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QUESTION NO.2013 PROBLEMS FACED WHILE ENTERING AND LEAVING INDIA

August 05, 2021

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2013
TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2021

PROBLEMS FACED WHILE ENTERING AND LEAVING INDIA

2013. DR. V. SIVADASAN:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

whether Government is aware of the difficulties faced by the Indian citizens while entering and leaving India;

whether any specific step has been taken by Government to help people who are coming to India and going from India, the details thereof; and

whether any relaxation in testing protocols are given for those who have taken two doses of vaccine, the details thereof ?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) & (b) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, normal international travel services remain suspended. International air travel to and from India is taking place through special arrangements, including air bubble and the Vande Bharat Mission. The protocol for international travel varies from country to country and is based on their evolving pandemic situation. Some countries have placed a temporary restriction on the entry of Indian nationals. Even these countries have made provisions for exemption for certain categories. However, currently, most countries do not have restrictions imposed on travel of Indian nationals but require a negative COVID-19 report, along with compliance with other country-specific COVID protocols. Government has also issued guidelines regarding COVID tests and quarantine requirements for entry into India, from time to time, based on the COVID situation.

Government had initiated Vande Bharat Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring back stranded Indians from abroad. Air bubble agreements have also been entered into with various countries. With respect to recognition of vaccine certificates, while there have been discussions on multilateral basis, including under the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), regarding COVID-19 vaccination certificates, so far no multilateral arrangements have been reached. India has been part of ongoing discussions to ensure that India’s vaccination certificates are duly recognized in any multilateral arrangement. Meanwhile, India is also engaged with countries on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

(c) Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for international arrivals are available at the link https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf

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