abu dhabi travel guidelines from india

• Things to do
• Where to go
• What to see
• Plan your trip
• Business events

Covid-19 Protocols in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi remains the safe, awe-inspiring, culturally rich destination you last visited. We are open to all travellers and ready to welcome you.

As of 26 February 2022, you no longer need a test before you fly to Abu Dhabi. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are welcome to experience Abu Dhabi with no restrictions.

As of 7 November 2022, almost all Covid-19 restrictions in Abu Dhabi have been lifted meaning green status on the Al Hosn app and negative PCR tests are no longer required to enter Abu Dhabi attractions.

More useful links

How can we help ?

• Book flights & hotel
• Book groups
• Book a stop over in Abu Dhabi
• Book with Etihad Guest Miles
• Book Rail & Fly
• Charter & special flight requests
• Unaccompanied minors
• Best fare finder
• Best price promise

Your transfer

• To and from the airport
• Book Etihad Chauffeur
• Book Etihad Coach

Travel information

• Travel requirements
• To and from Dubai and Northern Emirates

Manage your booking

• Request a refund
• View or change booking
• Flight status
• Special assistance
• Choose your seat
• Offset your flight
• Etihad Credit
• Check in online
• Abu Dhabi city check in
• All extras and upgrades
• Extra baggage
• Travelling with pets
• Meet & Assist
• Travel insurance
• Priority Access
• Meals on board
• Flying with children
• Inflight Entertainment
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Pets & trained service animals
• Seat choices

Before you fly

• Need a UAE visa?
• Zayed International Airport
• Global airport information
• Baggage allowance
• Clear US immigration
• Miles calculator
• Fare choices

Sustainability

• For the World
• What we're doing
• How to get involved
• Test Flights
• Etihad Forest
• Discover Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi Stopover
• Abu Dhabi discounts
• Abu Dhabi Holidays
• Zayed International Airport Guide
• Flights to Abu Dhabi
• Flight offers
• Flights to Dubai
• Find your holiday
• City breaks
• Beach holidays
• Luxury holidays
• Family holidays
• Delayed or damaged baggage
• Baggage guide
• Lost and found

Get in touch

• Our mobile apps

Your booking

• Change or manage my booking
• Ways to pay
• Travelling with children

Travel requirements and advice 

Always check the travel requirements for your destination and find out what documents you need for your trip. We’ve put together some useful information and references below, but it’s also important to read the latest government advice and information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) before you fly.

Essential travel information

Flying to Abu Dhabi

COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in Abu Dhabi. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, unless you hold a valid Residence ID. You only need to apply for a visa if you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival.  

More about visas

Flying to other worldwide destinations 

Always check the IATA Travel Centre for the latest passport, visa and health  requirements based on your personal details and trip itinerary.

More travel advice

Flying with a medical condition

You may be required to submit a MEDIF form and latest medical report at least 72 hours before your flight.

Find out now

Travelling during pregnancy

From weeks 29 to 36, you will require a medical certificate to fly, which you’ll have to present when you check in at the airport.

Pets and service animals 

Submit a booking form and all official documents, vet examinations and treatment history at least seven days in advance.

Children travelling alone

Submit an Unaccompanied Minor form and complete further documentation if your child is travelling to South Africa or the UK. 

Common questions

What countries require yellow fever vaccinations.

For an up to date list of countries requiring a yellow fever vaccination, please refer to the World Health Organisation .

I’m transiting in Abu Dhabi. Do I need a visa to leave the airport?

If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, you can leave the airport whilst you wait for your next flight. If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival, you can apply for UAE Transit Visa. 

More about UAE visas

My passport expires in less than six months. Where can I travel to?

Some countries require at least six months validity on your passport to enter. Always visit the official government website of the country you’re travelling to check before you book your flight. If you hold a valid Emirates ID and are travelling back to the UAE, you will be allowed entry as long as you hold a valid passport.  

My passport has expired and I’m due to fly to home. Can I still travel?

It depends on the rules of the country you're travelling too. Please contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate for more information.

Useful travel tips

Check the passport, visa and vaccination requirements for your destination carefully.

Consider applying for an International Driving Permit if you’re planning to drive abroad. 

Keep copies of your travel itinerary in your checked bag. This will make it easier in the unlikely event that they are delayed. 

Keep a photocopy of your passport and consider carrying other ID – this will help in the unfortunate event you lose your passport when you’re travelling. 

Arrange travel insurance before you go and keep the policy documents with you.

Using third party sites

We work with a network of partners to offer you optional services that make your journey with us even better. When you click a link from one of our partners:

• You'll be redirected to a third-party website. Please carefully review the terms and conditions and product or service details before you use any third-party websites.
• Etihad does not own, operate or control in any respect any information, products or services available on third-party websites.
• Third-party website links are provided for your convenience and do not constitute any endorsement by Etihad.
• You assume sole responsibility and discretion for use and access to these third-party websites and links.
• Etihad makes no representation or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to any third-party website/service provider and strictly disclaims any and all liability arising out of, or in any way connected to the third-party websites and the use of these websites or links by you.

• Our Websites

• Visit Abu Dhabi
• Events Calendar
• Convention Bureau
• Department of Culture and Tourism

Quick Links

• Doing business with us
• Media Centre
• Work with us
• Lost and Found Policy

International Offices

Newsletter signup

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

Can I fly to India from the UAE and do my children need a PCR test for travel?

Children under 5 no longer need to take a pcr test when travelling under the uae-india air bubble agreement.

Children under 5 flying to India no longer need to take a PCR test before departure. AFP

As India reopens its borders to commercial travellers from nearly 100 countries, authorities have also eased PCR testing requirements for children.

Authorities in India have updated regulations for travel to the country. This is good news for families planning to fly to India in the near future.

After halting tourist visas in March 2020, India is allowing quarantine-free entry from Monday to fully inoculated travellers from 99 countries, including the UAE.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India has updated guidelines for international arrivals.

Previously, babies, infants and children of all ages had to have a PCR test before flying to the country. This has now been eased, with children aged under 5 no longer required to take a pre-flight PCR test.

Despite India not yet being on the Abu Dhabi green list , travel between the UAE and India is open.

On November 7, Abu Dhabi extended its green list of countries from where travellers can travel without quarantine. Authorities added 13 new countries to the list, which now runs to 95 destinations, almost half of all the countries in the world.

India – a country of more than one billion people – remains notably absent from this ever-evolving list. However, the UAE and India have an air bubble partnership in place, which means travel is allowed between the two countries, with no quarantine for vaccinated travellers flying to or from India.

However, there are some additional restrictions in place.

Who can travel to India from the UAE?

India and the UAE have an air bubble agreement that allows airlines to operate flights to and from both countries.

Travel to India via this scheme is restricted to specific categories of passengers. Nationals from India, Bhutan or Nepal, and Overseas Citizen of India and Person of Indian Origin cardholders with foreign passports can fly to India. Emiratis and foreigners from other countries in Africa or South America can also fly to India, but must have a valid visa. Tourist visas or e-visa issued on or after October 6 are now valid for travel to India.

From India to the UAE, only Emiratis, ICA and GDRFA-approved UAE residents, and nationals from India, Bhutan or Nepal holding a valid visa can travel via the air corridor agreement.

Vaccinated travellers flying to Abu Dhabi from India do not need to quarantine on arrival, but will undergo a PCR test on arrival.

Travellers also need to stay up to date on the latest requirements for flying to Abu Dhabi from India. Currently, these include registering via the ICA Smart Travel Service, taking a PCR test no more than 48 hours before travel and having a rapid PCR test within six hours of boarding at the departure airport.

What do I need to do before travelling to India from the UAE?

Travellers need to submit a self-declaration form before travelling to India. This can be found here and needs to be completed for each person flying, including infants and children. After filling in the form, travellers will get an approval code that will be required before boarding any flight.

All passengers must also have a printed colour copy of the self-declaration form when travelling, unless flying to Hyderabad where two copies are required.

Vaccinated travellers need to upload their vaccination certificate on the Air Suvidha online portal and carry a printed copy of the certificate, which should be in English.

Finally, passengers need to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones – you can find the link here .

Depending on which state travellers are flying to, there could be other rules to follow, such as to Chennai in Tamil Nadu where travellers need to apply for an e-pass at least 48 hours before flying.

All travellers should regularly check the local regulations for their destination.

Do I need a PCR test before flying to India?

All travellers need a PCR test before flying to any destination in India. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before travel and results must be uploaded on to the Air Suvidha online portal.

Babies and children aged under 5 no longer need a PCR test, after Indian authorities updated regulations on November 11. Children under 5 are also exempt from any on-arrival tests, unless they display Covid-19 symptoms. If this happens on arrival or during the home quarantine period, the children would need to undergo testing.

Travellers also need a hard copy of their negative test results with them when they travel; digital copies are not accepted.

Do I need to be vaccinated to fly to India?

Travellers do not need to be vaccinated before flying to India. However, there are different rules in place for travellers who are fully immunised and those who are not.

India recognises all vaccines administered in the UAE, but travellers must have completed both doses of any vaccine at least 15 days before travelling.

What restrictions are in place in India?

After landing in India, travellers need to follow the rules in place for the destination they have flown to, as these change from region to region.

Vaccinated travellers arriving in any destination must self‑monitor their health for 14 days after arrival in India. Non-vaccinated travellers will have to take an on-arrival Covid-19 test and then home quarantine for seven days. Another test must be taken on day eight.

The cost of these on-arrival tests varies depending on the airport that travellers land at. Mumbai has the cheapest tests, from 600 Indian rupees ($8), while Bangalore's express tests are some of the more expensive options at 3,200 Indian rupees ($43) per person. Travellers arriving in Kerala and requiring an on-arrival test will receive it free of charge.

All travellers may have to undergo thermal screening and should wear face masks in public places and avoid crowded areas when in India.

Which airlines are flying between India and the UAE?

Because of the air bubble restrictions, there are fewer flights operating between India and the UAE at the moment than there were pre-pandemic. However, several airlines are flying between the two countries.

Etihad Airways operates from Abu Dhabi to several destinations in India, including Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum and Mumbai. From Dubai, Emirates airline flies to several cities across India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata.

Other airlines operating to India from the UAE include flydubai, Air India, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Vistara and SpiceJet.

When will India be added to the Abu Dhabi green list?

1. Algeria. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National

It's not clear when India will be added to the Abu Dhabi green list.

Abu Dhabi authorities will continue to add or remove countries to the list “subject to change based on global Covid-19 developments”.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Uae issues new guidelines for indian passengers. here are the details.

The UAE has resumed visa on arrival, but only for Indian nationals who have a visa or residence permit issued by the USA, United Kingdom or an EU Member State. As of now, only these travellers from India would be eligible for a visa on arrival.

Read More News on

Safety vs. competitive pricing: Why India-made cars fail global crash tests

Bullish on in-city warehousing, but land a big impediment: Rajesh Jaggi, Everstone Group

Fly91: Can India’s new regional airline chart a different course from its predecessors?

Stock Radar: NHPC stays rangebound in March but finds support above 50-DMA; time to buy?

