In view of the improving coronavirus pandemic situation across the world, the central government on Monday discontinued the requirement to fill out Air Suvidha forms for international passengers upon their arrival in India. Moreover, the Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory for people flying into the country from abroad. The revised guidelines for international arrivals will be effective from November 22, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Air Suvidha form on its portal was made mandatory for incoming international passengers at a time when Covid-19 cases were at their peak. Passengers had to declare all details related to Covid-19 vaccination.
The requirement to submit a negative RT-PCR report or details of the primary vaccination schedule has also been done away with for international arrivals.
Issuing the order, the ministry said, “The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued ‘Guidelines for International Arrivals in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and updated the same from time to time. The present guidelines are being revised in light of sustained declining Covid-19 trajectory and significant advances being made in Covid-19 vaccination coverage both globally as well as in India.”
According to the health ministry’s revised guidelines, air travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against Covid-19 in their country.
“In view of the aforementioned MoHFW revised guidelines, the extant guidelines of MoHFW on submission of self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal stand discontinued,” reads the civil aviation ministry order.
The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated, taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocol. All travellers should self-monitor their health post arrival also shall report to their nearest health facility or call National Helpline Number (1075)/State Helpline Number in case they have any symptoms suggestive.
Last week, the civil aviation ministry said the use of masks is not compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them. The revised guidelines stated that all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers but there will not be any fine/penal action on passengers not wearing mask in the flight.
India logged 406 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of Covid-19 cases to 4,46,69,421 while the active cases dipped to 6,402, as per official data on Monday. The active cases comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate increased to 98.80 per cent, according to the health ministry.
(with inputs from PTI)
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