These countries are still open to Indian travellers
Test requirements, quarantine rules and cost of tickets—everything you need to know about visiting the four countries that are open to Indian travellers
The second wave has led many countries to pull up the drawbridge for travellers from India. However, there are still a handful of countries that have left their doors open to visitors from the country. The travel is largely restricted, the frequency of flights is low, and the cost of tickets has skyrocketed. Here’s the list:
Note: Bear in mind that these are subject to change—please check with your airline and track official sources for the latest updates.
Russia
Russia is one of the few countries that is still open to Indian travellers. One can apply for a tourist visa that is valid for up to 30 days for single entry or double entry. The Russian government requires all travellers to present an RT-PCR test, dated no less than three days prior to arrival. Passengers will also have to undergo a test on arrival. They will be permitted entry only if found negative. A person who tests positive will be transferred to a COVID treatment facility.
While there have been rumours of vaccination tours to Russia, the government has confirmed that the country is not inoculating tourists. There are limited flights being operated by Air India, Aeroflot, Uzbekistan Airways, KLM Royal Dutch and Emirates from Mumbai and Delhi to Moscow. The tickets are priced at an upward of Rs 80,000 for a return journey.
Turkey
While Turkey is open to Indian travellers, it has made 14-day institutional quarantine mandatory for those arriving into the country. Passengers will need to be tested on the 14th day of arrival, and only if they test negative will they be allowed to leave the quarantine facility. Passengers above the age of six are also required to submit an RT-PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to departure. A round-trip ticket operated by carriers such as Air India, Emirates and KLM Royal Dutch from Mumbai to Istanbul is priced at an upward of Rs72,000.
Egypt
Those arriving from India and other countries affected by COVID-19 mutant strains will have to undergo a rapid DNA test (ID NOW), which provides the results in 15 minutes. Travellers who test positive will either be returned to the point of departure or will be isolated for 15 days. Round-trip flights from Mumbai to Cairo operated by AirIndia, Etihad Airways and EgyptAir are priced at an upward of Rs2,30,000.
South Africa
While South Africans have appealed to the government to ban flights from India, the government has not introduced travel restrictions just yet. Visitors are expected to produce an RT-PCR test no older than 72 hours. Upon arrival, the passenger will be screened for symptoms. If they display any symptoms, they will have to undergo a test, the cost of which will be borne by the passenger. If the test is positive, the person will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine. Travellers will need to provide their proof of accommodation on arrival as well. South Africa is currently under Level 1 curfew, which includes restrictions on gatherings and the opening of nightclubs. Flights from Mumbai to Johannesburg operated by Etihad Airways and KLM Royal Dutch are priced at an upward of Rs1,32,000.