Hari Shankar Tibrewala: The man who channeled illicit funds from Mahadev app into stock markets

Stocks to watch: 9 growth stocks to bet on ahead of likely low interest cycle

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Stay Ahead in the New Financial Year

Get flat 20% off on ETPrime

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in

• Hi, My Account Subscriptions --> My KT Trading Contact Us Privacy Notice Sign Out

Wed, Apr 03, 2024 | Ramadan 24, 1445

Dubai 20°C

• Expo City Dubai
• Emergencies
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain

Life and Living

• Visa & Immigration in UAE
• Banking in UAE
• Schooling in UAE
• Housing in UAE
• Ramadan 2024
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines
• Cryptocurrency
• Infrastructure
• Currency Exchange
• Horse Racing
• Local Sports

Entertainment

• Local Events

Dubai World Cup

• Track Notes
• Big Numbers
• Daily Updates
• Arts & Culture
• Mental Health
• Relationships
• Staycations
• UAE Attractions
• Tech Reviews
• Motoring Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Book reviews
• Restaurant Reviews
• Young Times

Supplements

• Back To School
• Eid-Al-Adha
• It’s Summer Time
• Leading Universities
• Higher Education
• India Real Estate Show
• Future Of Insurance
• KT Desert Drive
• New Age Finance & Accounting Summit
• Digital Health Forum
• Subscriptions
• UAE Holidays
• Year of the 50th
• Latest News
• Prayer Timings
• Cinema Listings
• Inspired Living
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Notice

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Uae-india flights: step-by-step travel guide for passengers amid omicron concerns, with airline guidelines and restrictions changing constantly, here's an in-depth explainer on all you need to know.

Dhanusha Gokulan

• Follow us on

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Published: Tue 7 Dec 2021, 7:41 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Dec 2021, 5:29 PM

In view of the Omicron threat, countries across the world, including the UAE and India, have been updating their travel measures for arriving and departing passengers.

Travel bans on ‘red list’ nations; pre-departure and on-arrival travel tests; and several other fresh mandates have discouraged many travellers from taking that much-needed winter break.

In the initial days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated the B.1.1.529, Omicron, as a variant of concern, the travel and tourism sector confirmed a rise in cancellations of bookings. India also announced a postponement in the resumption of international flights that were set to begin from December 15, after India’s Ministry of Health announced cases of Omicron in the country.

“However, now that health experts have said the symptoms of Omicron are not very intense, the interest in travel during the winter holidays is one again peaking,” said Afi Ahmed, managing director of Smart Travels.

December is peak travel season, especially for those flying to India and ticket prices are usually sky-high. “Right now, the demand is normalising. UAE expatriates are planning trips to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in India. It is also peak wedding season in India,” he added.

Given the constantly changing guidelines, Khaleej Times has put together this fact file that answers all your questions.

What are the latest Indian mandates?

The Indian government has identified some countries ‘at risk’. They include:

Countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom

South Africa

New Zealand

Travellers arriving from these countries must:

• If tested positive, be shifted to a medical facility and treated as per standard protocol.
• If tested negative they will have to home quarantine for seven days and appear for a re-test on the eighth day.
• Travelers arriving from countries ‘at risk’ must submit a negative RT-PCR report and self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal and also undergo a mandatory Covid-19 test on arrival.

Rules for UAE- India travellers

UAE is not on India’s at-risk list of countries

• All passengers must mandatorily fill-up the self-declaration form (SDF) and upload a negative RT-PCR test report on Air Suvidha portal.
• Children under five are exempt from pre-and post-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic on arrival, or during the home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing and be treated as per protocols.
• Airlines must ensure travellers possess a negative RT-PCR report before allowing them to board.
• A random sample of two per cent of passengers arriving from non-risk countries will have to undergo PCR testing upon arrival.
• If tested positive, a sample will be sent for genomic testing and they will undergo treatment as per protocols.
• If tested negative, they must self-monitor their health for 14 days.

Cost of RT-PCR tests in India

• At Delhi Airport, you can get the test done for INR500 (Dh25) and get the result within six to eight hours.
• Cost of rapid PCR tests, which is a requirement set by the government of UAE, vary from airport to airport. Cost in Mumbai is INR 3900 (Dh195) and at Kozhikode and Delhi it is priced at INR 2490.
• Covid-19 travel: India extends international flights ban until January 31, 2022
• Covid-19: Emirates will continue to offer travel insurance to passengers
• Pakistan revises Covid-19 PCR test rules for passengers from UAE, other countries
• UAE flights: Are you travelling in Dec? See recent Covid-19 advisories for residents by authorities

State-wise measures

• All international travellers are required to submit a self-declaration form online on Air Suvidha as well as details of the last 14 days.
• Passengers are required to upload a negative PCR test report taken 72 hours prior to the flight.
• All foreign travellers will be tested upon arrival. Those tested positive will be moved to hospitals. But people coming from high-risk countries and testing negative will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine and then take another test.
• Passengers tested negative will be allowed to proceed home. Only the driver will be allowed to transport the passengers.
• Face masks and face shields are mandatory for drivers transporting passengers from the airport.

Maharashtra

• High-risk passengers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and those who have been to these countries in the past 15 days can be deplaned on priority and separate counters will be arranged by airport management.
• Mandatory RT-PCR for seven-day institutional quarantine for all passengers arriving from high-risk countries. Positive cases will be shifted to a hospital.
• A second PCR test will be carried out on the seventh day.
• The government has asked all international travellers to send their 15-day travel history before departure. Passengers transiting through Mumbai airport will be required to take a Covid-19 PCR test.
• All other passengers arriving from non-risk countries and countries listed as at-risk by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will undergo protocols listed by the government body.
• The state government has mandated a PCR test and seven-day home quarantine.
• Those who test positive or are symptomatic will have to undergo home testing on the fifth day, while those who test negative, will be in-home quarantine for seven days.
• Further, the asymptomatic ones will be tested on the seventh day; if they test positive, they will be treated separately, or will be immediately hospitalised.

Madhya Pradesh

• All passengers will have to take a PCR test upon arrival if they failed to produce a recent report.

Uttarakhand

• All travellers will be required to undergo tests. Passengers who test Covid-19 positive or found symptomatic will undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Jammu and Kashmir

• All international passengers will be required to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test at the airport, followed by a seven-day home quarantine.
• Passengers will then again be retested on the eighth day of the home quarantine, or if they develop any symptoms during the quarantine.
• And even if the report of RT-PCR comes negative, they will be required to self-monitor for one more week at strict home quarantine.

*Source: Airports Authority of India

Travel rules for passengers travelling from India to UAE

• GDRFA or ICA approval is not required for tourists travelling to the UAE
• Residents must provide valid ICA or GDRFA approvals.
• Indian Nationals with a normal passport who are travelling to or from India via Dubai can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai for a maximum stay of 14 days, provided they have a visitor visa or a green card issued by the United States, or a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom or European Union. The visa issued by the United States, United Kingdom or European Union has to be valid for a minimum of six months.
• A valid negative Covid‑19 PCR test certificate with a QR code for a test conducted within 48 hours, validity should be calculated from the time the sample was collected, prior to departure from an approved health facility.
• A rapid PCR test report with a QR code for a test conducted at the departure airport within six hours of departure.

Source: UAE airlines

• [email protected]

More news from

Uncomfortable truths lie beneath current wave of market optimism.

Global economy is in a delicate state, with debt accumulation outpacing GDP growth, report says

business 2 hours ago -->

UAE: Emirati ministers, rabbi, Sikhs join BAPS Hindu temple's first Ramadan event

Besides cultural performances, guests were treated to sumptuous pure vegetarian food made by temple volunteers

uae 2 hours ago -->

Eduard Khemchan's inspiring journey of resilience and societal upliftment

Khemchan proves that true success extends beyond personal achievement to the betterment of the community at large. His journey remains an inspiration to dream, persevere, innovate, and uplift the communities around us all

kt network 2 hours ago -->

Fakeeh University Hospital elevates emergency services in Dubai with Advanced Medical Centre

The newly opened centre stands as one of the largest emergency departments in Dubai, boasting a dedicated helipad for ambulance helicopters

Elie Khouri promotes regional growth through his engagement on Shark Tank Dubai

Entrepreneur and marketing expert’s vision lied in identifying innovative market solutions which would be relevant in timing and bring value to the regional economy

UAE's youngest girl shines bright: Armish Athar achieves O Level chemistry at age 10

Her accomplishment not only serves as a source of inspiration for her peers but also stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and hard work

kt network 3 hours ago -->

Indian rupee little changed, RBI support 'key' to prevent fall to record low

The rupee was at 22.72 against the UAE dirham as of 9.10am UAE time

markets 3 hours ago -->

UAE: Gold price rally continues, jumps Dh2 per gram in early trade in Dubai

It jumped more than one per cent earlier in the day to hit a record high of $2,288 an ounce

Type your keywords

Travel Reservation Hotline

Call and book your hotel now.

Domestic Toll-Free for US and Canada: 1-800-997-1438

Worldwide: +1-817-983-0682

• Abu Dhabi Info
• Parks and Wildlife
• Sightseeing
• Theatre and Dance
• Restaurants
• Exhibitions
• Travel Tips
• Feature Your Business
• Top Things To Do
• Hot Sellers
• Theme Parks
• Outdoor Activities
• Airport & Ground Transfers

Abu Dhabi Travel Update: Entry Guidelines for Tourists

Are you planning to visit Abu Dhabi? If you're not sure about entry restrictions, here's all you need to know.

Entry requirements for Abu Dhabi

When entering the city, one needs to provide a negative COVID-19 test result. Two test results that are accepted are: 1. RT-PCR test (Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test) that is typically done through a nasal swab 2. Laser-based DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) test that's done via a blood test. 

Does one need to undergo both DPI And RT-PCR Tests?

No, individuals can provide either of the two test results, so a negative result from either of the tests is accepted. However, they can enter the city only 48 hours after receiving the test result. 

The city is a paradise for tourists. It's quite logical that guests may plan to stay in Abu Dhabi for longer than six days. In such cases, they would need to take another RT-PCR test on Day 6. 

The above-mentioned rules are applicable to the tourists, as well as Abu Dhabi residents who may have exited the emirate and may consider returning. The extra measure ensures the health and safety of the community.

For volunteers in the COVID-19 vaccine trials, they are exempted from these measures. They are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey. 

Do international travellers need to disclose the date of entry?

The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Committee requires international guests to disclose the date of entry into the country. They can do this at checkpoints designated for international travellers at all ports. Passengers who don’t adhere to the guidelines will have to pay penalties.

Where can you get the tests done?

It would help to know the location of PCR testing centres in the city. In Abu Dhabi, places such as Zayed Sports City, Al Wathba Screening Centre, and Abu Dhabi Corniche among others are testing centres. For those who wish to get a DPI test, it can be done for DH50 at Zayed Sports City and Abu Dhabi Corniche.

October 27, 2020 lele Thanks for post this great blog

November 01, 2020 Rider Can you confirm if tourists can really travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai? Last 26 October, still Tourist is not yet permitted to enter in Abu Dhabi Border in Ghantoot. Please confirm. Thanks.

