Travel From Us To India Covid Test Requirement
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel plans for people all around the world. Many countries have imposed travel restrictions and implemented new rules and regulations to contain the spread of the virus. If you are planning to travel from the United States to India during these challenging times, there are some important things that you need to be aware of. One of the most critical requirements for travelers is the COVID-19 test requirement. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about traveling from the US to India during the pandemic.
COVID-19 Test Requirements for Travelers
As of now, India has made it mandatory for travelers from the United States to undergo a COVID-19 test before entering the country. All travelers must carry a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report, which should have been conducted within 72 hours of undertaking the journey. The test report should be uploaded on the Air Suvidha portal, which is a website set up by the Indian government for the convenience of travelers. This portal also has a section where travelers can fill out a self-declaration form, which is a health questionnaire and gives information about their travel history and their COVID-19 status.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
When it comes to COVID-19 tests, there are two main types of tests - antigen tests and RT-PCR tests. Antigen tests are cheaper and provide quicker results, but they are less accurate than RT-PCR tests. RT-PCR tests are more accurate and reliable, but they are more expensive and take longer to produce results. For travel to India, only RT-PCR tests are accepted. Also, note that travelers must get tested only at a government-approved laboratory or a laboratory that has been accredited by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Quarantine Requirements
Even if you carry the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report and have uploaded it on the Air Suvidha portal, you still need to go through a mandatory quarantine process upon arrival in India. The quarantine period is 14 days, during which you must stay in a government-approved hotel or facility. You will also need to undergo another COVID-19 test on the seventh day of the quarantine period.
Conclusion
Traveling during the pandemic can be challenging, but it is not impossible. As long as you follow the rules and regulations set by the Indian government, you can safely travel from the United States to India. Remember to get the RT-PCR test done at a government-approved laboratory, upload the negative report on the Air Suvidha portal, and be prepared for a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival in India. Stay safe and enjoy your trip!