lifted the travel ban from India and other countries as of November 8th 2021.

“It is in the interests of the United States to move away from the country-by-country restrictions previously applied during the COVID-19 pandemic and to adopt an air travel policy that relies primarily on vaccination to advance the safe resumption of international air travel to the United States.” Joe Biden, President of the United States.

The White House confirmed that minors ( children under 18) and people with certain medical conditions are exempt from the new vaccine requirements.

Non-tourist travelers from around 50 countries with nationwide vaccination rates below 10% will also be exempt. Those exempted must be vaccinated if they plan to stay in the US for more than 60 days.

To “follow up with travelers who have been exposed to COVID-19 variants or other pathogens,” the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new contact tracing rules on Monday.

Also, the CDC announced this month that it will accept mixed-dose coronavirus vaccines from travelers.

Airlines must confirm the last dose was at least two weeks before the travel date.

Rules for Indians traveling to the USA

Beginning November 8, unvaccinated US citizens and long-term residents will be required to submit a negative Covid test taken one day before reentering the US, and unvaccinated foreign people will be permitted to enter only in limited circumstances, an administration official said Monday.

Americans who are fully vaccinated will be required to undergo testing three days prior to flying.

For foreign nationals, the administration declared in September that it would need all visitors to be completely vaccinated prior to entering the country, but detailed exclusions on Monday.

Individuals traveling to the United States from countries with immunization rates below 10%, for example, will also be required to present a compelling cause for their visit, a senior administration official said. ( ANI )

When will the US lift the travel ban from India?

As of November 8th, 2021 Indian passport holders may be able to travel to the US, provided they have taken the two shots of accepted vaccines and can provide proof of it before travel.

US Travel restrictions from India

US travel restrictions from India have been lifted off as of November 8th, 2021 according to a news release from the White House on October 26, 2021.

Can I travel to the USA from India on a tourist visa ?

Yes, you can travel to the USA from India on a tourist visa as of November 8th, 2021 if you have taken two doses of a globally accepted vaccine.

What vaccine do you need to take to travel to USA from India?

Those flying internationally must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Unvaccinated Americans and non-vaccinated foreign nationals must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of leaving.

Recommended Plan For Your Travel

Safe Travels

Best for Visitors Economical Plan COVID19 included Covers Medical Pre-Existing Conditions First Health Network

Atlas America

Rated “A – Excellent” COVID19 included Covers Medical Covers Dental Trip Cancellation Full Refund on Cancel

About the Author

Mani Karthik

Ex “NRI” and Founder of the “Back to India” movement. I share my experience about immigrating to USA here.

USA Travel Checklist – Items to Carry & Things To Do

Forms to fill when traveling from india to usa, vaccinations for us citizens traveling to india, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Baggage Delivery
• Meet & Greet
• Upcoming Tenders

• Flight Information
• Airport Terminals
• Airport Guidelines
• Passenger Guide
• Shop, Dine & Services
• To & From airport
• In & Around Delhi
• General Aviation
• Photo / Video Shooting
• Security Operations Form
• Tariff and NAC charts
• Building Plan
• Our Journey
• Cargo Statistics
• Our Specializations
• Cargo Segments
• Road Feeder Services
• Our Network
• Our Infrastructure
• Awards & Certifications
• Events and Initiatives
• Our Green Initiatives
• Get In Touch

1162 Daily Flights as on 21 st March, 2024

1162 Daily Flights

Covid-19 Update

Public Message on Covid-19 Home Treatment Guidelines Watch Video

Covid-19 Latest Updates

Know more about the domestic and international travel guidelines

Review of COVID-19 Guidelines for International Flight Operations/ Arrivals

19 th July 2023

COVID-19 Domestic Travel Guidelines

Passengers flying to domestic destinations must follow the following health protocols:

• Flyers are advised to self-monitor health and travel only if they have no symptoms of COVID-19.
• Announcements regarding COVID-19 and COVID appropriate behaviour will be made at the airport. Travellers flying via domestic flights are advised to follow these precautionary guidelines.
• Passengers must use a face mask/ cover, hand hygiene, and physical distancing of six feet as far as feasible.
• Passengers should not spit in public spaces while travelling.
• Flyers are advised to install the Arogya Setu app on their mobile phones.
• If a passenger develops fever while travelling, he shall inform the cabin crew/ TTE/ bus conductor as per the situation.
• Passengers developing COVID-19 signs after reaching the destination should inform the District Surveillance Officer or the State National Call Centre (1075).
• For information on state-wise quarantine rules for domestic flights, flyers are advised to go through the state-wise travel guidelines section.

What we Cover?

• Domestic Travel Guidelines

19th May 2021

23rd May 2021

24th May 2021

21st May 2021

13th May 2021

Disclaimer: Passengers travelling to India are advised to check official websites of relevant authorities and local government agencies for the latest updates on travel retrictions and plan accordingly.

To avoid inconvenience prior to commencement of journey, it is advisable to verify requirements and check with Airline concerned or the destination Airport.

For International travel, please check with the nearby Embassy or the Airline Concerned.

Resources in Delhi & Nearby

Join MyGov Helpdesk for Indian Govt. Updates

Get your Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate

India Vaccine Progress

As on : 21 Mar 2024 11:13 AM

84,51,80,590 (63.4%) 2nd dose administered

99,85,01,718 (74.9%) 1nd dose administered

1,33,30,00,000 Total population

140.15 Dose per 100 people

Data from : CDC, WHO, ECDC, Wikipedia - The New York Times

Cases Across India

12,340 480 Active Cases (0.03%)

4,25,13,248 1,547 Discharged

5,22,006 40 Deaths (1.21%)

4,30,47,594 2,067 Total Cases

Airport Covid Preparedness

Every Corner Sanitized for Passenger Safety

Maintaining Social Distancing with Floor Stickers

Enhanced Hygiene Facilities Inside the Airport

Contactless Check-In Experience

Thermal Screening of All Passengers

Hassle-Free Boarding Pass Printing with Scan & Fly Facility

COVID Appropriate Behaviour at All Checkpoints

Social Distancing Markers and Stickers Throughout the Airport

Covid Helpline Numbers

1075 Health Ministry

1098 Child Care

08046110007 Mental Health

14567 Senior Citizens

14443 Ayush Covid-19 Counselling

9013151515 MyGov WhatsApp Helpdesk

Book your stay.

Price starts from

₹ 2999/* onwards

Covid-19 FAQs

Help us improve your experience.

Initiate Property Claim

Your property claim has been submitted successfully. Our Lost and Found agent will connect with you via email or phone. Please check your email for the updates.

• About Delhi Airport
• About GMR Group
• Environment
• Business Awards
• News & Events
• Why Delhi Airport
• Life @ Delhi Airport
• Learning @ Delhi Airport
• Careers @ Delhi Airport
• Professional Courses
• GMR Infrastructure Limited
• GMR Power & Urban Infra Limited
• GMR Airports
• Delhi International Airport Limited
• GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited
• Manohar International Airport, Goa
• Mactan Cebu International Airport
• GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport
• GMR Aerocity Delhi
• GMR Aerocity Hyderabad
• GMR Aero Technic
• GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park
• GMR Business Park
• GMR Innovex
• GMR Aero Academy
• GMR Energy Trading Ltd
• GMR Krishnagiri SIR
• GMR Engineering & Management Services
• RAXA Techno Security Solutions
• GMR Aviation Private Limited
• Delhi Capitals
• Dubai Capitals
• India Capitals
• Telugu Yoddhas
• GMR Varalakshmi Foundation
• Parampara Family Business Institute

We really appreciate it, thank you!

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use in standard view. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To use standard view, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, then try again .

• Asia Briefing
• China Briefing
• ASEAN Briefing
• India Briefing
• Vietnam Briefing
• Silk Road Briefing
• Russia Briefing
• Middle East Briefing
• Asia Investment Research

India’s Latest Guidelines on International Travel

This timeline summarizes the most recent developments in the rules and regulations governing international travel to and from India.

Webinar – Navigating Global Minimum Tax in Asia: Insights for Businesses 

Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 9:00 AM San Francisco / 12:00 PM New York / 6:00 PM Brussels / 1:00 AM (Nov. 17 th ) Beijing 

Partner Kyle Freeman will introduce how key Asian economies are implementing the new changes, how companies are going to be impacted by the OECD’s global minimum tax framework, and what businesses should be doing to be prepared. 

Join us in this free webinar.

REGISTER NOW

February 2023

• From February 13, 11 AM , passengers coming to India from or via China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will not require a negative RT-PCR report from a pre-departure test for COVID-19. Travelers from these five countries will no longer have to fill the self-health declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal either. The 2% random testing on arrival in India [from any country of origin] policy that was started December 24 last year, shall continue.

January 2023

• Reported by Times of India , all Indians traveling to Sri Lanka will have to follow the country’s revised COVID-19 protocols. Sri Lanka has announced that all tourists to the country will be required to carry their vaccination cards, and unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative PCR report obtained 72 hours prior to their arrival.

December 2022

December 29, 2022.

• On December 29, 2022, India’s Federal Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that RT-PCR test would be mandatory from January 1, 2023 for international passengers travelling to India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand . The test must be conducted within 72 hours of undertaking the journey to India. 
• These negative RT-PCR reports must be uploaded on the Air Suvidha portal before travel.
• This requirement is in addition to the random two percent tests of all international passengers in all incoming international flights on their arrival in India irrespective of their port of departure.

December 28, 2022

Air India Express, India’s first international budget carrier that offers flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, has issued guidelines for the maintenance of Covid-appropriate behaviour by travellers travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. The guidelines include:

• All passengers from UAE should preferably be completely immunised as per the approved primary schedule of Covid vaccination. 
• All visitors should preferably use masks and follow physical distancing on flights/travel and at all points of entry.
• Post-arrival random testing is not required for children under the age of 12. However, if they have Covid-related symptoms upon arrival, they have to undergo testing in accordance with protocol. 

December 26, 2022

• On December 24, 2022, Indian Health Ministry announced that international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand will have to mandatorily present RT-PCR test results . In case any passengers from these countries are symptomatic or test positive for Covid-19, they will be quarantined. 
• Economic Times reporting that Air Suvidha form filling to declare current health status will also be made compulsory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
• Times of India reporting that Qatar has reinstated visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for Indian travellers , which were temporarily halted due to FIFA World Cup 2022 in the country. Indian nationals can get a free VOA in Qatar for a maximum stay of 30 days or as per the hotel reservation and under the following conditions: valid passport for at least six months, confirmed return tickets, and confirmed hotel reservation through ‘Discover Qatar’ website only.
• Times of India  reporting that effective from January 1, 2023 , Serbia has discontinued visa-free travel regulations for Indian citizens , keeping in line with the requirements of European Union (EU) visa policy and measures to control illegal migrants. 