December 09, 2020 Toshi We got to know that in 2 weeks time Abu Dhabi is easing out restrictions, does it mean tourist can directly visit to Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai ?? Please tell want to bring parents from India to Abu Dhabi

May 12, 2022 pcr test in dubai PCR Test in Dubais excellent idea guys ,.l.

Leave a Reply

Latest UAE Travel Update: New Guidelines and Rules for International Flights from India

Curated By : Auto Desk

Edited By: Arjit Garg

Last Updated: August 20, 2021, 10:12 IST

UAE residents flying in from India and five other nations are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination certificate for entry, the country's flag carrier Emirates announced on August 10. (Image: Reuters)

It must be noted that not all travellers are allowed to fly between India and Dubai and only transit travellers and UAE residents from India are permitted to travel to Dubai.

The United Arab of Emirates (UAE) has lifted the ban for transit travellers from India. This facilitates more flight services between the two countries. Budget carrier IndiGo shared a schedule of flights from the National Capital Region (NCR) to Dubai. It must be noted that not all travellers are allowed to fly between India and Dubai and only transit travellers and UAE residents from India are permitted to travel to Dubai. Here’s a complete set of guidelines for UAE-India travel-

India to UAE

Passengers with valid UAE resident visa will be accepted to travel from India to UAE subject to holding following documents:

For UAE Residence Visa Holders issued from Dubai and travelling to Dubai: “Return Permit for Resident outside UAE form" which is issued to the passenger(s) from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

For UAE Resident VISA holders travelling to UAE other than Dubai: “Return Permit for Resident outside UAE form" which is issued to the passenger(s).

Expo 2020 Visa holders are permitted to travel to UAE without GDRFA/ICA.

Travel Requirement for all Passengers for travel from India to UAE:

A VALID Negative Covid-19 test certificate with QR code linked to the original report. This has to be issued within the valid time frame, i.e. 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample to the scheduled departure time and has to be taken from an ICMR approved laboratory.

A Rapid PCR test report that should be based on molecular diagnostic testing intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS-COV-2 viral RNA; conducted at the Indian departure airport prior to four (4) hours of departure.

Additional requirements for passengers arriving into Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Ras al-Khaimah Airports (RKT):

10 days home quarantine upon arrival in RKT and 12 days home/institutional quarantine in AUH.

PCR test on the 4th and the 8th day after arrival in RKT and PCR test on the 6th and the 11th day after arrival into AUH.

Adherence to wearing the tracking watch on arrival.

Passengers are advised to report 6 hours prior departure as Rapid PCR test counters at Airports would close 2 hours prior to the departure.

As per Dubai Civil Aviation Authorities, RT-PCR Test done from the laboratories listed below will not be accepted:

1. Suryam Lab in Jaipur

2. Dr P. BHASIN Pathlabs(p) Ltd. in Delhi

3. Noble Diagnostic Centre in Delhi

4. 360 Diagnostic & Health. Services

Process for verifying international vaccination certificates for passengers to Abu Dhabi:

Passengers must to register in the Register Arrivals section of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) app or website, complete the register arrivals form and upload an international vaccination certificate.

They will receive an SMS including a link to download Alhosn app.

On arrival into Abu Dhabi, passengers will receive a Unified Identification Number (UID) either at the airport or via ICA app or website.

Passengers must download and register on the Alhosn app, using the UID and phone number used for ICA registration or when taking a PCR test in the UAE. Passengers will receive a one-time password (OTP) to complete the Alhosn app registration process.

*Passengers must ensure that they comply with all travel and health requirements of the destination country. If passengers are denied entry, they will have to bear the cost of penalty/ deportation.

All passengers are required to check the UAE Government Authority Website for the latest updates on travel.

UAE to India

All passengers departing from UAE to India are required to carry a Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate, with a validity of not more than 72 hours from the time of departure.

Passenger Category Permitted to travel from UAE to India:

1. Nationals of India/ Nepal/ Bhutan stranded in UAE/ Africa/ South America

2. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country

3. UAE nationals and nationals from Africa/ South America (including dependent with appropriate category of dependent visa) intending to visit India for any purpose except tourist visa.

Passengers travelling on flights from UAE to India should have originated travel from UAE or any country in South America or Africa only.

Passengers who have undertaken COVID-19 RT-PCR test are exempt from undertaking the rapid test. Effective 31st January 2021, a Rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen test will be available at the airport for travelers departing from Dubai if their destination country requires it.

With inputs from Air India Express

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News and Assembly Elections Live Updates here.

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Ask the Law
• GN Fun Drive
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Dubai Airshow
• Corporate Tax
• Top Destinations
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• From the Editors
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Live the Luxury
• Culture and History
• Staying Connected
• Entertainment
• Live Scores
• Point Table
• Top Scorers
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• South Indian
• Arab Celebs
• Health+Fitness
• Gitex Global 2023
• Best Of Bollywood
• Special Features
• Investing in the Future
• Know Plan Go
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times

Flying to India from the UAE? Here are all the COVID-19 related guidelines

Living in uae.

This is the state-wise breakdown of quarantine and PCR test requirements in India

Also in this package

• COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE: Get vaccinated for free at these locations in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain
• These categories are excluded from getting the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai
• Dubai: My employer is not providing insurance for my son. What can I do?
• Schools reopening in UAE: Does my child need to attend classes in person or study online?

Dubai: If you are planning to travel between the UAE and India, you may be unsure of all the rules and regulations you need to follow - how many days prior to your travel should you take a PCR test? Do you need to take an advance test at all? Will you be asked to go into institutional quarantine in India or can you quarantine at home? Here is all you need to know about travelling to and from India.

There are some basic considerations you need to keep in mind.

1. How soon should you get a PCR test before you travel?

2. What are the institutional quarantine requirements for passengers arriving in India?

3. What are the requirements of the airline that you are choosing to travel from?

The following guidelines have been provided by UAE-based airlines Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai and Air Arabia for routes to India.

Travelling from India to UAE

Who is allowed to travel.

According to Emirates Airlines, flights from India to Dubai will be limited only to the following passengers:

• UAE nationals

• ICA/GDRFA approved UAE residents ; and

• Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for UAE or any country in South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country.

• Most airlines offer relief for the test requirement for children under the age of 12 and people of determination. However, it is always advisable to check with your airlines before taking the tests.

• If flying with Emirates , you are required to take a COVID 19 RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test not more than 96 hours before departure. UAE will accept PCR test results from any lab authorised by the government of India, according to the airline’s website.

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has listed laboratories that perform the real time RT PCR test for COVID 19 across the country, which can be found here .

• PCR test and certificate cost has to be borne by you, and it is important that you carry a copy of your negative COVID-19 PCR test result when travelling. Verification of the PCR test certificate will be managed by the airport team as part of documentation checks at the time of departure. Bring an official printed certificate – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.

• If flying on Etihad Airways , it is mandatory to have a COVID-19 PCR test before you fly. Your test must be carried out a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time.

Where possible, the result must be issued by a Pure Health approved medical facility. You will find your closest approved medical facility at purehealth.ae. Children under 12 and people with severe and moderate disabilities are exempt from COVID-19 PCR testing.

If there are no approved Pure Health facilities close to you, you may arrange a COVID-19 PCR test from an ICMR testing facility. No other clinics will be accepted.

Online check-in

Etihad also advises passengers flying in from India to the UAE to check in online.

If you are a UAE resident flying to Abu Dhabi, visit uaeentry.ica.gov.ae

Travelling to India from UAE

Important update: Effective from December 23, 2021, until January 7, 2021, passengers originating in or transiting through the United Kingdom will not be permitted to enter India.

Travel to India is restricted to specified categories of passengers. You might also be required to take a COVID 19 PCR test before departure and undergo quarantine on arrival. Please check the requirements of your final destination before you travel.

Who can travel?

According to Emirates Airlines , flights to India will be limited to the following passengers:

• Indian Nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in UAE or in any country in South America or Africa;

• All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and person of Indian origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and

• UAE nationals and foreign nationals (from any country in South America or Africa only) intending to visit India for any purpose (including their dependents on appropriate category of dependent visa) except those on Tourist visa.

According to Etihad Airways , flights to India are limited to the following travellers only:

• Indian nationals stranded abroad.

• All Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders.

• UAE nationals (including diplomats) with a valid visa issued by an Indian Mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) guidelines dated June 30, 2020.

flydubai provides a list of the following categories of travellers who are currently permitted to travel from the UAE to India, updated on December 31, 2020:

• Citizens and residents of India

• Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan

• Passengers with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet

• Passengers with a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card

• Students/Minors if one of the parents is an Indian citizen or OCI card holder

• Spouses of Indian citizens

• Single parents of a minor who is an Indian citizen or OCI card holder

• Passengers returning from a neighboring country via India to their country of residence

• Passengers with diplomatic, official, UN/International Organisations or project visas

• Passengers with a non-Tourist visa issued from India

• Passengers with a visa or an e-visa issued after June 30, 2020 by India.

• Passengers are not allowed to transit Delhi (DEL).

• Visas and e-visas issued before June 30, 2020 are invalidated except for Diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations or project visas/all category of Employment visas; airline crew; Business visa (excluding B-3 visa for sports).

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) staff

• Foreign diplomats and their family members

• Foreign citizens holding medical visas issued by the Embassy of India in their country of origin

• Citizens of Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet arriving from their country of nationality

• Citizens of United Kingdom with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet arriving from the United Kingdom

• Passengers with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet whose journey originated from the United Kingdom

• Passengers with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet arriving from Ethiopia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Rwanda or Tanzania

According to Air Arabia , the following passengers are allowed to travel to India:

• Indian nationals

• Nepal and Bhutan nationals

• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and PIO cardholders

• Foreign nationals (including dependents) on any visa except on Tourist visa.

Steps to follow

1. Fill out the self-reporting or self-declaration form – All passengers must fill the self-reporting form on the website of the airport they are travelling to, at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure. Passengers will receive an approval code that must be presented at the time of departure.

2. Check airport requirements – Find out the specific requirements based on the Indian state you are landing in, as well as the airport’s requirements. After restrictions were implemented recently, following the emergence of a new coronavirus strain, each Indian state has put in place specific requirements for institutional quarantine, who can exempt themselves from it and whether passengers will be able to take connecting flights within the country to other national airports. These guidelines are regularly updated and it is advisable to check the airport’s website to get the latest requirements before you book your ticket.

3. Conduct a COVID-19 test before you travel – Some international airports in India do not have a mandatory requirement for a pre-travel COVID-19 negative test result. However, it may help you in getting an exemption from institutional quarantine, in some states. A state-wise breakdown of travel requirements is available below.

4. Keep printed copies – It is always advisable to keep printed hard copies of your negative COVID-19 PCR test, any self-declaration forms or special request forms you may have filled in. Some airports may not accept digital copies like those on your mobile phone.

5. Quarantine guidelines – Each state has specific regulations for quarantine requirements – whether at home or a state institution – quarantine exemption rules and eligibility.

What are the requirements across India?

The guidelines shared by Emirates Airlines on its website, updated on January 5, 2021, provide the following state-wise breakdown of travel requirements for passengers from the UAE.

Ahmedabad (AMD)

Passengers with final destination in Gujarat only will be accepted.

