Travel Advice India 2020 as at 13th August 2020
On 12th March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This led to travel restrictions and border closures around the world and now, in June, we are starting to see these restrictions easing and people looking again to book holidays. Travel restrictions in each country vary and here, at Travala.com, we want to ensure that you, our customers, are provided with the latest travel advice for the key destinations favoured by you.
The first cases of Coronavirus19 (COVID-19) were confirmed in the city of Wuhan, China on 31st December 2019 and since then, it has proceeded to spread to 215 countries and territories with over 20,162,47 people so far testing positive for the virus.
India confirmed its first internally transmitted cases of COVID-19 on 1st March 2020 and by 13th August 2020, India had registered 2,397,403 cases and 47,149 deaths.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. This virus is a type of coronavirus which can cause illness in animals and humans. Coronavirus infections in humans can result in coryzal symptoms as seen in a common cold and more severe respiratory symptoms such as pneumonia. In recent years, we have seen outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
SARS-CoV-2 is the most recently discovered type of coronavirus and it is spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth. The method of transmission is often via cough, sneeze or exhalation. People breathing in these droplets or touching the surfaces these droplets land on and who touch their eyes, nose or mouth are at risk of developing COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation continues to assess ongoing research on the means of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 but general advice is to maintain distance from others, regularly wash hands and avoid touching your face.
Many countries have implemented temporary travel restrictions and COVID-19 has impacted on events and activities. In the Travala.com travel advice newsletter, we will endeavour to provide you with the latest travel advice on key destinations.
Current Travel Advice for India, as at 13th August 2020
Is it safe to travel to India in 2020?
A gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions that vary by state are taking place. Restrictions remain in containment zones until 31 August. All international commercial flights remain suspended. The Indian Government has announced that select domestic commercial flights are expected to operate from 25 May 2020.
India has banned international and domestic flights and train services until 30th June 2020 with the exemption of repatriation flights.
On 17 March 2020, India suspended the issuing of visas to citizens of France, Spain and Germany in addition to existing restrictions for citizens of China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea while passengers from Afghanistan, the Philippines and Malaysia were banned from entering the country.
On 18 March 2020, India suspended the vast majority of visas to the country with millions of foreign nationals of Indian origin, now required to apply for visas. Indian nationals were asked to avoid all non-essential travel abroad.
India has also closed the border with neighbouring Myanmar.
This page will have updates for the latest travel advice for India.
Flight changes to and from India
India has banned international and domestic flights until 30th June 2020 with the exemption of repatriation flights.
Cancelled events in India
India is currently relaxing its strict lockdown with a phased resumption of trade and domestic travel to allow the economy to restart.
From 8th June hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and places of worship will reopen across India with the exception of areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
It has also impacted on the Indian Premier League with a decision on the start of the cricket league delayed until further notice.
Coronavirus19 (COVID-19) FAQs – Travel to India
Question: Should I cancel my vacation to India?
Answer: In many countries, non-essential travel is being discouraged with the pandemic being a constantly evolving and changing situation. You should check for latest updates on travel advice for both your country of departure and your destination via respected Government websites and the Travala.com travel advice newsletter. With refundable bookings on Travala.com you can be assured that if you do need to cancel your vacation that you will be refunded.
Question: If I decide to travel to India, are there any precautions that can be taken to minimise the risk of infection?
Answer:
- Avoid contact with people displaying symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with hands, especially if unwashed.
- Make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
- While the focus is on COVID-19 please ensure that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Question: Is there an increased risk of infection whilst travelling by air?
Answer: Due to how air is filtered and circulated on airplanes, many viruses and germs do not spread easily. Many countries now also operate immigration medical checks to identify any passengers who may pose a risk.
Question: Should travellers wear masks in India?
Answer: Anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 is encouraged to wear a mask as it restricts the spread of the virus. For the uninfected, the wearing of masks is not deemed to significantly reduce the risk of infection, but you may wish to consider the customs of your destination. For instance, all passengers travelling on trains in India must wear a face mask while they are encouraged on all other modes of transport.
Question: What can I expect on arriving and departing at airports?
Answer: In some countries screening for all passengers entering and leaving their country is being conducted. Before being allowed to board a flight, you may be questioned about your health and your travel history and have your temperature taken.
Travel advice pages
- Travel advice China
- Travel advice United States
- Travel advice Indonesia
- Travel advice United Kingdom
- Travel advice Thailand
- Travel advice Australia
- Travel advice Vietnam
- Travel advice Mexico
- Travel advice Dominican Republic