December 23, 2022

New guidelines applicable for international arrivals from December 24, 2022: “All travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.” See here for the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification issued December 22.

India will randomly test 2 percent of international travelers arriving in the country’s airports for COVID, with effect from Saturday (December 24) 10 am IST , as announced by Mansukh Mandaviya, Health Minister on Thursday December 21. Travelers will be allowed to leave the airport after submitting their sample. After the random testing, if found COVID-positive, the person’s sample shall be sent for genomic testing at a designated INSACOG laboratory network; reports shall be hared with Integrated Disease Surveillance Program at [email protected] by the concerned testing laboratory (besides sharing with the airport health organization APHOS) to be in turn shared with concerned state or union territory for further follow-up action.

• India is becoming increasingly cautious after a surge in cases recorded in neighboring China as well as in Brazil, US, Japan, and Korea, besides it being the ongoing holiday and festive season, which witnesses a jump in travel. In another move, visitors to the Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh state), will undergo a COVID-19 test before they enter, as per reporting from news agency ANI. While wearing masks are not currently mandatory in most parts of the country, it will likely be increasingly encouraged. For example, the southern state of Karnataka has made wearing masks mandatory indoors and in closed spaces in guidelines released December 22.

December 14, 2022

• DNA  reporting a travel advisory issued due to the ongoing chaos at Delhi international airport: “To ensure a quick security check, Air India has urged all travelers to bring just one piece of carry-on luggage and arrive at least 3.5 hours early.”
• Times of India  reporting that Hong Kong and Nigeria are among the latest to remove COVID-19 travel rules for international travelers. 
• Business Today  reporting that IndiGo has announced 32 connecting flights between India and Europe – flying to Milan, Manchester, Birmingham, Rome, and Venice – starting December 7, 2022. These international flights will operate in partnership with Turkish Airlines.

November 2022

• Times of India  reporting that Germany is relaxing visa appointment rules for Indian tourists. According to German Missions in the country, Indian travelers can book their visa appointment at any VFS global Visa Application Centre in major Indian cities and the Schengen visa can be applied for three months before the travel date. However, this relaxation does not apply to the D-visa category – students, employment, and family reunion visas, among others.
• New Air India flights announced between India and US, Europe ( Business Traveller ): – Air India is launching new flights connecting Mumbai with New York, Paris, and Frankfurt, and resuming non-stop flights connecting Delhi with Copenhagen, Milan, and Vienna. The new daily Mumbai-New York service to John F Kennedy International Airport will commence February 14, 2023, which will take Air India’s India-US frequency to 47 non-stop flights per week. – The new Air India flights from Delhi to Europe announced are: four weekly Delhi-Milan from February 1, 2023 and three weekly flights each on the Delhi-Vienna and Delhi-Copenhagen routes starting February 18 and March 1, 2023, respectively. – From Mumbai, new Air India flights are currently being planned to Paris* (thrice-weekly) and Frankfurt* (four weekly) from the next quarter. 
• India is discontinuing the Air Suvidha self-declaration form starting November 22, 2022. Passengers flying into India will no longer need to fill out the Air Suvidha form from November 21-22 midnight and will not need to take an RT-PCR COVID-19 test.

On November 14, the Canada  government concluded an expanded Canada-India Air Transport Agreement “to allow unlimited flights between both countries”. The announcement said: “The expanded agreement allows designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week. The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. Money Control reports that this will give Canadian airlines access to the Indian cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai while Indian airlines will receive access to Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver as well as two additional points (Canadian cities) selected by India. India is Canada’s fourth largest international air transport market and there are an estimated 1.5 million Indians living in Canada. Presently the only non-stop direct flights in this market are from Air India and Air Canada.

October 2022

The Financial Express  reports plans of Air India to add 20 weekly, non-stop flights to the US and UK between October and December. “With five additional flights a week to Birmingham, nine additional flights to London, and six additional flights a week to San Francisco, Air India said it will be able to offer over 5,000 additional seats every week.” Soon there will be seven Indian cities offering direct Air India flights to London.

September 2022

• No new updates were made to the “Risk Levels” and “Safety and Security” sections of the Canadian government’s travel advisory for India: The Hindu report .
• Hong Kong is lifting compulsory quarantine requirement for arrivals starting from September 26. There will be three days of medical surveillance during which inbound persons are free to go out but are obliged to comply with Amber Code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass, followed by a four-day self-monitoring period, making it a 7-day observation period in total, as per the Hong Kong government’s notification .
• Taiwan will end mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving in the country from October 13 as per reporting from Reuters . Speaking to the media, Taiwan’s Cabinet spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng stated that from September 29, visa-free entry will be resumed for overseas travelers that previously enjoyed that status. Under its ‘New Taiwan Model’, the government is set to increase weekly arrival limits for international travelers to 60,000 from 10,000 and will not require PCR tests for arrivals. If the pandemic situation is stable, the country will end quarantine from around October 13 and increase the weekly arrival limit to 150,000.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced travel relaxations in Japan while in New York for the UN General Assemebly session. “… from 11 October, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel.”  BBC  reports that the cap on daily arrivals will also be lifted.
• Fiji removed its COVID-19 test requirements for international travelers from September 5, 2022.
• Media is reporting that Indians traveling to Indonesia can fast track their visa applications on arriving in Jakarta as VFS Global has reached an exclusive agreement with the Indonesian Immigrant Department.
• See India’s guidelines for international arrivals – dated September 2, 2022 – which came in effect the next day. The document provides protocols to be complied by international travelers as well as those to be followed by airlines and all points of entry (airports, seaports, and land border). 
• International flights resumed operations starting September 3, in Guwahati’s (Assam state) Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), after a gap of two years. In the next few months, officials speaking to the  Hindustan Times said that the LGBIA airport will start flights from Guwahati to Yangon (Myanmar), Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Bangkok (Thailand).

