The Union Health Ministry has reduced the previous requirement for RT-PCR based testing of a random 2% subset of overseas visitors, relaxing the COVID-19 criterion for visitors from outside. The new regulations will be in place starting at 00:00 on July 20.

The limits have been lifted in light of the broad coronavirus problem and the notable improvements in vaccine coverage made globally.

However, the earlier advice for precautionary measures to be followed by airlines as well as international travellers in context of Covid shall continue to apply, the ministry said.
“Vide these new guidelines, which shall come into effect from 0000 Hrs (IST) of 20th July 2023, the earlier requirements for RT-PCR based testing of a random 2% subset of international travelers to India, now stand dropped,” the release read.

Guidelines that still remain included:
All travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their country.
In-flight announcement about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed (preferable use of masks and following physical distancing) shall be made in flights/travel and at all points of entry.
Any passenger having symptoms of COVID-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol i.e. the said passenger should be wearing mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow up treatment.
De-boarding should take place with physical separation in mind.
The passengers who are identified as having symptoms during screening must be transported to a recognised medical institution right once and isolated in accordance with the health policy (described above).
After arriving, all visitors should monitor their health and visit the nearest hospital or call the national helpline number (1075) or state helpline number if they notice any symptoms that could be COVID-19.
Every traveller should undergo a thermal screening by the medical personnel on duty at the entrance.