COVID 19 testing requirements

Passengers must carry printed copy of negative COVID 19 RT PCR certificate for test conducted within 96 hours of departure. This excludes children below 10 years of age.

Quarantine guidelines

All asymptomatic passengers will undergo a mandatory 14-day home quarantine.

Bengaluru (BLR)

All passengers travelling to Bengaluru (BLR) must download the Aarogya setu app, Quarantine Watch app and Apthamitra app on their mobile devices.

Passengers should carry printed copy of negative COVID 19 RT-PCR certificate for a test conducted within 72 hours of departure. Passengers without this certificate will also have an option to undergo this test upon arrival at their own cost. This excludes children below 10 years of age.

Quarantine exemptions

Business/short term travellers to Bengaluru with a negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test report are exempted from quarantine. Such passengers must submit a declaration of authenticity of the test report and will be liable for criminal prosecution if found otherwise. The test report must be presented upon arrival at BLR Airport.

Students taking exams in Karnataka will be exempted from home quarantine if they undergo Rapid Antigen testing with a negative result or if they submit a negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test report for a test conducted within 72 hours of departure.

Chennai (MAA)

All passengers must ensure TN e pass (Tamil Nadu government’s online registration portal for travellers) is applied and details are ready to be shown to state health authorities. You can register for the pass here .

You may need to contact your airline to update the details on the TN e-pass 48 hours before departure.

All passenger who are cleared by state health officials are permitted to use any mode to travel home including on domestic flights.

Transit passengers who are travelling to other states have to apply for a fresh e pass on arrival and follow the other state’s process when connecting on to a domestic flight. Transfer facility of passengers and baggage is currently not available.

Passengers must carry a printed copy of a negative COVID 19 RT-PCR certificate for the test conducted within 96 hours prior to their arrival. This excludes infants below six months of age.

Delhi (DEL)

It is not mandatory to take COVID-19 PCR test before departure. However, it would be necessary if you want to request for an exemption from institutional quarantine.

All passengers must submit an undertaking form on the online portal – www.newdelhiairport.in – agreeing to undergo a mandatory seven-day paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by a seven-day isolation at home with self-monitoring of health.

Passengers may request exemption from institutional quarantine by submitting a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report on arrival. This test should have been conducted within 72 hours of the start of their journey. The test report should be uploaded for exemption under Air Suvidha on the online portal  for consideration. Each passenger must also submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution if found otherwise. The test report could also be presented upon arrival at the point of entry airport in India.

Hyderabad (HYD)

COVID-19 testing requirements

It is not mandatory to take COVID-19 PCR test before departure

All passengers must submit an undertaking form on the online portal agreeing to undergo a mandatory seven-day paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by a seven-day isolation at home with self-monitoring of health.

Passengers travelling to Hyderabad for business reasons and having a negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test conducted less than 72 hours prior to departure shall be exempted from the requirement of home or institutional quarantine. However, the passengers should return within four days of arrival as evidenced by confirmed return tickets.

Passengers may request exemption from institutional quarantine by submitting a negative COVID 19 RT PCR test report on arrival. This test should have been conducted within 72 hours of the start of their journey. The test report should be uploaded for exemption under Air Suvidha on the online portal for consideration. Each passenger must also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution if found otherwise. The test report could also be presented upon arrival at the point of entry airport in India.

Kerala (COK/TRV)

All passengers travelling to Kerala must also update their details online at least two days before departure.

It is not mandatory to take COVID 19 PCR test before departure.

Quarantine Exemptions

Passengers travelling to Kerala may undergo COVID 19 RT PCR test on the seventh day of arrival and if they test negative, further quarantine of seven days is optional.

Kolkata (CCU)

Passengers must carry a printed hard copy of the negative COVID 19 RT-PCR certificate for a test conducted within 72 hours of departure. Children under the age of three years are exempted.

Passengers must upload negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test result on the Air Suvidha portal up to four hours prior to the flight departure.

Mumbai (BOM)

It is not mandatory to take a COVID 19 PCR test before departure. However, having a negative test result may help you if you are going to take a connecting flight within India.

All passengers must submit an undertaking form on the Air Suvidha online portal, agreeing to undergo mandatory seven-day paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days’ isolation at home with self monitoring of health. On arrival, no COVID 19 RT PCR test will be conducted. However, COVID-19 RT PCR test will be conducted during the fifth to seventh day at the hotel and all related costs are to be borne by the passenger.

All passengers travelling to Mumbai (BOM) and connecting on a domestic flight to a destination out of Maharashtra will be exempt from the above requirement, provided they have negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours of boarding the flight. The passenger may also choose to undergo the COVID-19 RT-PCR test at the airport itself, however only after the negative results are received the passenger will be allowed to proceed for the domestic flight.

Passengers under the following exceptional circumstances would be considered for exemption of the seven-day mandatory institutional quarantine. Decision would be taken after arrival on verification of following reasons with proof of documents.

• Pregnant woman in advanced stage of pregnancy

• Death in immediate family.

• General Quarantine Exemptions for all airports except Mumbai (BOM)

Home quarantine of 14 days may be allowed only for compelling reasons or cases of human distress such as pregnancy, death in the family, serious illness and parent(s) with children 10 years old and younger. Passengers must apply for exemption under Air Suvidha on the online portal at least 72 hours before boarding.

• Visa + Immigration
• Telephone + Internet
• Safety + Security
• Taqdeer Award

UAE end-of-service dues: Free zone vs. mainland process

Unveiled! Sharjah's Al Hefaiyah Lake awaits

Umrah health tips for Ramadan 2024

6 or 9 days: How long will the Eid Al Fitr break be?

Where to watch free Ramadan fireworks in Dubai

UAE: How to get free flu shots Abu Dhabi

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

Visit Visa to UAE from India - Guidelines, Process, Fee Structure

August 25, 2022 | 13 min read

Table of Contents

Types of uae visit visa for indians, uae visit visa process, documents required for visit visa, fee for uae visit visa for indians, travel insurance for indians, overstaying fines for visit visa.

• Reasons your Visit Visa to UAE get Rejected

14 Days visa-on-arrival (Single Entry)

The validity of this visa is 14 days from the date it is issued. You can extend it once for 14 days before its expiry date because there is no grace period. The visa is ideal for any India attending a conference or meeting in UAE for a few days.

30 Days Visit Visa (Single Entry)

The validity of this visa is 30 days plus 10 days grace period from the date it is issued. You can extend it twice for 30 days. You can stay in UAE for 90 days using the 30 days visit visa.

90 Days Visit Visa (Single Entry)

The validity of this visa is 90 dates from the date it is issued. It is best suited for individuals who want to stay in UAE for up to 3 months.

After the visa expiry date, you are given 10 days grace period to extend the visa or exit the country. You can extend this visa twice for 30 days+20 days, which gives you 150 days to live in the UAE.

30 Days Visit Visa (Multiple Entry)

The validity of this visa is 30 days and allows multiple entries to UAE within 30 days. There is no grace period after the visa expires, and you cannot extend this visa.

90 Days Visit Visa (Multiple Entry)

The validity of this visa is 90 days and allows one to enter UAE multiple times within the 90 days. You cannot extend this visa, and there is no grace period after it has expired.

The options you have are applying inside the country long term multiple Entry visa or get a new 90 days multiple entry visa through Airport to Airport visa change (A2A visa renewal)

Arabiers have simplified the application for a UAE Visit Visa for Indians. The following are the steps to follow;

Use a scanner to make clear colour copies of your passport and send them to our WhatsApp along with your referee's residence visa page and your photo with a white background.

Pay via your bank, visit our office or pay via a payment link.

After making the payment, you will receive your visa via WhatsApp within 24 to 48 hours.

The following are the documents you need to present when applying for a UAE visit visa for Indians :

• Coloured copy of the passport's name page, personal information, expiration date, and cover page.
• One coloured picture the size of a passport.
• If any kids are travelling with their birth certificates,
• If you have a family member or friend in the UAE, a photo of their UAE work visa page and a confirmed flight back to your home country.

The fees you must pay when applying for various UAE visit visas are highlighted in the table below.

You can also get travel insurance if you travel to the UAE on a visit visa. Here's how much it costs:

Any UAE visit visa you get, there are details when it expires. If you get the 30/90 days visa, you are given 10 days grace period, but for the multiple entry visa and 14 days, there is no grace period.

When you stay behold the days indicated on the visa, you are considered to have overstayed in UAE , and the implication is you have to pay a fine. The fines you will pay are broken down as follows;

for the first day of overstay

Each Consecutive day

As Service fees

Reasons your Visit Visa to UAE get rejected

• If you are a female under 18 travelling alone, your visa application may be delayed or denied due to suspicions of human trafficking.
• Your visa application may be rejected if you have a criminal history, commit fraud, or engage in any other wrongdoing in the UAE or India.
• If you previously had a UAE residence visa and left the country without cancelling the visa. Before awarding you a new tourist visa, the Public Relations Officer must get it revoked for you.
• If the UAE immigration rejects or delays your application for a Dubai visa because the scanned copies of your passport are illegible.
• Your visa may be denied if your passport shows you as a non-white collar professional, such as a worker, farmer, etc.
• Your application may be rejected or delayed if there are mistakes in the name, passport number, date of birth, or issuance and expiration dates.

Will I get a visa if my passport is to expire soon?

NO, your application for a UAE visa will be rejected if the passport is not valid at least 6 months before you want to visit UAE.

What do I do if I want to renew my visit visa?

UAE visit visa is valid for a period that falls anywhere between 30 and 90 days. Should it become necessary to renew the visa, the applicant can contact the Arabiers to apply for the extension.

What would happen if I extended my stay beyond the validity of my visa?

When you stay behold the visa validity, you are considered to have overstayed and are subject to hefty fines. In addition, you might eventually be barred from entering the country.

Robeena Brown

It’s been amazing journey collecting, organizing & publishing UAE travel related information. We often hear our guests says it was some thing useful when I found Arabiers, that give me motivation to sit hours & hours with subject experts to extract right information that are useful but updated. I would love to write some thing that useful for any travelers, Recidents & locals, we at Arabiers trying our level best provide right information & aiming at updating our information page as much as we can, looking forward your feedback.

• See author's posts

• Travelling To Dubai And Abu Dhabi?...

Travelling To Dubai And Abu Dhabi? Here Are All The Updated Guidelines

Travel for uae residents with valid permits is now possible..

The UAE had suspended flights from India, and several other countries following the spike in cases during the second wave, in April 2021. Travel for those who held valid residence permits was disallowed too leaving several residents stranded in India. On August 5th, UAE relaxed some of the norms for pre-registered Indians travelling to and through Dubai. It also approved vaccines administered outside the UAE from its earlier list. This includes Covishield.

The registrations opened on August 15th and here are all the details you need to know before you travel to the UAE.

Also Read: Planning To Travel To the UK? Here's A Checklist For Indian Travellers

Who can travel to the UAE?

Indians who are UAE residents with a valid permit can fly to and through Dubai as per the updated travel guidelines. Those without valid permits are not permitted to fly to the Emirates. Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan Sri Lanka and Uganda are the other countries for which travel curbs have been relaxed.