January – August, 2022

• Airlines and travel agents in India have to share details of international travelers with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC) 24 hours before departure and arrival. The information will be provided to the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC). While this rule had been proposed five years ago, to combat tax avoidance and tax evasion, the government has only now developed a regulatory framework to implement this. India is among 60 countries collecting such details of international passengers. The Ministry of Finance issued the notification on August 8, 2022, as per media reports .
• China no longer requires COVID test information for international arrivals from August 31, 2022 : On Thursday, August 25, 2022, China’s General Administration of Customs released  a new health declaration form for international arrivals, which removes the requirement for visitors to report their nucleic acid test results, infection status, and vaccination dates. This ninth version of the health declaration form will be implemented starting from August 31, 2022, and international visitors can report their health status online by filling out a form on the related WeChat account or webpage. Some  media  interpret that with this update, the current entry requirement, that is, the requirement to have international passengers take two PCR tests for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure, the second of which must be within 24 hours of their departure — will be lifted.  However, considering that China is still sticking to its dynamic zero-COVID strategy, we recommend that international travelers double-check with their flight companies for further information.
• The Chinese Embassy in India has updated its “ Application Procedures and Material Requirements of China Visa “, to be implemented from August 24, 2022. See here for the list of requirements and procedures for various types of Chinese visas, including the M-Visa (commercial and trade activities) and the X1-Visa (long-term study): http://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/202208/t20220822_10748221.htm 
• The  Business Standard  noted in a report that China was working to facilitate the return of foreign students, including from India, who have been stuck due to the COVID-19 visa restriction. The paper quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin who told media that the Chinese side were working intensively for the return of foreign students to China. In updated comments on the foreign ministry website, Wenbin said: “We are confident in seeing the return of the first group of Indian students in the near future. Building on that, the Chinese side will further proceed with the return of other Indian students in a well thought-out and orderly manner.”
• India’s domestic air fare caps will end from August 31, as the civil aviation regulator DGCA rolls back restrictions imposed in 2020. This minimum to maximum price band had been introduced to avoid sky high ticket prices due to pent up demand in the domestic travel market. 
• India’s passport offers visa-free access to 60 countries , including Bhutan, Nepal, Macao, Oman, Qatar, and Fiji. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, published by immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, India’s passport ranked 87th. India had ranked 90th in Q3 and Q4 in 2021. The latest index is topped by Japan, whose passport offers visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea and Singapore (at 192 countries each), and Germany and Spain (190). As per reporting by the Hindustan Times: Indians have ‘visa-on-arrival’ access in Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, and Sri Lanka as well as 21 countries in Africa.
• Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, promised to relax restrictions on international travel in an “orderly” way , which would include facilitating the return of foreign students to rejoin Chinese colleges. Around 500,000 foreign students are enrolled at universities in China, including 23,000 Indians. Li said: “All international students may return to China to continue their studies should they so wish, and outbound commerce and trade activities and cross-border travel for labor services will be advanced in an orderly fashion.” The comments were made during a Special Virtual Dialogue with Global Business Leaders hosted by the forum. Foreign diplomatic missions in China are presently trying to speed up the process to facilitate the return of international students to China. While this is now in a small-scale trial mode, any large-scale opening can be expected only when the country’s epidemic outbreaks slow down.
• Competent authorities in China and India are communicating on securing the resumption of flights and to bring back the first group of Indian students to China at the earliest as reported in  The Economic Times.
• Bhutan is allowing travelers into the country from September 23, 2022 – after a two-year gap. Tourists from India should note the levy of a sustainable development fee (SDF), charged at 1,200 ngultrums (approx. INR 1200) per day; children between the age of six and 12 are charged INR 600 per day and no fee is charged from children below the age of five. The SDF fee is not applicable everywhere – there are exemptions to the levy in 11 districts in the less popular Eastern Bhutan region, until December 2024. 
• India is working to roll out e-passports as per its external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. The minister also informed that the Passport Seva System had been integrated with the DigiLocker system to facilitate paperless documentation. Jaishankar added: “The Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Posts operationalized 428 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) to reach out to our citizens at their doorsteps. The Ministry has successfully integrated the passport issuance systems in 178 of our Embassies and Consulates abroad.” 
• Saudi Arabia has lifted COVID-related travel restrictions on citizens travelling to India, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Vietnam and is accepting pilgrims for the forthcoming annual Hajj season, The Hindu  reports June 20, 2022. The requirement to wear face masks in closed places has also been relaxed.
• China has updated its visa policy for Indians , including Indian professionals and students. China will accept visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to return to China for resumption of work in all fields. Visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended. The details of over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly been forwarded to the Chinese government for visa processing. (Over 23,000 Indian students – mostly enrolled in medical colleges in China – had to return to India and were stuck during the last few years due to the coronavirus pandemic, which first broke out December 2019.) However, China is yet to announce resumption of normal flight facilities between the two countries.
• The US does not require arriving international travelers to take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights to the country from June 12, Sunday. “As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country .”
• Media reports say the DGCA has made masks mandatory at Indian airports and during flights. India recorded 7,240 new cases in 24 hours [ June 9 MoHFW update], the highest since March.
• On Wednesday, June 8, India’s aviation regulator DGCA announced fresh guidelines for COVID-appropriate behavior. The wearing of masks is now mandatory inside the flight / throughout the air travel , and mask removal is permitted only under exceptional circumstances. Violators could be treated as ‘unruly passengers’ and removed from the flight before departure. This is in line with a Delhi High Court order, which stipulates that violators can be put on ‘no fly list’. 
• India’s  overall passenger traffic  (both domestic and international) at airports reached 93 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022. International passenger traffic reached 63 percent and 72 percent of pre-COVID levels in April and May, respectively. Recovery of domestic travel reached 98 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022.
• Turkey has relaxed all the conditions for Indian travelers entering the country, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday, June 6.​​ Now, Indian travelers no longer have to show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-29 or negative RT-PCR test report.
• The United States Embassy in India has tweeted (8.23pm, May 29): “The US Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled. Applicants whose placeholder appointments were cancelled may now reenter the scheduling system to book regular appointments. Appointments have been opened through 2023.”
• Media reports say that Israel has removed COVID-19-linked travel requirements for foreign visitors, such as presenting a negative RT-PCR test prior to departure, undergoing an RT-PCR test upon arrival, and quarantine observation.
• Livemint reports: “Malaysia Airlines will add new routes, increase frequencies and upgrade aircraft to cater to the Indian market, which remains a key geography for the airline.”
• Saudi Arabia has banned its citizens from travelling to sixteen countries, including India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, after the Gulf state has recorded a five-fold rise in COVID-19 cases. News18 reports : “Saudi Arabia’s General Department of Passports dropped several Covid-19 restrictions towards the end of last year but are now reimposing some of them as Covid-19 cases are being reported from various parts of the world and China and North Korea bearing the brunt of the Omicron variant which is leading to fresh cases.”
• Indian announced on May 12 that citizens planning to travel abroad are now eligible to get a third (booster/precaution) dose of vaccine three months after their second dose. The rules otherwise stipulate a nine-month gap between the second dose and booster shot. 
• Scoot, the budget airline from Singapore Airlines Group, has launched daily flight services between Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Singapore, up from three times a week. As per reporting by The Hindu  [April 27, 2022], Scoot has a network of 42 destinations in 16 countries and territories, including Australia and Southeast Asia.
• VietJet has announced that it will resume operations of six flights – on the Delhi-Hanoi route and Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route from April 29, 2022. New flights have also been added by VietJet on the Mumbai-Phu Quoc route and New Delhi-Phu Quoc route, which are scheduled to start from September 9, 2022.
• Hong Kong has banned Air India flights till April 24 due to COVID-19 as three passengers on board one of its flights had reportedly tested positive on arrival.
• On April 11,  Times of India  reported that fully vaccinated passengers from the UAE traveling to India will not necessarily require a pre-departure RT-PCR test at the airport. The move is on a reciprocity basis. However, UAE travelers will need to fill out the passenger locator form on the Air Suvidha portal – same as travelers from any other destination visiting India. Also, travelers need to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate onto the Air Suvidha portal.
• Scheduled international flight services have resumed from Sunday, March 27, 2022 after being suspended for two years due to COVID-19. Starting March 27, six Indian airlines and 60 foreign airlines will connect India with 63 countries . Under the new summer schedule (March 27 to October 29), foreign airlines will operate 1,783 weekly flights and Indian carriers will operate 1,466 departures every week. Among domestic airlines, IndiGo will operate 505 departures per week, followed by Tata Group-owned Air India at 361 weekly flights and its subsidiary Air India Express will operate 340 flights per week.
• From the  Indian Express : More international airlines add flights to India : “Emirates said… it will be operating the 35 weekly flights from Mumbai, 28 from Delhi, 24 from Bengaluru, 21 each from Chennai and Hyderabad, 14 from Kochi, 11 from Kolkata, nine from Ahmedabad and seven from Thiruvananthapuram.”
• On March 21, 2022, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced  that from April 1, the Government will lift the flight ban on nine countries (i.e., Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, the USA, and Nepal)  and cut the hotel quarantine period for arrivals. Currently, passenger aircraft from these nine countries are not allowed to land in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive also announced the preconditions for boarding a flight to Hong Kong and the COVID-19 control and prevention measures to be implemented upon arrival. Given this, there are  comments  saying that traveling to Hong Kong will not get much easier even after the ban is lifted. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. plans just one inbound flight every two weeks for fear to be subjected to the city’s 14-day ban on airlines that carry too many passengers found to be infected with COVID-19.
• Singapore announced it is lifting restrictions for all vaccinated travelers from next week. According to officials, from April 1, fully vaccinated adults and unvaccinated children will be allowed to enter Singapore without quarantining, if they take a pre-departure test . Only travelers on a ‘restricted list’ will face curbs in entering Singapore; as of March 24, 2022 – there are no countries on this list.
• On March 21, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced relaxed COVID-19-related regulations. NDTV reports MoCA saying “cabin crew members need not wear PPE kit, airlines need not keep three seats vacant on international flights for medical emergencies and security personnel at airports can resume pat-down search of passengers.” However, the use of face mask and maintenance of hand hygiene/sanitizer continues to be mandatory . Airlines may carry additional PPE protective gear, sanitizers, and N-95 masks to handle any respiratory infections related to cases on air – for passengers as well as the crew.
• Cochin International Airport announces summer schedule (March 27 to October 29) with 1,190 weekly operations (international and domestic flights). 20 airlines will operate flights to destinations abroad (including 16 international carriers). Indigo has the most weekly departures to international destinations (42) and Air India Express accounts for 38 weekly departure operations. Other prominent carriers are Air Asia Berhad, Ethihad, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Gulf Air, and Fly Dubai. 44 weekly departures are scheduled for Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi with 42. Air India Express will continue its weekly operations to London and Thai Air Asia will resume Kochi operations in June, with 4 weekly direct flights to Bangkok. Source:  The Hindu Business Line
• Useful Quick Links from the Air India portal: – Official Circular on Restoration of Indian Visa (E-Tourist Visa and Tourist Visa) for Foreign Tourists   – Circular For Generating and Accessing International Digital Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate – International Travel Advisories
• Singapore Airlines Group press release: All Singapore Airlines flights from India to Singapore will operate as vaccinated travel lane (VTL) services from March 16, 2022. This will provide eligible customers with quarantine-free entry into Singapore from eight points across India. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, will also progressively convert its non-VTL services from Amritsar, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchi, and Visakhapatnam to VTL services. Short-term visitors and Singapore work-permit holders who seek to avail VTL services must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) prior to their visa application. VTP applications should be made between three and 60 calendar days before the person’s intended date of entry into Singapore. Travelers must ensure their eligibility to use the VTL services before their flight. 
• Regular international flights to resume March 27, 2022 after two years suspension. This is the start of the summer schedule 2022.
• Economic Times reporting “ Global travel shedding Covid baggage as several nations ease restrictions for Indians “. 
• India has once again extended its ban on regular commercial international passenger flights – until further orders – as per a circular dated February 28, 2022 issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flights under air bubble arrangements and international cargo flights will continue.
• On February 28, 2022 , the Indian government updated its “ List of Countries/Regions in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded ” on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website: see document here . There are 88 countries now on this list . (The Union health ministry has removed the at-risk categorization of countries.) 
• India and Thailand have finalized an air bubble arrangement, bringing the total number of such bilateral flight agreements to 37. Airline carriers between India and Thailand will begin operating flights starting in March, which will be subject to approval from the government. Thai Airways will commence flights between India and Thailand starting March 1 under this air bubble. Travelers should note the health protocols and the respective schedules of approved flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Bangkok. Meanwhile, on February 25, SpiceJet announced it will launch six new international flights to Bangkok, commencing from March 10 in a phased manner. SpiceJet plans to launch flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata with Bangkok. India reportedly has plans to reopen its regular international travel from March 15, but this is still a tentative date.
• Singapore, UAE, and Kuwait have updated their travel guidelines and COVID-prevention protocols for travelers from India. See here to know more.
• The Airport Authority of India has updated its state-wise guidelines for arriving passengers – by region. The PDF links may be accessed here: COVID Guidelines India Northern Region 14-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India Western Region 21.02.2022 COVID Guidelines India Southern Region 22-02-20212 COVID Guidelines India Eastern Region 18-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India North East Region 17-02-2022
• Dubai ends rapid RT-PCR rules for Indian travelers. Under the new rules , travelers from India have to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued by an approved health service provider and generated 48 hours before scheduled departure of the flight. Passengers will undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers will be expected to follow rules governing entry at their final destination.
• It is being reported in The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has requested approval from the health ministry to allow resumption of international flights from mid-March. Reason cited by unnamed government source is that domestic traffic has rebounded.
• The government has removed restrictions on the number of flights that can be operated between India and Ukraine under their bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate travel of Indians from the eastern European country. India has advised its citizens to temporarily leave Ukraine amid its deteriorating relations with Russia.
• Indian media are reporting that the government is soon to make a decision on whether regular international flights can resume in the summer (March/April). It is being reported by The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has set an internal target of resuming international flight services once domestic airlines capacity touches 80% of pre-COVID flights. (Domestic airlines operated over 2,800 flights before the pandemic struck in 2020; as of February 13, they operated 2,058 flights. To reach the 80% mark, this number has to exceed 2,200.)
• No testing or mandatory quarantine required for international travelers from February 14, 2022: On February 10, India revised guidelines for international arrivals, which will come into effect February 14, 2022 (Monday, 00.01 Hrs IST). The new guidelines remove the category of ‘at risk’ countries and has scrapped the seven-day mandatory quarantine. Instead, India’s health authorities recommend self-monitoring of 14 days for symptoms . The Union Health Ministry stated that there is “need to monitor the continuously changing” COVID-19 virus but accepted that “economic activities need to be taken up in an unhindered manner”. As per the latest guidelines, all foreign arrivals have to fill a self-declaration form online (Air Suvidha web portal), including a travel history of the past 14 days. They must also upload a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the departure date. Alternatively, they can upload a certificate confirming that they are fully vaccinated. This alternative option is only available for passengers arriving from the 72 countries whose vaccination program are recognized by the Indian government. They include Canada, Hong Kong, USA, UK, Bahrain, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries. See here for the official notification on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare portal.
• Australia will reopen its borders for international tourists from February 21 , subject to conditions. The move comes after almost two years of pandemic-linked travel restrictions. Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while making the announcement: “The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia. That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.” However, travelers to Australia should note the state-wise rules and restrictions.
• Vietnam reported to reopen for tourism, welcome foreign travelers from March 15, 2022. See here for information pertaining to travel to Vietnam .
• On February 5, Bali reopened its borders for international travelers and resumed direct international flights. See here for information on travel to Indonesia .
• On February 4, the state of Kerala released revised guidelines for international travelers. ( See here for the official notification by the Kerala government.) Any international traveler coming to Kerala, irrespective of their duration of stay, must undergo symptom surveillance. If they are found symptomatic, they must undertake an RT-PCR test at cost at the airport and take further action as per the test results. The revised rules advise home quarantine for international travelers who do not show symptoms; they must self-monitor their health for 7 days from the date of arrival and undergo testing if they develop symptoms. Rapid Antigen Test is advised on the 8th day after arrival. There will be random testing of 2% of international travelers on the flight, irrespective of the country of departure, and the costs will be borne by the Kerala state government. 
• Singapore Airlines has restarted the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with India. VTL flights allow quarantine-free travel into Singapore. There are VTL flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai into Singapore. (Singapore has also restarted its vaccinated travel lane with Malaysia.) Passengers should note that there are limited flights and reduced seat quota on these routes.
• The West Bengal state government announced on January 31, that it is rolling back its ban on all international direct flights coming from the United Kingdom to Kolkata.
• Indians who are fully vaccinated can reportedly travel to these seven countries: UK, Thailand, Singapore, Cyprus, Vietnam, Israel, and Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
• Canada has relaxed COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from India, starting January 28, 2022. People traveling on direct flights or on a one-stop flight from India do not have to show a negative RT-PCR test done at the Delhi airport within 18 hours of their departure. However, Canada still requires travelers from India to show an RT-PCR test report from an ICMR-approved lab . Fully vaccinated travelers must upload their relevant details onto the ArriveCAN app or website. 
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs – Guidelines for International Arrivals – Quick Access to Documents: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf 
• India has extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights to 23:59 February 28, 2022: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This ban does not apply to international all-cargo operations and the DGCA-approved flights. The notification was released by the DGCA on January 19, 2022.
• Hong Kong bars flights from India, U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Pakistan, and Philippines over Omicron fears, reports The Hindu (Jan.5, 2022).
• Countries reported to be requiring mandatory vaccine booster shots for travelers include Kuwait, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Austria, Greece, and Israel. 
• Gulf News is reporting that India is currently making a “day to day” assessment on the resumption of normal international flights. “One has to balance the concerns of public safety and travel,” said Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, Government of India. “We will take very expeditious action as and when things improve and the assessment is carried out. I’m hopeful that [full] international travel will resume soon.”
• Starting January 1, 2022, India’s air bubble arrangement with Saudi Arabia will be in effect. 
• India has reached an air bubble agreement with Australia. According to reporting from Livemint : “Australian airline Qantas has recently started flights between Sydney and New Delhi. The airline is also set to start flights between New Delhi and Melbourne before Christmas. Air India also operated direct commercial flights connecting New Delhi with Melbourne and Sydney before scheduled international flights were suspended by the Indian government. Air India flights between India and Australia will resume in coming days, said a senior official with the airline.”
• As of December 7, 2021 , India’s Civil Aviation and Health Ministry has made contactless self-declaration at Air Suvidha Portal mandatory for purpose of contact tracing. Exemption forms from the Air Suvidha portal has been discontinued. All international passengers arriving in India must fill in all the details.
• 108 countries recognize India’s COVID-19 vaccination certificate for travel purpose as per data available on December 6, 2021 .

