Latest Warnings, Alerts, and Restrictions for Traveling in India

The second wave of the pandemic has hit the country real hard taking a toll on every aspect of life and literally paralyzing the economy. With the numbers of infected patients rising each day, India is on high alert and travel is on a temporary halt. Various states in India have been listed under the red flag zones and many others have received appropriate travel advisories statewide. Here is an update on the latest warnings, alerts, and restrictions you should know before traveling to India.

Travel Advice from the Government

India is on a nationwide lockdown restricting international travel to and from India. If you are commuting in any part of India, you should compulsorily wear a face mask in public places covering your nose and mouth to avoid penalties. Large gatherings are strictly restricted. All employees must compulsorily have Arogya Setu App on their smartphones to track and trace the surge of COVID-19. Citizens must exercise utmost caution and travel only in case of emergencies. 

Travel Restrictions for Traveling to the Different States in India

The government suggests avoiding any non-essential travel to the Indian states bordering Bangladesh due to potential conflicts. These include the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Further, strict travel restrictions apply for the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and states bordering Pakistan due to violent civil unrest and potential terrorism. 

Armed conflicts are not uncommon in states enclosing the India-Pakistan border. The restricted states also include the unmarked bordering areas of Punjab, Gujrat, and Rajasthan. However, states located farther from the border including Amritsar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Wagha Border crossing are not included in the travel advisory. Female travelers must not travel solo. 

Another important restriction for interstate travel in India is that the travelers must be fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved or WHO-recommended vaccine. Being fully vaccinated implies 2-weeks after the single-dose medication or second dose of the 2-dose series vaccine. If you do not meet the criteria, you cannot be considered fully vaccinated. Further, if you have been taking any medication that weakens the immune system, you are highly susceptible to the virus despite vaccination.

In case you are not vaccinated, you should carry a negative COVID test report no earlier than three days from your travel date. The patients who have recovered or documented infection within the past three months must follow required recommendations for vaccinated travelers. Before you plan your travel, check for statewide travel restrictions that may apply. Also, remember that the CDC has put out a Level 4 Travel Health Notice indicating a high risk of COVID-19 in India. So, suspend any immediate travel plans that can be postponed or rescheduled. 

Health Recommendations for People Traveling During Pandemic

If travel is unavoidable, you should follow these recommendations to stay safe:

• Get yourself tested before your trip if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Always wear a mask while using public or private transport. Avoid crowds and follow social distancing. Wash hands often or use a sanitizer.
• Keep monitoring yourself for early symptoms of COVID-19 while you are traveling and after you return. The new strain of the virus is even more deadly if not treated during the early stages of the disease.
• Once you return, get a viral test done after 3-5 days. It is advisable to stay home and practice self-quarantine for at least 7 days to ensure the safety of your family. Follow self-quarantine even after the test result is negative after returning from a trip. Further, if you do not get tested, you should follow self-quarantine for at least 10 days.

Remember that vaccination does not guarantee that you cannot get or spread COVID-19 variants. Considering the current situation, everyone is equally susceptible and at high risk even after vaccination. Follow proper travel recommendations and fulfill all requirements to avoid inconvenience while traveling in INDIA during COVID-19. Avoid travel in case of the following:

• If you are sick or have any of the COVID-19 symptoms even after vaccination or recovery. If you have a fever whether mild or high, you should wait for at least 24 hours after the symptom is cured with fever-reducing medication.
• Suspect having COVID-19 or diagnosed with the infection even when you do not have symptoms. 
• Met someone in the past 14 days who is suspected or diagnosed positive for COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus infection within the past three months can travel even after exposure if they do not show any symptoms of COVID-19. 

Central health departments and state governments have restricted travel for people suspected of COVID-19. Travel is also restricted for people who have been exposed to an infected person. 

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