Registrations for travellers from India have begun on UAE's Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship portal (ICA) starting August 15th. For entry in to Dubai, an approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs ( GDFRA ) is required.

As such, if you are a tourist planning to visit the Emirates, you may not yet be permitted to fly to the country. This includes vaccinated travellers.

Also Read: Mumbai Local Train Travel: Step-By-Step Guide How To Generate E-Pass

Where can you travel?

Travel for all and to all destinations in the UAE is not yet possible. Passengers with residence permits are, however, can both arrive and transit through Dubai. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers can fly to Dubai.

Other UAE cities like Sharjah, Abu Dhabi are open to travellers who have received both doses of a UAE-approved vaccine and completed 14 days, only. In the case of Indians, only the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab is recognised.

What do you need?

(For travel to Abu Dhabi)

- Completed ICA registration.

- A fully-vaccinated status with the second dose administered at least 14 days earlier.

- An RT-PCR test conducted a maximum of 48 hours before departure.

- The test has to be taken at a government approved lab. No laboratories are listed in the India section and the ICMR list needs to be referred.

- Only children under 12 with disabilities (moderate to severe) are exempted from the RT-PCR test.

- A quarantine period of 10 days will need to be observed. A medically-approved wrist-band that will monitor your status will be issued.

- An RT-PCR test on arrival.

- You need to download the Al Hosn app and display your Green Pass status after your negative RT-PCR test results arrive.

- Transit passengers also need to display negative RT-PCR test reports issued within a 48-hour timeframe.

- An additional Rapid PCR test, conducted four hours before departure. As such airlines require check-in six hours in prior.

(For travel to Dubai)

- Pre-entry approval from GDFRA .

- A negative RT-PCR test report issued a maximum of 48 hours before departure. Only those with QR codes from certified labs are accepted.

- A Rapid PCR test conducted at the airport 4 hours before departure.

- RT-PCR test on arrival.

- Transit passengers need to produce a negative RT-PCR test report generated 72 hours before arrival.

- Travellers below the age of 12 and those with severe disabilities are exempted.

- You need to download the COVID-19 DXB Smart App .

Also Read: Traveling To Himachal Pradesh: New Restrictions As COVID Cases Rise

• Our 24X7 Helpline Nos: Abu Dhabi - 0508995583, Dubai 80046342 (toll free)
• Skip to main content
• Emergency Contact Number :

• General Guidlines for Visa

Kindly Note: Issue of visa is the prerogative of Government of India and not the right of applicant; also obtaining visa is not a guarantee, as Immigration authorities have the right to refuse entry to the country under provisions of Foreigners Act.

BLS International, Appointed Service Centre Timings Address and Timings of BLS International of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain centres are as given below:

The Embassy

• General Guidelines
• Visa on Arrival
• e-Tourist Visa (eTV)
• Advisory for Visa applicants

Please upgrade your browser to the latest version of Internet Explorer or use Google Chrome to enjoy a seamless booking experience

Travel Guidelines

Below you can find travel guidelines for your origin and destination countries. If your requirement about the covid-19 PCR test is different between the departing and arriving countries, you should follow the requirement which is most restrictive. Travel requirements are subject to change without prior notice so please check with the relevant embassy before your flight to get the latest updates on the entry and exit requirements.

• Asia Briefing
• China Briefing
• ASEAN Briefing
• India Briefing
• Vietnam Briefing
• Silk Road Briefing
• Russia Briefing
• Middle East Briefing
• Asia Investment Research

India’s Latest Guidelines on International Travel

This timeline summarizes the most recent developments in the rules and regulations governing international travel to and from India.

Webinar – Navigating Global Minimum Tax in Asia: Insights for Businesses 

Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 9:00 AM San Francisco / 12:00 PM New York / 6:00 PM Brussels / 1:00 AM (Nov. 17 th ) Beijing 

Partner Kyle Freeman will introduce how key Asian economies are implementing the new changes, how companies are going to be impacted by the OECD’s global minimum tax framework, and what businesses should be doing to be prepared. 

Join us in this free webinar.

REGISTER NOW

February 2023

• From February 13, 11 AM , passengers coming to India from or via China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will not require a negative RT-PCR report from a pre-departure test for COVID-19. Travelers from these five countries will no longer have to fill the self-health declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal either. The 2% random testing on arrival in India [from any country of origin] policy that was started December 24 last year, shall continue.

January 2023

• Reported by Times of India , all Indians traveling to Sri Lanka will have to follow the country’s revised COVID-19 protocols. Sri Lanka has announced that all tourists to the country will be required to carry their vaccination cards, and unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative PCR report obtained 72 hours prior to their arrival.

December 2022

December 29, 2022.

• On December 29, 2022, India’s Federal Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that RT-PCR test would be mandatory from January 1, 2023 for international passengers travelling to India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand . The test must be conducted within 72 hours of undertaking the journey to India. 
• These negative RT-PCR reports must be uploaded on the Air Suvidha portal before travel.
• This requirement is in addition to the random two percent tests of all international passengers in all incoming international flights on their arrival in India irrespective of their port of departure.

December 28, 2022

Air India Express, India’s first international budget carrier that offers flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, has issued guidelines for the maintenance of Covid-appropriate behaviour by travellers travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. The guidelines include:

• All passengers from UAE should preferably be completely immunised as per the approved primary schedule of Covid vaccination. 
• All visitors should preferably use masks and follow physical distancing on flights/travel and at all points of entry.
• Post-arrival random testing is not required for children under the age of 12. However, if they have Covid-related symptoms upon arrival, they have to undergo testing in accordance with protocol. 

December 26, 2022

• On December 24, 2022, Indian Health Ministry announced that international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand will have to mandatorily present RT-PCR test results . In case any passengers from these countries are symptomatic or test positive for Covid-19, they will be quarantined. 
• Economic Times reporting that Air Suvidha form filling to declare current health status will also be made compulsory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
• Times of India reporting that Qatar has reinstated visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for Indian travellers , which were temporarily halted due to FIFA World Cup 2022 in the country. Indian nationals can get a free VOA in Qatar for a maximum stay of 30 days or as per the hotel reservation and under the following conditions: valid passport for at least six months, confirmed return tickets, and confirmed hotel reservation through ‘Discover Qatar’ website only.
• Times of India  reporting that effective from January 1, 2023 , Serbia has discontinued visa-free travel regulations for Indian citizens , keeping in line with the requirements of European Union (EU) visa policy and measures to control illegal migrants. 

December 23, 2022

New guidelines applicable for international arrivals from December 24, 2022: “All travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.” See here for the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification issued December 22.

India will randomly test 2 percent of international travelers arriving in the country’s airports for COVID, with effect from Saturday (December 24) 10 am IST , as announced by Mansukh Mandaviya, Health Minister on Thursday December 21. Travelers will be allowed to leave the airport after submitting their sample. After the random testing, if found COVID-positive, the person’s sample shall be sent for genomic testing at a designated INSACOG laboratory network; reports shall be hared with Integrated Disease Surveillance Program at [email protected] by the concerned testing laboratory (besides sharing with the airport health organization APHOS) to be in turn shared with concerned state or union territory for further follow-up action.

• India is becoming increasingly cautious after a surge in cases recorded in neighboring China as well as in Brazil, US, Japan, and Korea, besides it being the ongoing holiday and festive season, which witnesses a jump in travel. In another move, visitors to the Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh state), will undergo a COVID-19 test before they enter, as per reporting from news agency ANI. While wearing masks are not currently mandatory in most parts of the country, it will likely be increasingly encouraged. For example, the southern state of Karnataka has made wearing masks mandatory indoors and in closed spaces in guidelines released December 22.

December 14, 2022

• DNA  reporting a travel advisory issued due to the ongoing chaos at Delhi international airport: “To ensure a quick security check, Air India has urged all travelers to bring just one piece of carry-on luggage and arrive at least 3.5 hours early.”
• Times of India  reporting that Hong Kong and Nigeria are among the latest to remove COVID-19 travel rules for international travelers. 
• Business Today  reporting that IndiGo has announced 32 connecting flights between India and Europe – flying to Milan, Manchester, Birmingham, Rome, and Venice – starting December 7, 2022. These international flights will operate in partnership with Turkish Airlines.

November 2022

• Times of India  reporting that Germany is relaxing visa appointment rules for Indian tourists. According to German Missions in the country, Indian travelers can book their visa appointment at any VFS global Visa Application Centre in major Indian cities and the Schengen visa can be applied for three months before the travel date. However, this relaxation does not apply to the D-visa category – students, employment, and family reunion visas, among others.
• New Air India flights announced between India and US, Europe ( Business Traveller ): – Air India is launching new flights connecting Mumbai with New York, Paris, and Frankfurt, and resuming non-stop flights connecting Delhi with Copenhagen, Milan, and Vienna. The new daily Mumbai-New York service to John F Kennedy International Airport will commence February 14, 2023, which will take Air India’s India-US frequency to 47 non-stop flights per week. – The new Air India flights from Delhi to Europe announced are: four weekly Delhi-Milan from February 1, 2023 and three weekly flights each on the Delhi-Vienna and Delhi-Copenhagen routes starting February 18 and March 1, 2023, respectively. – From Mumbai, new Air India flights are currently being planned to Paris* (thrice-weekly) and Frankfurt* (four weekly) from the next quarter. 
• India is discontinuing the Air Suvidha self-declaration form starting November 22, 2022. Passengers flying into India will no longer need to fill out the Air Suvidha form from November 21-22 midnight and will not need to take an RT-PCR COVID-19 test.

On November 14, the Canada  government concluded an expanded Canada-India Air Transport Agreement “to allow unlimited flights between both countries”. The announcement said: “The expanded agreement allows designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week. The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. Money Control reports that this will give Canadian airlines access to the Indian cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai while Indian airlines will receive access to Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver as well as two additional points (Canadian cities) selected by India. India is Canada’s fourth largest international air transport market and there are an estimated 1.5 million Indians living in Canada. Presently the only non-stop direct flights in this market are from Air India and Air Canada.

October 2022

The Financial Express  reports plans of Air India to add 20 weekly, non-stop flights to the US and UK between October and December. “With five additional flights a week to Birmingham, nine additional flights to London, and six additional flights a week to San Francisco, Air India said it will be able to offer over 5,000 additional seats every week.” Soon there will be seven Indian cities offering direct Air India flights to London.