Commercial international flights were suspended in India since March 25, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Travel restrictions have begun to be gradually relaxed from October 2021.

Below we highlight the latest guidelines for international travel to and from India.

Latest updates

Status of india’s international air operations.

• On March 8, an order from the government confirmed resumption of regular international flights from March 27, 2022 . “After being recognized the increase of vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from March 27, 2022, ie [that is] start of the summer schedule 2022,” said the order. India had suspended international flights for the first time in March 2020 and began operating air bubble arrangements since July 2020. 
• As of February 28, 2022, India has extended its suspension of scheduled international flights “till further orders”. 
• India rolled back its intention to resume normal international flight schedules from December due to the emergence of the Omicron COVID variant. On December 9, 2021, the civil aviation regulator announced announced the postponement of international scheduled commercial flights till February 28, 2022. Air bubble and evacuation flights schedules, approved flights, and air cargo will function.

India releases periodic guidelines for international passengers coming into India based on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of regional variants and their threat assessment. The latest travel guidelines for international arrivals to India were released on February 10, 2022 (and supersede previous notifications): https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf

• The Air Suvidha portal for submission of Self Declaration Form, which is mandatory: https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration 

For evacuation flight schedule Phase 14 (October 1, 2021 to March 26, 2022), see Air India Vande Bharat Mission here (download PDF): https://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/VBM-schedule-dtd-30sep2021-PHASE14.pdf . The evacuation mission has been in place since May 7, 2020. For destinations operated under air bubble arrangement Phase 13 ( September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021), click here for PDF download .

• As of April 15, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored electronic visa (e-visa) facility for foreigners from 156 countries. The e-visa facility is applicable for international tourists who wish to visit India for conferences, medical purposes, or business. The e-visa also extends to medical attendants.

Air Transport Bubbles

India has also established “Transport Bubbles” or “Air Travel Arrangements”, which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

The details of such arrangements were last updated in February 2022.

India now has 37 air bubble arrangements in place: Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, and Uzbekistan.

More details can be seen on the government website here: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles 

• Full service carrier Vistara has started non-stop flight services to Paris from Delhi under the air bubble agreement between India and Europe, according to reporting from The Economic Times . Under the air bubble pact, Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner) aircraft will fly twice a week between Delhi and Paris – on Wednesday and Sunday. London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Male are the other international destinations covered by Vistara, which is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
• The US will be lifting travel restrictions on foreign countries from November 8, Monday. Travelers must show proof of vaccination (WHO-approved vaccines); unvaccinated minors will be subject to testing requirements; and all travelers will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure to the US. See here for Reuters coverage of the changing rules.
• Air India will offer non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney starting November 15, 2021. Air India will operate the thrice-a-week service on the Delhi-Sydney-Delhi route under the Vande Bharat Mission. Australia has also formally recognized Covaxin, India’s COVID-19 vaccine.
• India’s new visa norms stipulate that visas will be granted to foreigners only if they use water and air routes, not land routes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed the gradual resumption of international travel to start from October 15, 2021 and tourist and e-visas will be issued for only a single entry per month. From November 15, all individual foreign nationals (on fresh tourist visas) will be allowed to enter India after observing prevailing COVID-19 protocols as notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 
• The Union Home Ministry announced on Thursday that India will allow foreign tourists traveling by chartered flights (Vande Bharat and air bubble flights) from October 15, rest from November 15, 2021. Foreigner tourists will be allowed to come in on non-charter flights from November 15 unless the extended restrictions on scheduled flights is substantially lifted. See the Home Ministry’s press briefing here  and reporting by the Economic Times here .
• The Hindustan Times reporting on October 2 : “Australia’s visiting trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan said foreign students will be able to start “returning towards the end of this year and the beginning of next year”, ahead of the start of the first semester in February-March 2022. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia listed Covishield and China’s Coronavac (Sinovac) as “recognised vaccines” after an initial assessment of data on protection offered by the two jabs.”
• CoWin, India’s digital platform for COVID-19 vaccination, is allowing travelers to download an international version of their COVID-19 vaccine certificate, which is compliant with WHO’s international travel guidelines. This feature went live on September 30, 2021, and allows fully vaccinated individuals to update their existing photo identity to passport number and date of birth to get their International Travel Certificate. See website: https://www.cowin.gov.in/
• The Indian Bureau of Immigration noted the specific categories of foreign nationals who are permitted to enter India by water routes or by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission, or ‘Air Bubble’ (Bilateral Air Travel Arrangements) Scheme, or by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in its notice MHA O.M. No.25022/24/2020-F.V/F.I dated October 21, 2020. See here for reference.
• Air India has said it will run direct services between Muscat and Vijayawada “once a week or thrice from the first week of July”. The Vijayawada International Airport resumed international flights to Gulf destinations, such as Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat in June, to Singapore in April.
• Budget carrier Air India Express will operate a total of 64 flights between Malaysia and India in July under Vande Bharat Mission. More below.
• Foreign nationals who wish to travel to India for medical treatment can apply for a fresh visa under this category and choose one attendant to accompany them as per the visa category provisions (that is, if the original applicant has their medical visa approved).
• On October 8, 2020, India’s civil aviation authority said the future of international flights will depend on the availability of a vaccine, hinting at the extension of air travel bubble arrangements into March-April next year.
• Low-cost carrier SpiceJet announces its new flight operations connecting Delhi and Mumbai with London, starting December 4, which will come under the India-UK air bubble agreement.
• New standard operating protocol announced August 22, 2020 for non-scheduled commercial flights under the repatriation scheme, Vande Bharat Mission, and Air Transport Bubble Agreements.

(Note: This article was originally published on August 4, 2020 and last updated on February 10, 2023.)

India Briefing  is produced by  Dezan Shira & Associates . The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in  Delhi  and  Mumbai . Readers may write to   [email protected]  for business support in India.

• Previous Article Latest Updates on India’s FTAs in 2022
• Next Article A Guide to Popular Income Tax-Saving Investment Options in India

Our free webinars are packed full of useful information for doing business in India.

DEZAN SHIRA & ASSOCIATES

Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed.

Want the Latest Sent to Your Inbox?

Subscribing grants you this, plus free access to our articles and magazines.

Get free access to our subscriptions and publications

Subscribe to receive weekly India Briefing news updates, our latest doing business publications, and access to our Asia archives.

Your trusted source for India business, regulatory and economy news, since 1999.

Subscribe now to receive our weekly India Edition newsletter. Its free with no strings attached.

Not convinced? Click here to see our last week's issue.

Search our guides, media and news archives

Type keyword to begin searching...

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

India Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in India. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles March 13, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Cholera is  presumed to be present  in India. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to India.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to India. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to India.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for India.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in India. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in India, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to India. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in India, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in India. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in India—such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in India include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in India. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call India’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in India. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of India may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in India, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in India, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for India .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in India.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in India, dial 100 or, from a mobile phone, 112. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about India before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on India from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for India for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

New User? Register

• Manage bookings
• Cancellation
• On Behalf Booking
• MyQuotation

We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

Don't have an account?

• Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
• Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
• Does not contain White spaces

I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize Thomascook to contact me.

Already have an account?

• Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a Thomascook ID
• No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
• One Click login

Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with Thomascook.

