The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday announced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for international travellers arriving in India amid rising cases of mutant strains of novel coronavirus in the country. The issued guidelines will be effective from February 22, 2021 till further orders. The ministry asserted that besides passengers coming by flights originating from the UK, Europe and the Middle East; all the travellers need to follow the guidelines.

Also read: Airlines permitted to fly only 80% of pre-COVID flights till March-end: Govt

Here is the updated SOP for those passengers who are planning to travel to India:

1. Travellers need to submit a self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) before the scheduled travel. They also have to upload a negative COVID-19 test. The test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to the journey.

2. Passengers should also give an undertaking on the portal or otherwise to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. They need to abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority to undergo home quarantine/ self-monitoring of their health for 14 days, or as warranted.

3. Arrival in India without a negative report shall be allowed only for those travelling to India in the exigency of death in the family.

The SOP also includes before boarding, during travel and on arrival guidelines for the commuters.

Earlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation extended the suspension of all international flight operations in India till February 28, 2021. Overseas flights to and from India are currently operated as per air bubble agreements with various countries.