September 2022

• No new updates were made to the “Risk Levels” and “Safety and Security” sections of the Canadian government’s travel advisory for India: The Hindu report .
• Hong Kong is lifting compulsory quarantine requirement for arrivals starting from September 26. There will be three days of medical surveillance during which inbound persons are free to go out but are obliged to comply with Amber Code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass, followed by a four-day self-monitoring period, making it a 7-day observation period in total, as per the Hong Kong government’s notification .
• Taiwan will end mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving in the country from October 13 as per reporting from Reuters . Speaking to the media, Taiwan’s Cabinet spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng stated that from September 29, visa-free entry will be resumed for overseas travelers that previously enjoyed that status. Under its ‘New Taiwan Model’, the government is set to increase weekly arrival limits for international travelers to 60,000 from 10,000 and will not require PCR tests for arrivals. If the pandemic situation is stable, the country will end quarantine from around October 13 and increase the weekly arrival limit to 150,000.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced travel relaxations in Japan while in New York for the UN General Assemebly session. “… from 11 October, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel.”  BBC  reports that the cap on daily arrivals will also be lifted.
• Fiji removed its COVID-19 test requirements for international travelers from September 5, 2022.
• Media is reporting that Indians traveling to Indonesia can fast track their visa applications on arriving in Jakarta as VFS Global has reached an exclusive agreement with the Indonesian Immigrant Department.
• See India’s guidelines for international arrivals – dated September 2, 2022 – which came in effect the next day. The document provides protocols to be complied by international travelers as well as those to be followed by airlines and all points of entry (airports, seaports, and land border). 
• International flights resumed operations starting September 3, in Guwahati’s (Assam state) Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), after a gap of two years. In the next few months, officials speaking to the  Hindustan Times said that the LGBIA airport will start flights from Guwahati to Yangon (Myanmar), Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Bangkok (Thailand).

January – August, 2022

• Airlines and travel agents in India have to share details of international travelers with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC) 24 hours before departure and arrival. The information will be provided to the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC). While this rule had been proposed five years ago, to combat tax avoidance and tax evasion, the government has only now developed a regulatory framework to implement this. India is among 60 countries collecting such details of international passengers. The Ministry of Finance issued the notification on August 8, 2022, as per media reports .
• China no longer requires COVID test information for international arrivals from August 31, 2022 : On Thursday, August 25, 2022, China’s General Administration of Customs released  a new health declaration form for international arrivals, which removes the requirement for visitors to report their nucleic acid test results, infection status, and vaccination dates. This ninth version of the health declaration form will be implemented starting from August 31, 2022, and international visitors can report their health status online by filling out a form on the related WeChat account or webpage. Some  media  interpret that with this update, the current entry requirement, that is, the requirement to have international passengers take two PCR tests for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure, the second of which must be within 24 hours of their departure — will be lifted.  However, considering that China is still sticking to its dynamic zero-COVID strategy, we recommend that international travelers double-check with their flight companies for further information.
• The Chinese Embassy in India has updated its “ Application Procedures and Material Requirements of China Visa “, to be implemented from August 24, 2022. See here for the list of requirements and procedures for various types of Chinese visas, including the M-Visa (commercial and trade activities) and the X1-Visa (long-term study): http://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/202208/t20220822_10748221.htm 
• The  Business Standard  noted in a report that China was working to facilitate the return of foreign students, including from India, who have been stuck due to the COVID-19 visa restriction. The paper quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin who told media that the Chinese side were working intensively for the return of foreign students to China. In updated comments on the foreign ministry website, Wenbin said: “We are confident in seeing the return of the first group of Indian students in the near future. Building on that, the Chinese side will further proceed with the return of other Indian students in a well thought-out and orderly manner.”
• India’s domestic air fare caps will end from August 31, as the civil aviation regulator DGCA rolls back restrictions imposed in 2020. This minimum to maximum price band had been introduced to avoid sky high ticket prices due to pent up demand in the domestic travel market. 
• India’s passport offers visa-free access to 60 countries , including Bhutan, Nepal, Macao, Oman, Qatar, and Fiji. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, published by immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, India’s passport ranked 87th. India had ranked 90th in Q3 and Q4 in 2021. The latest index is topped by Japan, whose passport offers visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea and Singapore (at 192 countries each), and Germany and Spain (190). As per reporting by the Hindustan Times: Indians have ‘visa-on-arrival’ access in Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, and Sri Lanka as well as 21 countries in Africa.
• Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, promised to relax restrictions on international travel in an “orderly” way , which would include facilitating the return of foreign students to rejoin Chinese colleges. Around 500,000 foreign students are enrolled at universities in China, including 23,000 Indians. Li said: “All international students may return to China to continue their studies should they so wish, and outbound commerce and trade activities and cross-border travel for labor services will be advanced in an orderly fashion.” The comments were made during a Special Virtual Dialogue with Global Business Leaders hosted by the forum. Foreign diplomatic missions in China are presently trying to speed up the process to facilitate the return of international students to China. While this is now in a small-scale trial mode, any large-scale opening can be expected only when the country’s epidemic outbreaks slow down.
• Competent authorities in China and India are communicating on securing the resumption of flights and to bring back the first group of Indian students to China at the earliest as reported in  The Economic Times.
• Bhutan is allowing travelers into the country from September 23, 2022 – after a two-year gap. Tourists from India should note the levy of a sustainable development fee (SDF), charged at 1,200 ngultrums (approx. INR 1200) per day; children between the age of six and 12 are charged INR 600 per day and no fee is charged from children below the age of five. The SDF fee is not applicable everywhere – there are exemptions to the levy in 11 districts in the less popular Eastern Bhutan region, until December 2024. 
• India is working to roll out e-passports as per its external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. The minister also informed that the Passport Seva System had been integrated with the DigiLocker system to facilitate paperless documentation. Jaishankar added: “The Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Posts operationalized 428 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) to reach out to our citizens at their doorsteps. The Ministry has successfully integrated the passport issuance systems in 178 of our Embassies and Consulates abroad.” 
• Saudi Arabia has lifted COVID-related travel restrictions on citizens travelling to India, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Vietnam and is accepting pilgrims for the forthcoming annual Hajj season, The Hindu  reports June 20, 2022. The requirement to wear face masks in closed places has also been relaxed.
• China has updated its visa policy for Indians , including Indian professionals and students. China will accept visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to return to China for resumption of work in all fields. Visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended. The details of over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly been forwarded to the Chinese government for visa processing. (Over 23,000 Indian students – mostly enrolled in medical colleges in China – had to return to India and were stuck during the last few years due to the coronavirus pandemic, which first broke out December 2019.) However, China is yet to announce resumption of normal flight facilities between the two countries.
• The US does not require arriving international travelers to take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights to the country from June 12, Sunday. “As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country .”
• Media reports say the DGCA has made masks mandatory at Indian airports and during flights. India recorded 7,240 new cases in 24 hours [ June 9 MoHFW update], the highest since March.
• On Wednesday, June 8, India’s aviation regulator DGCA announced fresh guidelines for COVID-appropriate behavior. The wearing of masks is now mandatory inside the flight / throughout the air travel , and mask removal is permitted only under exceptional circumstances. Violators could be treated as ‘unruly passengers’ and removed from the flight before departure. This is in line with a Delhi High Court order, which stipulates that violators can be put on ‘no fly list’. 
• India’s  overall passenger traffic  (both domestic and international) at airports reached 93 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022. International passenger traffic reached 63 percent and 72 percent of pre-COVID levels in April and May, respectively. Recovery of domestic travel reached 98 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022.
• Turkey has relaxed all the conditions for Indian travelers entering the country, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday, June 6.​​ Now, Indian travelers no longer have to show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-29 or negative RT-PCR test report.
• The United States Embassy in India has tweeted (8.23pm, May 29): “The US Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled. Applicants whose placeholder appointments were cancelled may now reenter the scheduling system to book regular appointments. Appointments have been opened through 2023.”
• Media reports say that Israel has removed COVID-19-linked travel requirements for foreign visitors, such as presenting a negative RT-PCR test prior to departure, undergoing an RT-PCR test upon arrival, and quarantine observation.
• Livemint reports: “Malaysia Airlines will add new routes, increase frequencies and upgrade aircraft to cater to the Indian market, which remains a key geography for the airline.”
• Saudi Arabia has banned its citizens from travelling to sixteen countries, including India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, after the Gulf state has recorded a five-fold rise in COVID-19 cases. News18 reports : “Saudi Arabia’s General Department of Passports dropped several Covid-19 restrictions towards the end of last year but are now reimposing some of them as Covid-19 cases are being reported from various parts of the world and China and North Korea bearing the brunt of the Omicron variant which is leading to fresh cases.”
• Indian announced on May 12 that citizens planning to travel abroad are now eligible to get a third (booster/precaution) dose of vaccine three months after their second dose. The rules otherwise stipulate a nine-month gap between the second dose and booster shot. 
• Scoot, the budget airline from Singapore Airlines Group, has launched daily flight services between Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Singapore, up from three times a week. As per reporting by The Hindu  [April 27, 2022], Scoot has a network of 42 destinations in 16 countries and territories, including Australia and Southeast Asia.
• VietJet has announced that it will resume operations of six flights – on the Delhi-Hanoi route and Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route from April 29, 2022. New flights have also been added by VietJet on the Mumbai-Phu Quoc route and New Delhi-Phu Quoc route, which are scheduled to start from September 9, 2022.
• Hong Kong has banned Air India flights till April 24 due to COVID-19 as three passengers on board one of its flights had reportedly tested positive on arrival.
• On April 11,  Times of India  reported that fully vaccinated passengers from the UAE traveling to India will not necessarily require a pre-departure RT-PCR test at the airport. The move is on a reciprocity basis. However, UAE travelers will need to fill out the passenger locator form on the Air Suvidha portal – same as travelers from any other destination visiting India. Also, travelers need to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate onto the Air Suvidha portal.
• Scheduled international flight services have resumed from Sunday, March 27, 2022 after being suspended for two years due to COVID-19. Starting March 27, six Indian airlines and 60 foreign airlines will connect India with 63 countries . Under the new summer schedule (March 27 to October 29), foreign airlines will operate 1,783 weekly flights and Indian carriers will operate 1,466 departures every week. Among domestic airlines, IndiGo will operate 505 departures per week, followed by Tata Group-owned Air India at 361 weekly flights and its subsidiary Air India Express will operate 340 flights per week.
• From the  Indian Express : More international airlines add flights to India : “Emirates said… it will be operating the 35 weekly flights from Mumbai, 28 from Delhi, 24 from Bengaluru, 21 each from Chennai and Hyderabad, 14 from Kochi, 11 from Kolkata, nine from Ahmedabad and seven from Thiruvananthapuram.”
• On March 21, 2022, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced  that from April 1, the Government will lift the flight ban on nine countries (i.e., Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, the USA, and Nepal)  and cut the hotel quarantine period for arrivals. Currently, passenger aircraft from these nine countries are not allowed to land in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive also announced the preconditions for boarding a flight to Hong Kong and the COVID-19 control and prevention measures to be implemented upon arrival. Given this, there are  comments  saying that traveling to Hong Kong will not get much easier even after the ban is lifted. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. plans just one inbound flight every two weeks for fear to be subjected to the city’s 14-day ban on airlines that carry too many passengers found to be infected with COVID-19.
• Singapore announced it is lifting restrictions for all vaccinated travelers from next week. According to officials, from April 1, fully vaccinated adults and unvaccinated children will be allowed to enter Singapore without quarantining, if they take a pre-departure test . Only travelers on a ‘restricted list’ will face curbs in entering Singapore; as of March 24, 2022 – there are no countries on this list.
• On March 21, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced relaxed COVID-19-related regulations. NDTV reports MoCA saying “cabin crew members need not wear PPE kit, airlines need not keep three seats vacant on international flights for medical emergencies and security personnel at airports can resume pat-down search of passengers.” However, the use of face mask and maintenance of hand hygiene/sanitizer continues to be mandatory . Airlines may carry additional PPE protective gear, sanitizers, and N-95 masks to handle any respiratory infections related to cases on air – for passengers as well as the crew.
• Cochin International Airport announces summer schedule (March 27 to October 29) with 1,190 weekly operations (international and domestic flights). 20 airlines will operate flights to destinations abroad (including 16 international carriers). Indigo has the most weekly departures to international destinations (42) and Air India Express accounts for 38 weekly departure operations. Other prominent carriers are Air Asia Berhad, Ethihad, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Gulf Air, and Fly Dubai. 44 weekly departures are scheduled for Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi with 42. Air India Express will continue its weekly operations to London and Thai Air Asia will resume Kochi operations in June, with 4 weekly direct flights to Bangkok. Source:  The Hindu Business Line
• Useful Quick Links from the Air India portal: – Official Circular on Restoration of Indian Visa (E-Tourist Visa and Tourist Visa) for Foreign Tourists   – Circular For Generating and Accessing International Digital Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate – International Travel Advisories
• Singapore Airlines Group press release: All Singapore Airlines flights from India to Singapore will operate as vaccinated travel lane (VTL) services from March 16, 2022. This will provide eligible customers with quarantine-free entry into Singapore from eight points across India. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, will also progressively convert its non-VTL services from Amritsar, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchi, and Visakhapatnam to VTL services. Short-term visitors and Singapore work-permit holders who seek to avail VTL services must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) prior to their visa application. VTP applications should be made between three and 60 calendar days before the person’s intended date of entry into Singapore. Travelers must ensure their eligibility to use the VTL services before their flight. 
• Regular international flights to resume March 27, 2022 after two years suspension. This is the start of the summer schedule 2022.
• Economic Times reporting “ Global travel shedding Covid baggage as several nations ease restrictions for Indians “. 
• India has once again extended its ban on regular commercial international passenger flights – until further orders – as per a circular dated February 28, 2022 issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flights under air bubble arrangements and international cargo flights will continue.
• On February 28, 2022 , the Indian government updated its “ List of Countries/Regions in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded ” on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website: see document here . There are 88 countries now on this list . (The Union health ministry has removed the at-risk categorization of countries.) 
• India and Thailand have finalized an air bubble arrangement, bringing the total number of such bilateral flight agreements to 37. Airline carriers between India and Thailand will begin operating flights starting in March, which will be subject to approval from the government. Thai Airways will commence flights between India and Thailand starting March 1 under this air bubble. Travelers should note the health protocols and the respective schedules of approved flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Bangkok. Meanwhile, on February 25, SpiceJet announced it will launch six new international flights to Bangkok, commencing from March 10 in a phased manner. SpiceJet plans to launch flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata with Bangkok. India reportedly has plans to reopen its regular international travel from March 15, but this is still a tentative date.
• Singapore, UAE, and Kuwait have updated their travel guidelines and COVID-prevention protocols for travelers from India. See here to know more.
• The Airport Authority of India has updated its state-wise guidelines for arriving passengers – by region. The PDF links may be accessed here: COVID Guidelines India Northern Region 14-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India Western Region 21.02.2022 COVID Guidelines India Southern Region 22-02-20212 COVID Guidelines India Eastern Region 18-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India North East Region 17-02-2022
• Dubai ends rapid RT-PCR rules for Indian travelers. Under the new rules , travelers from India have to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued by an approved health service provider and generated 48 hours before scheduled departure of the flight. Passengers will undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers will be expected to follow rules governing entry at their final destination.
• It is being reported in The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has requested approval from the health ministry to allow resumption of international flights from mid-March. Reason cited by unnamed government source is that domestic traffic has rebounded.
• The government has removed restrictions on the number of flights that can be operated between India and Ukraine under their bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate travel of Indians from the eastern European country. India has advised its citizens to temporarily leave Ukraine amid its deteriorating relations with Russia.
• Indian media are reporting that the government is soon to make a decision on whether regular international flights can resume in the summer (March/April). It is being reported by The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has set an internal target of resuming international flight services once domestic airlines capacity touches 80% of pre-COVID flights. (Domestic airlines operated over 2,800 flights before the pandemic struck in 2020; as of February 13, they operated 2,058 flights. To reach the 80% mark, this number has to exceed 2,200.)
• No testing or mandatory quarantine required for international travelers from February 14, 2022: On February 10, India revised guidelines for international arrivals, which will come into effect February 14, 2022 (Monday, 00.01 Hrs IST). The new guidelines remove the category of ‘at risk’ countries and has scrapped the seven-day mandatory quarantine. Instead, India’s health authorities recommend self-monitoring of 14 days for symptoms . The Union Health Ministry stated that there is “need to monitor the continuously changing” COVID-19 virus but accepted that “economic activities need to be taken up in an unhindered manner”. As per the latest guidelines, all foreign arrivals have to fill a self-declaration form online (Air Suvidha web portal), including a travel history of the past 14 days. They must also upload a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the departure date. Alternatively, they can upload a certificate confirming that they are fully vaccinated. This alternative option is only available for passengers arriving from the 72 countries whose vaccination program are recognized by the Indian government. They include Canada, Hong Kong, USA, UK, Bahrain, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries. See here for the official notification on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare portal.
• Australia will reopen its borders for international tourists from February 21 , subject to conditions. The move comes after almost two years of pandemic-linked travel restrictions. Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while making the announcement: “The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia. That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.” However, travelers to Australia should note the state-wise rules and restrictions.
• Vietnam reported to reopen for tourism, welcome foreign travelers from March 15, 2022. See here for information pertaining to travel to Vietnam .
• On February 5, Bali reopened its borders for international travelers and resumed direct international flights. See here for information on travel to Indonesia .
• On February 4, the state of Kerala released revised guidelines for international travelers. ( See here for the official notification by the Kerala government.) Any international traveler coming to Kerala, irrespective of their duration of stay, must undergo symptom surveillance. If they are found symptomatic, they must undertake an RT-PCR test at cost at the airport and take further action as per the test results. The revised rules advise home quarantine for international travelers who do not show symptoms; they must self-monitor their health for 7 days from the date of arrival and undergo testing if they develop symptoms. Rapid Antigen Test is advised on the 8th day after arrival. There will be random testing of 2% of international travelers on the flight, irrespective of the country of departure, and the costs will be borne by the Kerala state government. 
• Singapore Airlines has restarted the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with India. VTL flights allow quarantine-free travel into Singapore. There are VTL flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai into Singapore. (Singapore has also restarted its vaccinated travel lane with Malaysia.) Passengers should note that there are limited flights and reduced seat quota on these routes.
• The West Bengal state government announced on January 31, that it is rolling back its ban on all international direct flights coming from the United Kingdom to Kolkata.
• Indians who are fully vaccinated can reportedly travel to these seven countries: UK, Thailand, Singapore, Cyprus, Vietnam, Israel, and Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
• Canada has relaxed COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from India, starting January 28, 2022. People traveling on direct flights or on a one-stop flight from India do not have to show a negative RT-PCR test done at the Delhi airport within 18 hours of their departure. However, Canada still requires travelers from India to show an RT-PCR test report from an ICMR-approved lab . Fully vaccinated travelers must upload their relevant details onto the ArriveCAN app or website. 
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs – Guidelines for International Arrivals – Quick Access to Documents: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf 
• India has extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights to 23:59 February 28, 2022: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This ban does not apply to international all-cargo operations and the DGCA-approved flights. The notification was released by the DGCA on January 19, 2022.
• Hong Kong bars flights from India, U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Pakistan, and Philippines over Omicron fears, reports The Hindu (Jan.5, 2022).
• Countries reported to be requiring mandatory vaccine booster shots for travelers include Kuwait, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Austria, Greece, and Israel. 
• Gulf News is reporting that India is currently making a “day to day” assessment on the resumption of normal international flights. “One has to balance the concerns of public safety and travel,” said Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, Government of India. “We will take very expeditious action as and when things improve and the assessment is carried out. I’m hopeful that [full] international travel will resume soon.”
• Starting January 1, 2022, India’s air bubble arrangement with Saudi Arabia will be in effect. 
• India has reached an air bubble agreement with Australia. According to reporting from Livemint : “Australian airline Qantas has recently started flights between Sydney and New Delhi. The airline is also set to start flights between New Delhi and Melbourne before Christmas. Air India also operated direct commercial flights connecting New Delhi with Melbourne and Sydney before scheduled international flights were suspended by the Indian government. Air India flights between India and Australia will resume in coming days, said a senior official with the airline.”
• As of December 7, 2021 , India’s Civil Aviation and Health Ministry has made contactless self-declaration at Air Suvidha Portal mandatory for purpose of contact tracing. Exemption forms from the Air Suvidha portal has been discontinued. All international passengers arriving in India must fill in all the details.
• 108 countries recognize India’s COVID-19 vaccination certificate for travel purpose as per data available on December 6, 2021 .