We will reset and send your new password.

Please enter the valid email address

Your request for new password has been accepted.

The new password would be emailed to the registered email address, if not registered please do the same

• travel guidelines

I accept the Privacy Policy   and I authorise Thomas Cook to contact me with details

• A. 15th June 2020

Pre-Arrival

Usa travel guidelines.

• Here is what international air travelers to the United States need to do beginning Monday, November 8, 2021
• Open for Travel: Yes Open For Travel
• Vaccination
• Fully vaccinated passengers allowed to visit USA.
• Approved vaccine: As per WHO approved
• Booster dose criteria: Not Applicable
• NO Visa appointment for fresh visa as on today, only drop box appointments for re-issuance of visa

Operating Status as per USA Travel Restrictions

Usa travel guidelines for tourists.

• Quarantine rules in USA: Not Applicable
• Apps/Portal: Not Applicable
• Travel pass: Self declaration
• Airlines Operating
• Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar, Etihad, Delta, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Turkish, Air India

"Grab Best Deals on USA Tour Packages "

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

New User? Register

• Manage bookings
• Cancellation
• On Behalf Booking
• My Quotation

Login to SOTC

We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

Don't have an account?

To deregister, please email us at

• Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
• Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
• Does not contain White spaces

I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize SOTC and its representatives to contact me.

Already have an account?

• Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a SOTC ID
• No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
• One click login

Forgot Password

Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with SOTC.

We will reset and send your new password.

Please enter the valid email address

SOTC Staff / Preferred Agents / corporate's, please enter your Login-id only. E.g. Tcil_aalok / Jaft_prakash / Rc_mumbai

Your request for new password has been accepted.

The new password would be emailed to the registered email address only.

Please do write us at [email protected] in case you any require any assistance.

• Honeymoon Packages
• Travel Guidelines
• India Honeymoon Packages

Experience spirituality

Enjoy 4-Day Free International Holiday

Additional 5% CashBack up to Rs. 6,000 SBI Credit Cards*

I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize SOTC and its representatives to contact me.

USA Travel Guidelines

• Here is what international air travelers to the United States need to do beginning Monday, November 8, 2021
• Open for Travel: Yes Open For Travel
• Vaccination
• Fully vaccinated passengers allowed to visit USA.
• Approved vaccine: As per WHO approved
• Booster dose criteria: Not Applicable
• NO Visa appointment for fresh visa as on today, only drop box appointments for re-issuance of visa

OPERATING STATUS

• USA travel Guidelines for tourists:
• Quarantine rules in USA: Not Applicable
• Apps/Portal: Not Applicable
• Travel pass: Self declaration
• Airlines Operating
• Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar, Etihad, Delta, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Turkish, Air India

"Reserve Your Getaway for USA Tour Packages !"

USA travel guidelines from India

The United States of America is one of the strongest and attractive nations in the world. The tourism rate might be lesser for this country but the dream of visiting the USA still lives among millions of people around the world. The USA has recently eased the travel conditions and restrictions for tourists around the world. Dive in to know the details about the whole travel process. 

Is the USA open for travel for Indians?

Not all Indians are allowed to travel to the United States of America except for a few. Here is the list of who can travel to the USA during the pandemic. 

• Not all from India can travel to the USA. 
• Only those who have approval from National Interest Exception (NIE) from the US Consulate. 
• After the visa is stamped, travellers should send a mail to [email protected] or [email protected] for approval. 

Who is restricted to travel to the US?

The US has restricted travel for some countries in the world. People who have physically been in those countries in the past 14 days are not allowed to travel to the US. If you want to travel just in case, you will have to avail valid visa and permission very early and confirm your travel. 

What are the eligibilities to travel from India to the USA?

• US citizens, legal permanent residents or foreign nationals having valid US visas can travel to the USA. 
• Indians travelling to the USA can hold any type of visa can travel but the airlines that you are travelling should approve your travel because some airlines restrict Indians from travelling with a visa under any category. 

USA Student visa

It is now possible to get a student visa to the USA for studies. Do visit the official website to know more and book appointments – https://t.co/ge5EeIRsKI

What are the restrictions and guidelines for travelling from India to the USA?

• Individuals who are above 18 are required to be fully vaccinated if possible.
• If you are vaccinated, the series of vaccinations ie. two doses of vaccines must be taken at least 14 days prior to the travel date.
• Children under the age of 18 are not required to be vaccinated. 
• Children between the age of 2 and 17 will be required to take up an RT PCR test before departure. 
• All travellers must produce a valid pre-documented report that states COVID negative. The test must be taken only three days before the travel date to the US. 
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as a PCR test and antigen tests must be qualified before the travel and proof should be produced at the departure airports. 

RT PCR test and vaccination

The RT PCR test must be taken 72 hours before the travel date. And the negative test report should be produced at the departure airport. 

The PCR test report should have a QR code so that it can be easily scanned and now the details about the passenger. 

What are the other passengers’ obligations?

• People who have travelled through or had a transit in any one of the countries will not be allowed to enter the USA. The countries are China, Brazil, the UK, European Schengen countries, Iran and Ireland. 
• All passengers will be requested to fill out the Health Declaration Form and a Passenger Disclosure & Attestation Form and submit the forms at immigration for contact tracing. The form will be provided by the airlines on the flight. 
• People entering California, New York and Massachusetts will be asked to fill additional forms for health and security reasons. 

What are quarantine protocols for Indians?

• Mandatory quarantine is required for Indians on arrival in the USA.
• 7 days quarantine with an on arrival covid test. 
• 10 days quarantine without an on arrival covid test. 

What are the airlines operating from India to the USA?

• United Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• British Airways

Mandatory quarantine and testing protocols

• Pre-departure- All passengers above the age of 2 should take up the RT PCR test and produce the negative test report at the airport. The test should be taken only within 72 hours before the travel. 
• Post-arrival test- All travellers should take up the second test on arrival in the USA within 3-5 days of arrival. And should be quarantined for 7 days even if the person tests negative post-arrival. 
• If you have recovered from COVID, proof should be produced saying that you have recovered. 
• You should have recovered from COVID at least 90 days prior to the travel date. 

What are some general rules during travel?

• Wear masks all the time during travel and crowded areas.
• Always carry sanitisers with you and sanitise your hands every now and then. 
• Strictly follow social distancing and avoid crowded areas. 
• Avoid eating at unhygienic places 

These are the very important and critical guidelines to be followed. There is no need to be in tension if you have all the proper documents and meet the pre-requisites. All you have to do is follow all the rules and safety precautions and travel safely.

42 Posts Published.

Related itineraries.

Relaxing 7 day Switzerland itinerary for the Honeymoon travellers

• Flights excluded
• 4 star accommodations
• 6 activities
• Private transfer

₹ 2,20,885

Starting price/person

London Dreams: Stay in London and wander around for 6 night stay

• 3 star accommodations
• 7 activities
• Shared transfer

₹ 1,07,442

Beautiful 9 Nights France Tour Packages

₹ 52,649.

Stunning 6 Nights Northern Lights Packages

• 2.5 star accommodations
• 3 activities
• Transfers excluded

₹ 64,954

Fantastic 6 Nights Finland Northern Lights Tour Package

• 2 activities

₹ 69,369

Amazing 10 Nights Netherlands Trip Package

• 2 star accommodations
• 9 activities

₹ 52,895

Magical 10 Nights Spain Tour Package

₹ 1,17,742.

Europe Tour Packages For 6 Nights

₹ 52,876.

Europe Trip Packages For 10 Nights

₹ 73,921.

Romantic 8 Nights Bali and Vietnam Honeymoon Packages

• Flights included

₹ 99,947

Related posts, phoenix in winter explore the best things to do, the 8 amazing hot springs in las vegas you should mot miss out, 5 scenic spots that inspired renowned novels and films, washington dc: the city which inspired the lost symbol by dan brown, best beaches in north carolina, usa, explore the city by the bay – san francisco, top shopping venues spotted – shop till you drop at los angeles, usa, top things to do in tampa, usa – lightning capital of the world, top attractions to cover in nashville – tour around the capital city of tennessee, usa, explore the top 10 attractions in tennessee, explore the finest beaches in alabama.

Book a vacation completely online

Our community is growing fast

Sign up for exclusive PYT Club membership and access jaw-dropping deals before the rest of the world!

• Signup with Email
• Facebook community
• Telegram Community

Access exciting travel deals at best prices

• New Zealand
• South East Asia
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Switzerland
• Travelogues
• Travel News
• Guest Posts
• Write for us

USA-India Air Travel in 2021: Latest Updates from Nonstop Connectivity to Digital Health Passport

Picture Credit: IndianEagle.com

Airlines to introduce digital health passport for hassle-free travel  

A travel pass or digital health passport is gaining momentum as a key to unlock air travel across geographies. The travel between USA and India won’t be an exception to this in 2021. In the second half of 2020, IATA called for a digital heath passport as a global solution to facilitate air travel amid country-specific entry requirements, visa restrictions, border closure, etc. The IATA Travel Pass is all set for a pilot trial with the objective of “informing travelers on what tests, vaccines and other measures they need prior to travel, enabling them to share their test results and vaccination reports in a verifiable, safe manner and giving governments the confidence to reopen the borders.”

Reportedly, Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines are the first carriers to use the IATA Travel Pass in order to collect their passengers’ COVID test results or vaccination reports and verify their eligibility for hassle-free travel on select routes initially . On successful completion of the trial, the Gulf airlines will roll out IATA’s travel app across their global networks. Emirates Airlines plans to launch a trial of the app in April. The IATA Travel Pass will help airlines share their passengers’ COVID health status and eligibility information with destination countries’ airport authorities.

With effect from January 23, American Airlines requires its international passengers to use a digital health passport, VeriFLY app, to provide a proof of their negative COVID health status and check whether they meet other travel requirements for entry to the US or other countries.

Emirates resumes suspended operations in USA 

Emirates Airlines’ operations for Seattle, San Francisco, Orlando, Dallas, and New York JFK have remained suspended for months. Starting this February, the airline will revive the suspended routes in a phased manner . In Emirates Airlines’ USA network, Seattle and New York are the first to see the resumption of Emirates flights on February 1, 2021. Emirates will connect Seattle to India with weekly four flights via Dubai. From February 1, Emirates Airlines will not only resume flying to but also increase the frequency of its operations to New York JFK Airport. Of all the airlines operating flights between New York and India, Emirates will fly to New York JFK twice a day.

The next phase of resumption starting on March 2, 2021 will see Emirates flights back to Dallas and San Francisco. The frequency of Emirates flights to DFW International Airport, Texas will be four times a week and the airline will be flying to SFO Airport three times a week. Emirates flights to Los Angeles will become daily with effect on February 1. It means Indians in California will be able to travel on Emirates’ LAX to India flights via Dubai seven days a week.

