As India continues to grapple with the dreaded second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation recorded 2,67,334 new cases in the last 24 hours. The healthcare system continues to be stretched with hospitals facing an acute shortage of beds, oxygen concentrators and even medicines. Many countries have banned travellers from India to contain the Covid spread. Yet, there are some nations that are partially or fully open to Indian travellers right now. Here are 5 of those countries that have reopened their borders.
1. Seychelles
Seychelles shall now permit only fully vaccinated travellers from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, two weeks after they get their second vaccine dose along with a negative RT-PCR report. Besides, residents from all countries except South Africa can commute to Seychelles with a negative Covid report in hand. This test needs to be done 72 hours before departure with valid health and travel insurance that covers Covid-related costs.
2. Russia
Indians can now travel to Russia for vaccination and vacation, all in one. Tourists from India can enjoy a 24-day all-inclusive vacation to Russia at around ₹1.3 lakh per person that includes two doses of Sputnik vaccination. The rough plans include a 24-day stay at 3-star hotels in Moscow (20 days), St Petersburg (4 days), coupled with sightseeing and guided tours. Indians can travel to Russia after getting just an RT-PCR test done and experience a vacation with vaccination without quarantine. Moreover, tourists can also find the rupee parity much lighter on the pockets than any other European destination. So, Russia has certainly opened its borders for Indians who test Covid negative.
3. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has reopened its international borders to all travellers. However, to travel to Ethiopia all passengers above the age of 10 need to produce a medical certificate with a negative RT-PCR test result issued not more than 120 hours before travel. Moreover, all travellers must undergo 7 days of quarantine in their residence or accommodation, from their arrival in Ethiopia.
4. Qatar
Qatar is partially open to visitors from India. Doha introduced travel guidelines for its visitors from India. This includes a negative RT-PCR test report in English within 48 hours of the scheduled flight departure. This test must be done from an ICMR certified lab. The guidelines also include 10-day quarantine in a dedicated facility among others. The PCR test result must be presented at check-in to be able to board the flight. However, there are no exemptions from quarantine for vaccinated travellers or passengers who test Covid positive earlier.
5. The UK
Air India began operating flights from London to Mumbai from May 17 till May 31. However, flights will not operate on May 23 and 30. Apart from Mumbai, flights will also operate from Bengaluru to London on May 19, 24, 26, and 31. The same will then fly from London’s Heathrow to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on May 23, 25, and 30. The UK residents who travel from a red list nation like India must quarantine in a hotel on arrival and take two Covid-19 tests. Despite the concerns of the Covid variant from India, thousands of people are flying from India to the UK daily.
