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Due to the worldwide rampage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global tourism industry had essentially come to a standstill for a while.
However, now things are looking up and many countries have opened their borders and eased their restrictions. So, international travel plans don’t seem like they’re impossible anymore.
Although the full-scale operation of international flight service is yet to resume at present, as India has extended its ban on international commercial flights, a number of “air bubble flights” are operational in association with some other nations, allowing restricted travel abroad.
Air bubbles are bilateral agreements between two nations. They establish a travel corridor between the two destinations so that direct travel is possible from one of these countries to the other during the current pandemic situation.
While it is possible for Indian travellers to visit other countries that are not under a bilateral air bubble agreement (those that are open for Indian citizens), they will have to take a more circuitous route through one of the countries where India has operational flight services.
Currently, India has an air bubble agreement with 28 countries. These include:
While most of these countries require a negative RT-PCR report from a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure (and often an additional COVID test on arrival), other destinations also require a period of quarantine.
To travel through these corridors, you must follow specific guidelines. Depending on the country of your visit, these guidelines may differ considerably.
While travel is open in several countries, some require testing or quarantine before entry. In some other countries, travel for tourism is restricted, and it is only open to returning citizens and those who meet strict requirements.
And, for those who are making plans to travel abroad, a travel essential is to get an International Travel Insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment, as well as other common issues like unpredictable flight delays and missed connections, or loss of belongings, so that you can have a safe and protected vacation experience!
If you are immunocompromised, pregnant, elderly, or unvaccinated, it might be advisable not to travel internationally at the present time.
Many countries are now open to international travel and are welcoming travellers from India. And, since the Indian government has loosened guidelines for foreign non-essential travel, Indian globetrotters can visit any of these destinations.
Remember that most of these countries require certain testing and quarantine measures before, or on arrival, so be sure to account for these requirements in your travel plans.
Additionally, keep in mind that you might be required to follow further testing upon returning from your trip, depending on which destination(s) you have visited.
They require proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours before departure. An additional COVID test on arrival might also be required. These countries are:
*NOTE: Unvaccinated travellers can also travel to France but must present either a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure or a negative antigen test from within 48 hours before departure. They must also quarantine for 7 days upon the arrival.
Additionally, travellers who have not been vaccinated but can show proof of recovering from the virus, can visit Germany, Iceland, and Switzerland, but may require additional tests upon arrival.
DISCLAIMER – This article was updated on 7th October 2021. The information mentioned here regarding country restrictions, entry requirements, etc. is taken from different sources. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, or purchase a travel insurance policy.