Alaska Airlines and JetBlue will seamlessly connect travelers on Emirates flights from major 10 destinations in the United States this summer.

Delhi IGI Airport automates immigration clearance

Immigration clearance at New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport was an ordeal, at times, due to a huge rush of international arrivals on VBM and air bubble flights. Therefore, the airport has installed e-gates that completely automates the immigration clearance process and makes it contactless both for inbound and outbound travelers. New Delhi International Airport’s e-gates make faster passenger identity and document verification possible without human intervention, thereby eliminating the nuances of boarding long-haul flights in the last minute and particularly when the immigration checkpoint is staffed with limited manpower. The fast, automated, contactless immigration clearance process at India’s biggest and busiest airport will be operational in March 2021.

Seattle gets more connectivity to India in 2021

On the west coast, Seattle and San Francisco are the only cities to get better connected to India with both one-stop and nonstop flights. American Airlines’ nonstop flights from Seattle to Bengaluru , which was postponed from 2020 to 2021 due to the pandemic, will possibly be launched later this year . It is one of the most awaited routes between the USA and India in 2021. Seattle to Doha and Seattle to London Heathrow are the two new routes adding to the connectivity between India and the West Coast of USA.

From January 29, 2021, Qatar Airways’ four weekly services to Seattle will provide seamless one-stop connections to the airline’s destinations in India via Doha. By the end of March 2021, American Airlines will start flying from Seattle to London Heathrow – which will connect to India on British Airways’ codeshare flights. Currently, Seattle is served by Lufthansa and British Airways.

New train service connects BLR Airport and Bengaluru City    

Traveling from Kempegowda Airport to Bengaluru City is faster, easier and a lot cheaper than before, with a train serving connecting the airport to the city. The end of 2020 saw the connection between Bengaluru International Airport and Bengaluru Railway Station, which makes commute to and from the city many times more cost-effective than other modes of transport. The new Kempegowda International Airport Halt Station (KIAD) is located near the airport and only 45 km away from the city.

Using the train service to and from BLR Airport, passengers traveling alone can avoid the vehicular traffic chaos in Bengaluru, ‘the most traffic congested city in the world’ as per a report published by The Economic Times in June 2020.

Air India increases frequency between Chicago and Delhi

Starting on January 15, Air India enhanced the weekly frequency of its Chicago to Delhi nonstop flights . The airline started an additional flight on this route every Friday taking the frequency to 6 times a week. Besides, January 2021 saw the airline adding two new routes – SFO to BLR and ORD to HYD – to its nonstop services between USA and India.

Related Stories

45 thoughts on “ usa-india air travel in 2021: latest updates from nonstop connectivity to digital health passport ”.

Please provide any information about visa restrictions being relaxed. I am an American citizen who has been offered employment in India and need to be there in March. My request for a work visa was denied in November due to covid.

I am indian resident , want to fly delhi in April end .. will there any Covid restriction or any vaccinations certificate required .

Hi Aryan! Nothing can be said certainly about quarantine norms in April. What we can say for sure is that the current regulations will be relaxed further in March or April.

Hello Indian eagle. I am an Indian citizen , I plan to travel to visit India from NYC area. Can I travel by Qatar airways or Emirates as my destination is Bangalore . Or is it just United or Air India to Delhi ? Can you please clarify ?

Hi Samit! Yes, you can.

Hello, can you suggest which flights are operating from Mumbai, India to LAX, USA currently ? And can someone travel on B1/B2 Visa from Mumbai to LAX ? Any idea if US Immigration are allowing entry to B1/B2 visa holder?

Hi RD! For the past few months, B1/B2 visa holders from India have been traveling to the USA. There are no restrictions if the visa is valid. We have booked flights for many Indians with the US visitor visa. Currently, B1/B2 visa holders from India can travel only on Air India and United Airlines (direct) flights.

my name is ancy abraham on the b1/b2 visa for USA. later I changed my name to ancy k saju. Will that be a problem for airtravel from india to USA?

Hi Ancy! It might be a problem. Please be advised to check with the US embassy/consulate in India.

Hi, Are Indian nationals with L1 VISA allowed to travel from USA to India and back from India to USA on Emirates airlines under or beyond the air bubble agreement?

Hi Deepak! Indian passport holders/Indian nationals flying to or from South America and Africa can travel on Emirates flights via Dubai.

just want to know when do u think usa consulates will open . need to come to india for stamping of my h1b visa

Hi Nidhi! With effect on February 1, the US Consulate in Chennai resumed processing of all visa categories, including student, employment-based (H1-B, H4, L-1, L-2, C1/D), and temporary visitor (B1/B2) visas.

My OCI card has been sent for renewal. Can I travel to India with expired US passport with U sticker ? Or Do I have to wait for the new OCI card ?

HI Mayurika! You can travel carrying your old OCI card, old passport and new passport.

hi, I plan on travelling to India from US (Dallas to Hyderabad) around March 13th through April 3rd for my H1B visa stamping and would like to know if travel via Qatar or Emirates flights is recommended? I had some friends suggest I avoid British Airways but haven’t heard much on Qatar or Emirates. Is Air India or United Airlines the only advisable airlines options to chose from OR can I book Qatar or Emirates as well with out any issues?

Hi Siddhardha! You can travel on Qatar Airways. many of our customers have traveled on Qatar Airways from the US to India. According to the new guidelines which will take effect on midnight of Feb 22, you must carry a negative RT-PCR report and give sample of your nasal/oral swab upon arrival in India. Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/india-new-rules-inbound-flyers-22-february/ for more information.

I plan to book a travel for my mom who is on Tourist VISA(US) from Hyderabad to LAX in APRIL , I was planning to book with Emirates , When i spoke to emirates they said they allow the Tourist to US , currently there is restriction on International travel which impacts flying from India till March but you can book in APRIL and once Emirates provides a ticket // you have valid booking then the restriction apparently is not applicable and you can travel by Emirates out of India. Any feedback?

Hi Rakesh! In our knowledge, B1/B2 visa holders cannot travel on Emirates to USA. We are booking our B1/B2 visa-holding customers’ travel on Air India, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines (direct). You mom can travel on Air India’s direct flight from HYD to Chicago and then take a connecting flight to LAX, or on Qatar Airways from HYD to LAX.

Thanks any idea why/what restriction is with emirates and not Qatar? I will once again confirm with emirates and let you know , I am currently in Hyderabad travelled via emirates (LAX –> HYD) and i have a return ticket in APRIL with emirates so wondering if i could get my mom to travel with me , Also i assume I can travel in Qatar ? ( HYD –> LAX) am currently on H1b VISA came here for my stamping which is complete. Thanks fro Air India suggestion .

Hi Rakesh! You can travel with your mom (US visitor visa) on Qatar Airways. We are not yet sure about B1/B2 visa holders’ travel on Emirates from India to the US.

hi I am a South African passport holder and if I am staying in India for 2 months am I still allowed to travel to USA on visitors visa?

Hi Miheer! If USA has not restricted entry of South African passport holders, then you can.

Are travels on Qatar airways from BOM to Washington DC are available Between 22 to 24 March ?

HI Aish! Our travel-booking system is not showing QA flights from BOM to Washington DC for the dates you mentioned.

Hi I am traveling to Bangalore on March 18, 2021 from JFk New York via Paris. Bangalore is my final destination. I have taken both the doses of Moderna vaccine. Should I still take RT PCR test and carry the report? Is, when? before travel or at Bangalore airport?

Hi Essh! The government of India has not yet announced any relaxations for vaccinated travelers. Taking an RT-PCR test and uploading the negative result onto Air Suvidha wihtin 72 hours of your departure is mandatory. You will have to take a molecular test upon arrival at Bangalore Airport.

Can a US citizen (of Indian origin) with valid Indian tourist visa travel to India in March 2021 to visit family from new York area indirect flight to Delhi or Mumbai ?

Hi Raj! Currently, India is not allowing entry to US citizens on a tourist visa. You need a regular entry (X) visa. Please be advised to go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/faqs-india-travel-new-guidelines/

Hello, I am planning to book ticket for my parents from AMD to LAX. They are on b1/b2 visa. Is travelling allowed to US with in a month? Is emirates allowing Indian citizens to travel to US?

Hi Jaimin! Yes, you parents might be able to fly on Emirates to the US from India. Please be advised to check with the airline.

Hello, I am planning to visit Seattle by the end of July’21 along with my wife. Both are on valid B1/B2 visa. Shall we need digital health passports, if yes, how to get it. We both got vaccinated. Will thre be any restrictions travelling to US. Which airlines will be convenient for us to travel?

Hi Mr Sharma! There are several airlines that operate flights to Seattle from India, such as Lufthansa, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and British Airways. May we know which Indian city you will travel from, so that we can recommend the best airline for your smooth travel? Or you can call our travel advisors at 001-800-615-3969 (from India) for the best airline and the best itinerary for the lowest fare. There won’t be any restrictions for traveling to the US. FYI, digital health passport is nothing but an airline-specific app using which you can upload your negative COVID health report and other documents for travel.

Is it available flight journey usa to India may month 2021 tickets available dates I need cen you updated me.

Hi Benarji! Please be advised to call our travel advisors at 01-800-615-3969 for the best travel deals.

Is Qatar airways (QR) allowing USA B2 (visitor) visa holder travel from Kochi (India)?

Hi Anish! Yes, Indian citizens with a US B2 (visitor) visa can fly on Qatar Airways flight from India to US.

Which airline is allowing Indians (B1/B2 visa) to travel US in 15th July 2021.

Hi Parth! If the travel restrictions placed by the US are still in place, then B1/B2 visa holders will be able to travel if their spouse is a US-citizen or legal permanent resident, or if they are a parent or sibling of a US-citizen or legal permanent resident under the age of 21 and unmarried. Please be advised to go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-india-air-travel-restrictions/

Can an American citizen wanting to visit INDIA on a tourist visa travel end of January 2022 and return to USA 30 days later?

Hi Katie! Yes, you can can. Please note the tourist visa currently permits no more than 30 days in India.

Hello, my husband (having US passport) is flying from Washington Dulles ->Delhi ->Trivandrum this week on AirIndia. What are the formalities that need to be completed? Does he need to register in Air Suvidha? Anything else that need to be done?

Hi Lekha! Air Suvidha registration within 72 hours before taking the international flight from Washington Dulles is mandatory. If he is fully vaccinated, he must upload a copy of his vaccine card/certificate on Air Suvidha and fill out a self-declaration form on Air Suvidha. He should also carry the original vaccine card and a few color printouts of the filled form that he would receive in PDF format to his email inbox.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special Air India Flights to and from India Cost Nearly Rs 2 Lakh per Traveler for One-way Journey

What are Hand-baggage Only Fares for British Airways and Delta Airlines Flights?