Commercial international flights were suspended in India since March 25, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Travel restrictions have begun to be gradually relaxed from October 2021.

Below we highlight the latest guidelines for international travel to and from India.

Latest updates

Status of india’s international air operations.

• On March 8, an order from the government confirmed resumption of regular international flights from March 27, 2022 . “After being recognized the increase of vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from March 27, 2022, ie [that is] start of the summer schedule 2022,” said the order. India had suspended international flights for the first time in March 2020 and began operating air bubble arrangements since July 2020. 
• As of February 28, 2022, India has extended its suspension of scheduled international flights “till further orders”. 
• India rolled back its intention to resume normal international flight schedules from December due to the emergence of the Omicron COVID variant. On December 9, 2021, the civil aviation regulator announced announced the postponement of international scheduled commercial flights till February 28, 2022. Air bubble and evacuation flights schedules, approved flights, and air cargo will function.

India releases periodic guidelines for international passengers coming into India based on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of regional variants and their threat assessment. The latest travel guidelines for international arrivals to India were released on February 10, 2022 (and supersede previous notifications): https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf

• The Air Suvidha portal for submission of Self Declaration Form, which is mandatory: https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration 

For evacuation flight schedule Phase 14 (October 1, 2021 to March 26, 2022), see Air India Vande Bharat Mission here (download PDF): https://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/VBM-schedule-dtd-30sep2021-PHASE14.pdf . The evacuation mission has been in place since May 7, 2020. For destinations operated under air bubble arrangement Phase 13 ( September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021), click here for PDF download .

• As of April 15, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored electronic visa (e-visa) facility for foreigners from 156 countries. The e-visa facility is applicable for international tourists who wish to visit India for conferences, medical purposes, or business. The e-visa also extends to medical attendants.

Air Transport Bubbles

India has also established “Transport Bubbles” or “Air Travel Arrangements”, which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

The details of such arrangements were last updated in February 2022.

India now has 37 air bubble arrangements in place: Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, and Uzbekistan.

