UAE-India travel: Kerala eases quarantine rules for international passengers

Kerala has eased several Covid-19 restrictions for international passengers, the state’s health and family welfare department said Friday.

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and other international passengers need to undergo quarantine and tests only if they exhibit symptoms, a circular issued by the state department read.

Earlier, as advised by the Indian Federal Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a seven-day home quarantine was made mandatory for all travellers, including those from the UAE, to Kerala.

Over the past week, the rules were further relaxed for short-term travellers. However, the revised list of regulations, issued on February 4, supersedes all previous guidelines.

The state has replaced the mandatory quarantine with an ‘advisable’ status.

“A home quarantine is advisable for international travellers. They must continue self-monitoring for seven days from the arrival date and, if symptoms develop, shall undergo testing,” the State said. The Covid-19 rapid test on the eighth day after arrival has also been made “advisable”.

Random testing of two per cent of international travellers in the flight will be done free of cost as well, stated the circular.