Future of Air Travel post COVID19: Empty Middle Seats or All Seats with Cover on Economy Flights

Trump’s temporary ban on immigration amid covid19 targets green cards, not h1b and other visas.

What are Meet & Greet Services for Family, Senior Citizens, Unaccompanied Children at Indian Airports

• Main Menu ×
• Search Flights
• Corporate Travel Programme
• Group Booking
• Special Offers
• Travel Insurance
• Flight Schedule
• Check In Online
• Manage Booking
• Seat Selection & Upgrades
• Self-Service Re-accommodation
• Request Refund
• Flight Status
• Nonstop International Flights
• Popular Flights
• Partner Airlines

• Baggage Guidelines
• Airport Information
• Visas, Documents and Travel Tips
• First-time Travellers, Children and Pets
• Health and Medical Assistance

• At the Airport
• The Air India Fleet

• About Flying Returns
• Points Calculator
• Earn Points
• Spend Points
• Flying Returns FAQ
• Important Updates
• Partner Offers

What are you looking for?

Air India in the US

Explore the us with us.

Create unforgettable memories against the stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, let the rhythm of jazz lead you through the charming streets of New Orleans, take a leisurely walk down the vibrant streets of New York while enjoying Churros, or prepare yourself for a new exciting chapter in your life as you get ready to pursue your dreams.

Whether for leisure, business, or education, we are ready to take you and your family away to the diverse wonder of the United States of America. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to get your travel preparations on track when flying with us.

• Baggage allowances for travel between the US and India
• Customer service for flights between India and the US
• Contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays
• Bill of rights for passengers with disabilities
• Conditions of carriage
• Passenger data required for travel to and from the US
• Disinfection requirements for aircrafts
• US transit requirements for students studying in Canada
• Travelling to or from the US with special needs
• Travelling with service animals

Please visit our nearest  office  or  talk to our agent   for any queries.

It seems like you're in landscape mode. For the best view, switch to portrait mode where the magic happens!

Home » International Travel Guidelines for USA to India During Covid-19 12-12-23

International Travel Guidelines for USA to India During Covid-19

Last Updated on Dec 12th, 2023 by Heena Ganotra, 15 comments

Crazy long queues at the check-in counter. Ho-hum affairs at the baggage claim. Careless swishing and swooshing when the flight lands. Hubbub of people deboarding India flights for a grand homecoming!

Nostalgia hits hard when airport memories grab us by the arm and seek attention. But memories of India travel and booking cheap tickets to India are all we have!

Even though the year 2020 (and whatever part of 2021 we have seen) is all wasted because of everything that has been falling apart one after the other, the chief threat has been COVID-19. It has quite literally ruined the year in its entirety, making it the biggest nightmare of the century. While leisure trips are the last thing on anyone’s list, emergency travel falls first because of its unavoidability.

If you have an emergency flight to board, the following are a few things (under the International travel India checklist) that you must consider during COVID-19-

Travel Documents

As per the International Travel Guidelines given by the government on 21 September 2020, all Visas and e-visas issued before 30 June 2020 are invalidated. This, however, does not apply to- 

– Diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations or project visas/all categories of Employment visas

– Business visa (excluding B-3 visa for sports)

– Airline crew

Further, the Centre had also eased Visa Restrictions on 7 August 2020, allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and certain categories of foreigners from countries with which India has “air bubble agreements” with – like the USA, the UK, France, Germany, etc. Referring to this air-bubble agreement, The Ministry of Home Affairs said, “…all OCI card holders holding passports of such countries are permitted to enter India.”

The order that was released also mentioned that Indian nationals, who hold any type of valid visa of countries with which India has air-bubble agreements, can travel to that country, provided that particular country doesn’t have any travel restrictions on the entry of Indian nationals. 

Sidenote (For India to USA travelers) – Since the US holds no such restrictions, Indian Nationals with valid visas can easily travel to the USA without any hassles. 

Not only this; foreigners from countries with which India has entered into air bubble agreements can travel to India for business or medical reasons and also those who have some Indian connection (as given in the June 22 order). This allows –

• Foreign minors and students who have at least one parent as an Indian Citizen or an OCI cardholder 
• Foreign nationals who are married to Indian citizens 
• Foreigners who are single parents with an Indian passport or OCI card-holding children. 

Apart from this, the government had also allowed entry to dependent family members of foreign diplomats and service staff who are accredited to foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or accredited International Organizations in India. However, they are required to hold official service passports.

Passport Validity 

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of the visa application to obtain a visa and must have two blank pages.  

A Negative RT-PCR Test

A negative RT-PCR test is required for India travel if you wish to seek exemption from the compulsory institutional quarantine at the transit city. However, to know the nitty-gritty of the same, you can read the why, how, where, and when of the negative RT-PCR test requirements here . 

Travel Insurance

It’s absolutely important that you get travel insurance before your India trip. Also, make sure it covers emergency medical expenses across countries so you aren’t rendered bankrupt if you happen to fall sick during or after any of your trips. While most countries have made it mandatory, India hasn’t; but we’ll still recommend you have one. 

Self-Reporting Form

It is a declaration by an individual that s/he doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms to the best of his knowledge. For India travel, this form is available official website by the name of ‘Air Suvidha Self-Reporting Form’. This form is to be filled mandatorily by all international travelers before the departure of their flight according to the guidelines for India travel, and even though the form is available from the New Delhi Airport website, it is applicable all over the country. 

Carrying the printout of the same is absolutely necessary as the digital copy alone wouldn’t suffice. For those who fill the online form but end up not carrying the printout would have to fill two self-declaration forms on arrival before clearing the immigration, leading to delays at the health screening areas at the airport. On submission, the form is forwarded to the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (GOI). Travelers can then refer to their mail for the updated form. This completed form is what is to be shown at the APHO counter before proceeding for immigration.

COVID Tracking App

Arogya Setu App 

Many countries have come up with COVID-tracing apps to track the movements of immigrants. While the Arogya Setu app is compulsory in India, different apps are compulsory in other countries. For example – Australia has COVID Safe app, Dubai has the COVID-19 DXB Smart app, and Singapore has Trace Together. 

Note: You only have to download the app. Many people have reported issues of not getting their OTPs in time. In that case, just install the app and leave. The checkings aren’t too strict and the officials only check if the app is there on the mobile device or not. 

Safe Seniors App

Because aged people are at a higher risk of catching the virus, this app must be considered as part of senior citizens’ international travel guidelines checklist when they travel to India. The app analyzes the pre-conditions, exposure history, daily symptoms, and its evolution, thereby keeping a track of an individual’s daily health. Having been designed by the RPG Life Sciences and Seniority, this app can fully be trusted as it has been validated by the top-most doctors with specialization in the field of infections. 

Google Maps

This app gives precise information on bar and restaurant closures. Therefore, downloading the same can help you with easy and convenient journeys.   

Protective Gear

Masks, Gloves, & Face Shields 

While masks are mandatory to wear and are the best gears working against coronavirus, gloves can be worn for extra protection. Make sure you pack extra masks and gloves in case you lose one. Face shields act as an additional security measure. Since COVID spreads easily through touch and breaths, one must take all the necessary precautions to prevent it. 

Disinfectant Wipes/Spray

Whether you are a kid, senior citizen, or a young professional, do not touch anything before wiping it with a disinfectant wipe. The armrests, the aircraft meal trays, the windows, etc must not casually be touched while boarding/deboarding an India flight even otherwise. If finding these wipes is a hard nut to crack, you can take along any alcoholic spray. 

Sanitizer (>100 ml)/Soap

Another item you must have in your travel checklist is the travel-sized hand sanitizer. This is an absolute requirement to keep yourself safe from catching the virus. However, keep this for the flight journey only. Once you land and wherever you have access, prefer washing hands with soap. 

Medications

Carrying the prescribed medication is of the utmost importance as the salts available in a particular medicine aren’t available in another. Chances are that you might not get the same ones in India so it’s better to be on the safer side by carrying a pack or two extra. 

Additional Items

Packed Food 

Even though the airlines that bring travelers to India offer food, it is very limited and light. Chances are that you’ll have further cravings. The same can be satiated if you carry home food along because it is absolutely allowed and definitely a safer option to rely on. 

Bottled Water 

Don’t forget to carry a water bottle with you. It becomes all the more important if you are traveling with kids because they will keep asking for water. Seeking help from the air hostess every time they are thirty won’t be a great option, considering the risk factor. 

Ziploc Bags

You can use these bags to carry food or segregate the used and the unused masks to check upon the cross-contamination among them. These bags are super effective and can be helpful for quite a lot of things. 

You might end up with a chuckle here, but more often than not, you will forget to carry this tiny but essential item. The consequence of this will be you asking for a pen from strangers at the airport but to no avail. It’s better you keep a few pens with you in the carry-on baggage because pens have the tendency of disappearing when they are needed the most. So even if you lose 2-3, you’ll still have one to use. In case you happen to be a careful person, you can lend it to someone in need and seek their blessings. Because in the end, when everything fails, blessings alone help, and this might be your chance to escape COVID-19. 

That’s it! 

If you take these international travel guidelines seriously, we are sure of the fact that, if not more, you will be five steps away from catching the virus. Precaution is indeed better than cure and this checklist is the sure-shot way of preventing the deadly virus. 

MyTicketsToIndia wishes you all good health.

And if you have any queries regarding VISA, RT-PCR test, state-wise quarantine guidelines in India, or booking flights to India , we are here to help you out. Just give us a call or join the live chat and we’ll love to offer our assistance. 

Until then, stay safe! 

If you found this blog helpful, do like and share it with your peers. Sharing is caring! 

About Heena Ganotra | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness like herpes. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)

Discuss this post ? Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I have a flight from Chicago to Ahmedabad. So, if I have a negative Covid test report prior to flying, do I need to get tested at Ahmedabad airport. If so, do I need to wait for the results or can I leave the airport straightaway?

I did not find any information about rules and restrictions for travel from India to USA

How does a visitor to the US get a RT-PCR test in California for the purpose of return?

Hello Sunil,

We feel that our travel experts will be able to guide you better. Kindly give us a call @ 1-585-948-0222 or join the live chat (you’ll find the chatbox towards your right) so we can help you better.

Warm Regards, Team MyTicketsToIndia

Thank you so much. This means a lot to the team. We appreciate your encouragement and will keep updating informative content like this. Do keep supporting us!

