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Indians can now travel to 21 Countries midst Pandemic!

There are now air travel bubbles in place with 21 countries, allowing  Indian travellers to fly out to these destinations or fly back into the country. 

An air travel bubble means that you can book international flights between India and the other country without applying for permission from the government.

You can book non-scheduled commercial flights directly with the specified airlines under the Vande Bharat Mission and Air Transport Bubble arrangement. Remember to factor in the time required for quarantine by the guidelines of the country you are travelling to.

Which Countries Can You Travel To?

Moving to Canada - ReloAdvisor

 

These are the 21 countries that currently have air travel bubble arrangements with India.

  • Afghanistan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Bhutan
  • Canada (above)Kenya - Rebelgroup
  • France
  • Germany
  • Iraq
  • Japan
  • Kenya (above) Cheap flights to the Maldives for $526 round-trip | Travel + Leisure
  • The Maldives (above)
  • The Netherlands
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • QatarChoice of Law and Dispute Resolution in the United Arab Emirates - Global Arbitration News
  •  Rwanda
  •  Tanzania
  •  Ukraine
  • The United Arab Emirates (above)
  • The United Kingdom
  • The United States

Before these air travel bubbles were established, only repatriation flights were available one-way since May 6, 2020. These were for stranded Indian nationals to come home, or for international travellers stuck in the country to return to their own nations.

Be Safe If You Decide To Fly Out Of The Country

Is It Safe to Fly During the Coronavirus? One Traveler's Risk Assessment – Camerons Travels | Rick Steves Europe

There is no doubt that air travel is a risk during the pandemic, because, unless you charter a private flight, you will be in close quarters with people in security queues and airport terminals.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assures that “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on aeroplanes.” However, social distancing can be difficult and requires a disciplined approach to travelling, which means that the onus is on you to keep yourself safe.

Most Indian airlines and airports have put security protocols in place to help you avoid contact with frequently-touched surfaces; it’s important that you find out what these guidelines are in advance and follow them carefully for your own protection and the safety of others travelling with you. Also consider well in advance how you will safely get to and from the airport, as public transport can increase your exposure to the virus.

Keep Yourself Safe While You Travel

  1. Be stringent about wearing a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered on the way to the airport, in the airport, on the flight and until you get to your quarantine venue.
  2. Maintain the social distancing norms; stay at least two arms’ distance from anyone not from your own household.
  3. Carry your own supply of sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, and wash your hands often. Ensure that the washing facilities are sanitary.
  4. Stay away from anyone who seems ill.
  5. Be very careful about not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Be Considerate Of Others’ Safety After You Travel

There is a reason why most countries have a mandated quarantine and testing schedule after you arrive at your destination, whether at home or in another country. It’s because you might have been exposed to COVID-19 virus, and, although you might feel fine, you might be an asymptomatic carrier and very contagious. You are now a risk to others around you. This risk is contained by a 14-day quarantine, which is usually imposed on incoming visitors, alongside a schedule of testing on the day of arrival, 7th and 14th day to ascertain that you are safe to be allowed among the general public. Do not shirk this responsibility or take it lightly; you would hate to be the carrier of a deadly virus.