Is Travel from the USA to India Safe in the Age of COVID-19?
Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the question of traveling from the USA to India often arises. Despite the recent cases and symptoms being mild, there are still significant travel restrictions in place that make this journey challenging and potentially risky.
Current Travel Conditions
Every day, hundreds of American citizens visit different states and cities across India without any major health concerns. For the past six months, the country has reportedly not seen any notable cases of COVID-19. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all positive symptoms are reported or documented, and the vaccination rate among Indians is high.
Despite this, the idea of visiting India is still fraught with uncertainty. This is due to travel bans imposed by the Indian government, which have been in place since the onset of the lockdown. Currently, all flights both for domestic and international travel are suspended.
Government Policies and Travel Bans
The Indian government has imposed a strict ban on all transport facilities, including flights, and has announced that the decision to allow international travelers to enter India will be made after 3rd May. This means that if you are planning to travel to India, you will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine and will be required to spend your days in isolation if you test positive for the coronavirus.
During the current lockdown, India has banned entry for all international passengers. Only Indian citizens traveling back to India for evacuation purposes may be admitted if special flights are arranged. Given the ongoing risk of spreading the virus, the Indian government has not allowed passengers from hotspot countries, such as the USA, to enter.
Special Flights and Resumption of Flights
While the US government is arranging special flights to evacuate its citizens from India, these flights require special permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. These are the only flights that allow passengers to travel to the USA.
As of now, all domestic and international flights are canceled, and local transport facilities are suspended. The resumption of flights and general travel is dependent on the end of the lockdown. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on flights and travel to India, contact the Indian embassy.
Stay informed and follow the official guidelines and announcements from the Indian government to ensure a safe journey. Do not believe any claims or advice from unauthorized sources.