The Union Health Ministry has announced further relaxation of COVID-19 guidelines for international travelers, eliminating the previous requirement for RT-PCR based testing of a random two percent subset of travelers. This decision comes in response to the current global coronavirus situation and the substantial progress achieved in vaccination coverage worldwide.

Effective from midnight on July 20, the new guidelines aim to streamline travel procedures and adapt to the evolving COVID-19 landscape.

In a statement, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare stated, “Taking note of the prevalent COVID-19 situation and the significant achievements made in COVID-19 vaccination coverage across the globe, the Union Health Ministry has further eased guidelines for international travelers in context of COVID-19.”

With the implementation of these updated guidelines, the earlier requirement for RT-PCR testing of a random two percent subset of international travelers to India has been lifted.

However, precautionary measures advised for airlines and international travelers regarding COVID-19 will remain in place, ensuring continued safety protocols during travel.

According to recent data from the Union Health Ministry, India has reported 49 new coronavirus infections, with the number of active cases rising to 1,464 compared to 1,453 the previous day.