Warm regards, Team MyTicketsToIndia

I AM FLYING BACK TO INDIA AFTER 4 MONTHS STAY IN USA. I AM NOT CLEAR WHETHER I NEED RTPCR COVID TEST TO TAKE FLIGHT FIR INDIA. WHETHER I WOULD NEED COVID NEGSTIVE TEST AT DELHI IN INDIS AFTER KANDING ? PLS CONFIFM AND WHATVIS ORESENT GUIDELIBES FOR TRAVELLING TO INDIA N BOARDING FLIGHT FRM USA PLS CONFIRM EARLY

Hello Narang ji,

It is indeed important to take the RT-PCR test before traveling to India. However, you can take the test at the Delhi Airport as well. While we have listed all the details in the blog, we’ll love to solve any queries that you might have. You can either give us a call @ 1-844-444-3067/ 1-585-948-0222 or join the live chat and we’ll love to help you out.

Very useful. I will be vaccinated in this month l want to travel to India in April. Do I still need negative certificate?

This article offers clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that actually how to do blogging. Saudra Shurlock Keg

Good guideline Thank you

Hello Kalyan,

Thank you so much. We are glad that you liked them.

If you have any queries or want our help in any way, we’ll love to offer our assistance.

W sam raz tutaj szukaliśmy informacji na temat tym, że gepard być może biec z prędkością nawet 120km/h.

My page – pozycjonowanie stron dobra firma

Hello Tamika,

Well, we can proudly say that flights fly 10x faster. 😛 Have a great day!

Thanks. marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.

I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a nice morning!

Hello Shayne,

That’s really kind of you. Thank you so much. This means a lot to the team. A Lot! We assure you that we’ll continue helping people by posting informative blogs. Thank you for the encouragement. 🙂

Latest Blog

• United Boeing 777-200 Seat Chart: A Detailed Seating Plan
• 13 Indian Dance Forms - From Classical Feet To Bollywood Beat 
• 7 Best Budget Airlines In USA | Fly Cheap With Low Cost Airlines
• Akasa Air Welcomes Two Boeing 737 Max 8 Aircraft - Know More Here!
• A Guide To Major Delta Hubs: Here’s Everything To Know!
• Good News: US Visa Appointment Wait Time Drops by 75% For Indians
• 7 Best Travel Toothbrushes Of 2024 For A Comfortable Trip
• Details About Taj Mahotsav 2024 - Popular Agra’s Cultural Fest
• Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru Airports To Have Biometric-Based Immigration Checks 
• Premium Economy Vs. Economy: What Are The Main Differences?

Indian Vibes

• Basant Panchami 2024 - Celebrate The Arrival Of Spring With Joy
• Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2024 | Best Things To Do On Valentine’s Day
• US Considering 'Treaty Country Status' For India To Ease Visas
• Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration: Full Schedule For Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

Helpful Links

Please Enter Your US Contact Number

CDC updates Covid isolation guidelines for people who test positive

People who test positive for Covid no longer need to isolate for five days , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

The CDC’s new guidance now matches public health advice for flu and other respiratory illnesses: Stay home when you’re sick, but return to school or work once you’re feeling better and you’ve been without a fever for 24 hours.

The shift reflects sustained decreases in the most severe outcomes of Covid since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as a recognition that many people aren’t testing themselves for Covid anyway.

“Folks often don’t know what virus they have when they first get sick, so this will help them know what to do, regardless,” CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said during a media briefing Friday.

Over the past couple of years, weekly hospital admissions for Covid have fallen by more than 75%, and deaths have decreased by more than 90%, Cohen said.

“To put that differently, in 2021, Covid was the third leading cause of death in the United States. Last year, it was the 10th,” Dr. Brendan Jackson, head of respiratory virus response within the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during the briefing.

Many doctors have been urging the CDC to lift isolation guidance for months, saying it did little to stop the spread of Covid.

The experiences of California and Oregon , which previously lifted their Covid isolation guidelines, proved that to be true.

“Recent data indicate that California and Oregon, where isolation guidance looks more like CDC’s updated recommendations, are not experiencing higher Covid-19 emergency department visits or hospitalizations,” Jackson said.

Changing the Covid isolation to mirror what’s recommended for flu and other respiratory illnesses makes sense to Dr. David Margolius, the public health director for the city of Cleveland.

“We’ve gotten to the point where we are suffering from flu at a higher rate than Covid,” he said. “What this guidance will do is help to reinforce that— regardless of what contagious respiratory viral infection you have — stay home when you’re sick, come back when you’re better.”

Dr. Kristin Englund, an infectious diseases expert at the Cleveland Clinic, said the new guidance would be beneficial in curbing the spread of all respiratory viruses.

“I think this is going to help us in the coming years to make sure that our numbers of influenza and RSV cases can also be cut down, not just Covid,” she said.

Latest news on Covid

• Common Covid symptoms follow a pattern now, doctors say.
• Covid during pregnancy can cause health issues in babies.
• How big of a risk is coinfection with Covid and other viruses?

Still, the decision was likely to draw criticism from some clinicians who point to the fact that the U.S. logged 17,310 new Covid hospitalizations in the past week alone.

“It’s something that is likely to draw a wide array of opinions and perhaps even conflicting opinions,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Seattle’s director of public health. “But [the CDC’s] rationale is sound in that the pandemic is now in a very different phase from where it was in 2021 or 2022 or 2023.”

Though the isolation guidelines have been wiped away, the CDC still encourages people to play it safe for five days after they are feeling better. That includes masking around vulnerable people and opening windows to improve the flow of fresh air indoors.

The majority of viral spread happens when people are the sickest. “As the days go on, less virus spreads,” Cohen said.

People at higher risk for severe Covid complications, such as the elderly, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women, may need to take additional precautions.

Dr. Katie Passaretti, chief epidemiologist at Atrium Health in Charlotte, said it was a “move in the positive direction.”

“We are continuing to edge into what the world looks like after Covid, with Covid being one of many respiratory viruses that are certain that circulate,” she said.

The new guidance is for the general public only, and does not include isolation guidelines in hospital settings, which is generally 10 days.

On Wednesday, the agency said that adults 65 and older should get a booster shot of the Covid vaccine this spring. It’s anticipated that the nation will experience an uptick in the illness later this summer.

Winter and summer waves of Covid have emerged over the past four years, with cases peaking in January and August, respectively, according to the  CDC .

Another, reformulated, shot is expected to be available and recommended this fall.

CDC’s main tips for reducing Covid spread:

• Get the Covid vaccine whenever it is available. Cohen said that 95% of people who were hospitalized with Covid this past winter had not received the latest vaccine.
• Cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands frequently.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows, using air purifiers and gathering outside when possible.

Erika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and "TODAY."

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

World Sparrow Day

Earth Hour 2024

Delhi Traffic Advisory

Holi Celebration Destinations

Ladakh Lakes

Mathura Holi

H-1B Visa registration for FY 2025 open till March 22: How to register online

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , UNITED STATES / Created : Mar 20, 2024, 15:55 IST

You're Reading

The USCIS announced the commencement of online registration for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2025, which began on March 6, 2024. This registration period is scheduled to run until March 22, 2024. The United States Citizenship an … Read more

The USCIS announced the commencement of online registration for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2025, which began on March 6, 2024. This registration period is scheduled to run until March 22, 2024. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced myUSCIS organisational accounts on February 28, 2024. These accounts aim to enhance user experience and efficiency in managing immigration-related matters. Read less

More from Travel News

Countries perfect for a comfortable retirement

• February 28, 2024: Commencement of creating H-1B registrant accounts at noon Eastern Time for petitioners and registrants.
• March 6, 2024: Opening of the H-1B registration period at noon Eastern Time.
• March 22, 2024: Closure of the H-1B registration period at noon Eastern Time.
• March 31, 2024: The date by which USCIS aims to notify selected registrants.
• April 1, 2024: Earliest date for filing FY 2025 H-1B cap-subject petitions based on the registrations selected during the initial FY 2025 selection period.

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

Popular international destinations and their average flight ticket costs from India TRAVEL NEWS , WORLD

7 reasons Finland continues to reign World Happiness rankings TRAVEL TRENDS , FINLAND

Earth Hour 2024: Hyderabad landmarks to go dark on March 23 TRAVEL NEWS , HYDERABAD

Trending stories.

Top international destinations and the average flight ticket costs from India

Finland: 7 years at the top of World Happiness rankings - how?

The World's Largest Airport is bigger than Mumbai!

What to do when you need to file a travel insurance claim

International Day of Forests: Indian forests that are breathtakingly beautiful

• 1 H-1B Visa registration for FY 2025 open till March 22: How to register online
• 2 Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for Startup Mahakumbh 2024
• 3 World Happiness Report 2024: Finland tops the list. Check India’s rank
• 4 UAE revises visa-on-arrival policy for 87 countries; check what’s new for Indians
• 5 Exploring Char Dham – here’s the correct way to navigate the sacred trail

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

• Saudi Arabia's Ramadan rule: No permit for repeat Umrah
• The world's largest airport is bigger than Mumbai!

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

The USCIS announced the commencement of online registration for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2025, which began on March 6, 2024. This registration period is scheduled to run until March 22, 2024. Th...

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

LaLiT Hotels: Meet the Brand Supporting LGBTQ Travel in India

Josh Corder , Skift

March 20th, 2024 at 2:52 PM EDT

Keshav Suri is on a mission to use his hotel chain to boost inclusion and pride in India.

Josh Corder

Keshav Suri, executive director, LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group , is looking to serve India’s LGBTQ community.

“India has 48 pride events across the country each year. What you see in every one is the LaLiT,” said Suri on Wednesday at the Skift India Summit 2024 . “We support pride. We are ready to share our information, we’re happy to share case studies and get people moving along in their pride journeys.”

LaLiT Suri operates about a dozen hotels across India. Outside of hospitality, Suri is known for being one the key activists in having India’s call to criminalize homosexuality overturned in 2018. Within hospitality, Suri assures that his small group has one of the most loyal customer bases in the country.

“Not only does it give us a competitive advantage, it’s great for business,” he said. “We’re getting recognition. I’m happy we’re first. There is a vibrant LGBTQ community here in India, and we need desperately more studies done on the queer community in India and how big it can be for your business.”

“The LGBTQ community is very loyal, they know who puts the skin in the game.”

The hotelier is also part of The Keshav Suri Foundation, which helps to get jobs for those in the LGBTQ community. This includes placements in Suri’s hotels. Notably, the foundation is the only organization in the country that specifically awards hospitality education scholarships to LGBTQ people.

Speaking about his commitments, Suri said: “We can’t walk in everybody’s shoes but we can try. Diversity, equity and inclusion is part of our DNA. We don’t shy away from any conversation. We want our guests to experience inclusion.”

Accommodations Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date

What am I looking at?  The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the  ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets, including international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200)  combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance.

Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: hospitality news , lalit suri hospitality , sis2024 , skiftlive