More details can be seen on the government website here: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles 

• Full service carrier Vistara has started non-stop flight services to Paris from Delhi under the air bubble agreement between India and Europe, according to reporting from The Economic Times . Under the air bubble pact, Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner) aircraft will fly twice a week between Delhi and Paris – on Wednesday and Sunday. London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Male are the other international destinations covered by Vistara, which is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
• The US will be lifting travel restrictions on foreign countries from November 8, Monday. Travelers must show proof of vaccination (WHO-approved vaccines); unvaccinated minors will be subject to testing requirements; and all travelers will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure to the US. See here for Reuters coverage of the changing rules.
• Air India will offer non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney starting November 15, 2021. Air India will operate the thrice-a-week service on the Delhi-Sydney-Delhi route under the Vande Bharat Mission. Australia has also formally recognized Covaxin, India’s COVID-19 vaccine.
• India’s new visa norms stipulate that visas will be granted to foreigners only if they use water and air routes, not land routes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed the gradual resumption of international travel to start from October 15, 2021 and tourist and e-visas will be issued for only a single entry per month. From November 15, all individual foreign nationals (on fresh tourist visas) will be allowed to enter India after observing prevailing COVID-19 protocols as notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 
• The Union Home Ministry announced on Thursday that India will allow foreign tourists traveling by chartered flights (Vande Bharat and air bubble flights) from October 15, rest from November 15, 2021. Foreigner tourists will be allowed to come in on non-charter flights from November 15 unless the extended restrictions on scheduled flights is substantially lifted. See the Home Ministry’s press briefing here  and reporting by the Economic Times here .
• The Hindustan Times reporting on October 2 : “Australia’s visiting trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan said foreign students will be able to start “returning towards the end of this year and the beginning of next year”, ahead of the start of the first semester in February-March 2022. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia listed Covishield and China’s Coronavac (Sinovac) as “recognised vaccines” after an initial assessment of data on protection offered by the two jabs.”
• CoWin, India’s digital platform for COVID-19 vaccination, is allowing travelers to download an international version of their COVID-19 vaccine certificate, which is compliant with WHO’s international travel guidelines. This feature went live on September 30, 2021, and allows fully vaccinated individuals to update their existing photo identity to passport number and date of birth to get their International Travel Certificate. See website: https://www.cowin.gov.in/
• The Indian Bureau of Immigration noted the specific categories of foreign nationals who are permitted to enter India by water routes or by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission, or ‘Air Bubble’ (Bilateral Air Travel Arrangements) Scheme, or by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in its notice MHA O.M. No.25022/24/2020-F.V/F.I dated October 21, 2020. See here for reference.
• Air India has said it will run direct services between Muscat and Vijayawada “once a week or thrice from the first week of July”. The Vijayawada International Airport resumed international flights to Gulf destinations, such as Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat in June, to Singapore in April.
• Budget carrier Air India Express will operate a total of 64 flights between Malaysia and India in July under Vande Bharat Mission. More below.
• Foreign nationals who wish to travel to India for medical treatment can apply for a fresh visa under this category and choose one attendant to accompany them as per the visa category provisions (that is, if the original applicant has their medical visa approved).
• On October 8, 2020, India’s civil aviation authority said the future of international flights will depend on the availability of a vaccine, hinting at the extension of air travel bubble arrangements into March-April next year.
• Low-cost carrier SpiceJet announces its new flight operations connecting Delhi and Mumbai with London, starting December 4, which will come under the India-UK air bubble agreement.
• New standard operating protocol announced August 22, 2020 for non-scheduled commercial flights under the repatriation scheme, Vande Bharat Mission, and Air Transport Bubble Agreements.

(Note: This article was originally published on August 4, 2020 and last updated on February 10, 2023.)

India Briefing  is produced by  Dezan Shira & Associates . The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in  Delhi  and  Mumbai . Readers may write to   [email protected]  for business support in India.

• Previous Article Latest Updates on India’s FTAs in 2022
• Next Article A Guide to Popular Income Tax-Saving Investment Options in India

Our free webinars are packed full of useful information for doing business in India.

DEZAN SHIRA & ASSOCIATES

Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed.

Want the Latest Sent to Your Inbox?

Subscribing grants you this, plus free access to our articles and magazines.

Get free access to our subscriptions and publications

Subscribe to receive weekly India Briefing news updates, our latest doing business publications, and access to our Asia archives.

Your trusted source for India business, regulatory and economy news, since 1999.

Subscribe now to receive our weekly India Edition newsletter. Its free with no strings attached.

Not convinced? Click here to see our last week's issue.

Search our guides, media and news archives

Type keyword to begin searching...

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

Manali to Leh Road Trip

Visa Free Countries

Katchatheevu Island

Kerala Hill Stations

Jatayu Earth Centre

New Zealand Campsites

Going on a solo trip to Abu Dhabi? Here are 5 must-enjoy activities

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated : Mar 31, 2024, 23:20 IST

You're Reading

Embark on a solo adventure in Abu Dhabi to explore cultural sites like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and enjoy thrilling experiences such as desert safaris. Indulge in the capital's rich traditions and modern attrac … Read more

Embark on a solo adventure in Abu Dhabi to explore cultural sites like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and enjoy thrilling experiences such as desert safaris. Indulge in the capital's rich traditions and modern attractions. Read less

More from Travel News

World’s oldest man-made structures that are still standing

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

10 visa-free countries famous for their rich heritage TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

6 incredible destinations that will now be more accessible with new airports TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

Are you a Sai Bhakta? 6 famous Sai Baba temples across the world! TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

Trending stories.

• Katchatheevu, the tiny island that has sparked India-Sri Lanka controversy

Varanasi, the only Indian city to meet PM2.5 air quality standards

10 visa-free countries famous for their rich heritage

9 most unusual wonders on Earth; check the one in India

Epic road trip from Manali to Leh, and the must-visit places

• 1 Going on a solo trip to Abu Dhabi? Here are 5 must-enjoy activities
• 2 5 top adventure activities to enjoy in Tamil Nadu
• 3 India to Thailand road trip: Essential tips and information for this cross-border expedition
• 4 Bringing Thailand home: Souvenirs that capture the essence of the ‘Land of Smiles’
• 5 Exploring 5 oldest wellness retreats in India

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

• Varanasi, the only Indian city to meet PM2.5 air quality standards in the past 2 years' winter
• The mysterious giant ‘gravity hole’ in Indian Ocean, and why it was formed

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

Embark on a solo adventure in Abu Dhabi to explore cultural sites like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and enjoy thrilling experiences such as desert safaris. Indulge in the capital's ric...

Over 3.5 lakh devotees visited first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi within 1st month

Abu Dhabi, Apr 3 (PTI) Over 3.5 lakh devotees visited the first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi within a month of its opening for the public, according to temple authorities.

The iconic temple which was inaugurated in February by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was opened for visitors on March 1.

“In the first month, there were approximately 350,000 devotees and visitors, 50,000 of whom visited each weekend (Saturday--Sunday). It's important to note that on Mondays the Mandir conducts private prayers and is closed to visitors, meaning the complex was accessible for only 27 out of the 31 days in March,” a temple spokesperson told PTI.

“Every evening from Tuesday to Sunday, Ganga aarti is performed at 7.30 pm on the banks of the Swaminarayan ghat, which has been created using holy water from Ganga and Yamuna transported from India,” he added.

The grand temple was inaugurated during a dedication ceremony attended by over 5,000 invitees on February 14.

The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore.

Constructed with 18 lakh bricks and 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone sourced directly from Rajasthan Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple has been made in the Nagara style of architecture, just like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya which was inaugurated earlier this year.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is the largest in all of the Gulf region. The UAE has three other Hindu temples in Dubai.

"Since the temple is little on the outskirts and in the middle of a desert, public bus service from the city has been started for weekends to allow visitors to easily come to the temple," the spokesperson said.

During Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to the Gulf nation in 2015, the UAE allocated land for constructing a temple in Abu Dhabi. This visit held significant diplomatic importance, as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi to visit this strategically vital Gulf nation in 34 years.

The construction of the temple began in 2019. The UAE has at least 3.5 million Indians who are part of the Indian workforce in the Gulf. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government.

Seven spires representing seven emirates of the UAE, carvings of camels, and national bird falcon, are part of the architecture of the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, to give equal representation to the host country.

To give equal representation to the host country, along with animals that occupy an important place in Indian mythology like elephants, camels and lions, the UAE’s national bird, the falcon, has also been included in the design.

Apart from 15 tales from India, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, stories from Mayan, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese and African civilizations have also been depicted in the temple.

While the outer walls of the temple are made using sandstone from India, the interior, made of white Italian marble, is adorned with intricately designed and carved columns and walls.

Other Noteworthy architectural elements include two ghumats (domes), 12 samrans (dome-like structures) and 402 pillars. The two ghumats are the “Dome of Peace” and “Dome of Harmony”.

Over 300 high-tech sensors to measure temperature and monitor seismic activity, fly ash in the foundation to reduce carbon footprint, 18 million bricks, nano heat resistant tiles and no usage of iron and steel---the temple has been built using ancient architectural methods clubbed with scientific techniques.

The temple’s facade features exquisite marble carvings set against a sandstone backdrop, crafted from more than 25,000 pieces of stone by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. A substantial number of pink sandstone were transported from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi for the temple.

• WEB STORIES New
• ENTERTAINMENT
• CAREER & CAMPUS
• INFOGRAPHICS
• ISL 2023-24

• Manorama Online
• Manorama News TV
• ManoramaMAX
• Radio Mango
• Subscription

UAE visa cancellation: Govt introduces five digital guidelines

Abu Dhabi: The UAE government has introduced five digital guidelines for the cancellation of visas. The visa of family members are to be cancelled by the sponsor while the employee visa should be cancelled by the respective companies or employers. Individuals cannot cancel their visas on their own. To cancel an employee’s visa, the company should first apply for cancellation of his/her employment contract and labour card at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The employee too should sign on the application.

Besides, an affidavit signed by the employee stating that he/she had duly received the wages and other benefits. After this, the employer can apply to the ICP or GDRFI for visa cancellation. Meanwhile, the individuals could cancel their visa only after the visa cancellation process of the family members is completed. The visas could be cancelled online via the official website of ICP or through approved typing centres. Persons would be allowed to stay in the country only if the visa is renewed before it expires. However, individuals may be allowed to stay in the country for 1 – 6 months after visa cancellation depending upon the nature of the visa.

Meanwhile, AED 50 would be charged as a fine for each day that a person stays in the country with an expired visa. It must be noted that the Emirates ID too would be invalid as soon as the visa expires. So, the application for visa cancellation should be submitted at the ICP before it expires. Check the website for details. 

KSRTC to introduce super–fast premium AC buses in long-distance routes

Tourism activities temporarily banned in Kerala's coastal areas: Precautions to take

Kochi gets ‘Indra’, India’s longest solar powered cruise boat

Why did Vistara cancel hundreds of flights in a week?

Kannur Airport to increase domestic-international fares from April 1: Here's why

Air India Express to add more services in the Muscat – Kannur route from April 1

Kerala – Gulf passenger ship service aims to facilitate journey for Rs 25,000

Flying with your pet? Here are the guidelines you should follow

Israeli hostage, 71, still stunned by reality of rescue

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Reporting by Eli Berlzon and Michal Yaakov Itzhaki

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

For the past five years, Egyptian Laila Abdel Maksoud and her family have run a charity offering free meals during the holy month of Ramadan, serving more and more people even as soaring inflation has driven up costs for the organization.