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The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the shutdown of international travel for most countries, including India. However, in July 2020, the Indian government established “air bubble arrangements” with several countries, allowing for the resumption of international flights for certain categories of passengers.
What is an air bubble agreement?
An air bubble agreement is a temporary arrangement between two countries that allows for the resumption of international air travel while limiting the risks of COVID-19 transmission. The agreement restricts the number of flights and passengers that can travel between the two countries. Furthermore, the countries that have agreed upon an air bubble arrangement typically have similar levels of COVID-19 infection rates and effective control measures in place to manage the spread of the virus.
Air bubble agreement in India
India has established air bubble arrangements with several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. Allowing certain categories of passengers to travel on specified flights between the two countries.
As per the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian citizens and nationals of the destination country holding a valid visa in the following categories are eligible to travel:
1. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of the destination country.
2. All foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment.
3. All business travelers holding a valid business visa.
4. All students holding a valid visa for their respective institutions, as approved by the Indian authorities.
5. All persons who wish to travel due to family emergencies like death, critical illness, etc.
The air bubble arrangement is allowed only for direct flights, and the airlines operating these flights have to adhere to strict guidelines aimed at limiting the spread of the virus. Passengers are also required to adhere to the specified COVID-19 guidelines, such as carrying negative COVID-19 test reports, quarantine, and other measures as per the destination country`s guidelines.
Conclusion
The air bubble agreement has provided relief for individuals stranded in foreign countries due to the shutdown of international travel. The Indian government has taken proactive steps in establishing these arrangements with several countries to enable the safe movement of passengers while limiting the spread of COVID-19. However, these agreements are subject to change given the current uncertain situation due to the pandemic. Passengers must make sure to stay updated with the latest guidelines and restrictions before booking their travel.