10 foreign trips Indian passport holders can plan, now that regular flights are back
People, it’s time to spread your wings. The world is once again your oyster.
India resumed regular international flights on March 27, 2022, Sunday. Now, international flights to some 63 countries are back to their pre-Covid schedule. Scheduled international flights were suspended in March 23, 2020 due to Covid-19. It has been more 2 years since then. Now, the flights have resumed.
QUICK UPDATES:
- The air bubble arrangements with 37 countries now stand cancelled.
- As many as 60 foreign airlines from 40 countries will operate flights to and from India. 1,783 foreign flights have been approved according to the summer schedule (March 27-October 29) by DGCA.
- 1,466 departures by Indian airlines have been approved.
- Covid-19 guidelines for international flights have been relaxed. It is no longer required to keep three seats vacant on flights for medical emergencies and flight crew doesn’t need to wear a PPE kit.
So, if your globetrotting spirit was feeling down since the past 2 years, this is your time to go exploring the world.
We are making it easy for you by listing the top 10 international destinations that can be your next trip:
SHORT-HAUL FLIGHTS
If you are looking for a quick getaway, then these destinations close to India are now easily accessible:
1. THAILAND
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Chris | TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER (@thechrisbyrne)
Search for flights from Delhi to Bangkok throws up several flight options.
Cost: To the delight of travellers, even the average immediate flight cost one way is less than Rs 10,000.
Visa: Indian passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival.
Covid-19 rules: Reports say that Thailand has scrapped the mandatory negative RT-PCR test before boarding a flight to the country. Instead, tourists only have to get tested upon arrival and another self-administered rapid antigen test on Day 5. Covid-19 insurance coverage could be demanded.
2. SRI LANKA
View this post on Instagram
SriLankan Airlines will be operating 128 flights to and from India. So, perhaps Sri Lanka could be the ideal destination for your next trip. However, the island nation is suffering from economic hardships lately, so travellers should also consider the local socio-political situation before visiting.
Cost: Average one-way flight tickets are less than Rs 10,000.
Visa: Sri Lanka provides visa on arrival for Indian passport holders.
Covid-19 rules: Fully-vaccinated travellers are exempt from RT-PCR tests and quarantine measures. Non-vaccinated individuals may face more restrictions. Covid-19 insurance coverage could be demanded.
3. TURKEY
View this post on Instagram
The country with beautiful landscape, a mix of culture from Europe, Middle-East and Asia and picturesque historical sites is a perfect destination for several globetrotters.
Cost: Travelling to Turkey can be a little heavy on your pocket compared to other nearby countries. For example, the average one-way cost of a flight to Istanbul from Delhi is anywhere between Rs 25,000–45,000.
Visa: Indian passport holders will need to apply for a visa before travelling to the country.
Covid-19 rules: The restrictions have been relaxed for fully vaccinated travelers. Fully vaccinated individuals do not need an RT-PCR test before arriving in the country. However, they are required to fill out a health form.
4. SINGAPORE
View this post on Instagram
Are you planning a trip to this garden city-state?
Cost: The average one-way flight ticket is around Rs 10,000-15,000.
Visa: Indians will need to apply for a visa before visiting the country.
Covid-19 rules: Fully-vaccinated travellers don’t have to go through mandatory quarantine. But travellers need to produce a negative RT-PCR test before arrival.
5. OMAN
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Experience Oman ?? اكتشف عُمان (@experienceoman)
Oman Air will be operating 115 flights to and from India.
Cost: Average one-way flight costs Rs 15,000-30,000.
Visa: Indians have to apply for a visa before departure.
Covid-19 rules: Fully-vaccinated travellers do not need to show a negative Covid-19 test.
LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS
If you’ve got more time and want to get away to a faraway location, then these destinations have also opened up:
6. FRANCE
View this post on Instagram
You can bathe in some French sunshine as the country opens up with regular flights from India. India is now on the ‘green list’ in France, meaning that fully-vaccinated travellers can visit the country without any restrictions.
Cost: Average one-way flight tickets range between Rs 25,000-45,000.
Visa: Indians will need a Schengen visa to visit France. On the brighter side, you can visit at least 26 countries in Europe in the Schengen area on the visa.
Covid-19 rules: Non fully-vaccinated travellers will need to get a negative RT-PCR test before arrival.
7. AUSTRALIA
View this post on Instagram
There is one non-stop flight from New Delhi to Sydney operated by Air India. Others have either one or more stops.
Cost: Average one-way flight ticket can cost anywhere between Rs 40,000-1,00,000.
Visa: Indians need to apply for a visa before departure.
Covid-19 rules: While the borders are now open for fully-vaccinated travellers, tourists still need to produce a negative RT-PCR test before departure and also fill up a few health forms. Non fully-vaccinated travellers will have to face more restrictions.
8. US
View this post on InstagramA post shared by New York City | Explore (@newyorkcity.explore)
Travelling to the US is now easier than earlier. However, you may have to face multiple stopovers.
Cost: Expect a one-way ticket to cost at least Rs 1,00,000.
Visa: Indians need to apply for a visa before departure.
Covid-19 rules: Rules have not been relaxed and RT-PCR tests may be required before and after arrival.
9. SOUTH KOREA
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Seoul Travel Guide | 서울 여행 가이드 (@seoul.southkorea)
Have you been dreaming of visiting South Korea after watching K-Dramas and falling in love with K-Pop idols? Well, the country is open to travellers from India.
Cost: One-way flight ticket can cost anywhere from Rs 27,000 to Rs 60,000.
Visa: Indians need to apply for a visa before departure.
Covid-19 rules: Quarantine measures have been relaxed for fully-vaccinated travellers. But RT-PCR negative tests are required before departure.
10. JAPAN
View this post on Instagram
Japan is still an expensive destination to travel to for Indians. But if you love Japanese culture and want to visit the island nation, here’s what to know:
Cost: Average one-way ticket price can cost an upwards of Rs 80,000.
Visa: Indians need to apply for a visa before departure.
Covid-19 rules: Those with booster shots are exempt from quarantine measures, but all others need to quarantine. However, travellers who test negative on the third day of quarantine do not have to go through a 7-day quarantine.
You can also consider travelling to Kenya, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia among other destinations, which will now open up due to regular international flights.
However, do keep in mind that the Covid-19 rules mentioned above can change anytime, and may be in effect starting April 1, 2022, in some countries. So, before you pack your bags and book your flight tickets, ensure you do the latest research.
And, finally, read 5 reasons why travelling right now is the best.