DUBAI — UAE travellers to India are having to deal with increased Covid-related costs, as the country’s revised travel regulations kicked in on February 23.
According to a report published in Dubai-based Khaleej Times, airport authorities and travel agents have advised passengers to carry enough money to pay for the molecular or PCR tests. These costs vary from airport to airport, however.
Here is a breakdown of what you will need to pay at various entry ports, according to Emirates Airlines:
Ahmedabad
The on-arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs800 per person.
In order to expedite the sampling process upon arrival at Ahmedabad, all passengers are requested to fill the required information on the Supratech website.
Bangalore
All passengers travelling to Bengaluru must download the Aarogya Setu app, Quarantine Watch app, and Apthamitra app on their mobile devices.
On arrival molecular test costs per person are as follows:
> RTPCR (express): Rs3,000 (results in 30 minutes)
> RTPCR (normal): Rs500 (results in 4 hours)
Passengers arriving from Brazil and South Africa and who test positive for Covid19 will have to undergo institutional quarantine for 14 days at government provided facilities at government cost. Passengers may also choose to stay at self-paid facilities.
Chennai
On arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs1,200 to Rs2,500 per person.
All passengers must ensure Tamil Nadu epass is applied and details are ready to be shown to state health authorities. Authorities must be contacted at least 48 hours prior to departure to update the details of the epass.
Transfer passengers on arrival who are travelling to other states have to apply for fresh epass on arrival and follow the other state processes when connecting on to a domestic flight. Transfer facility of passengers and baggage will not be available.
Delhi
On arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs800 per person.
Passengers who have to wait for their results before their connecting flights must pay for the lounge cost at approximately Rs2,600 per person.
Hyderabad
On arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs1,000 per person.
Passengers who have to wait for their results before their connecting flights must pay for the lounge cost at approximately Rs4,200 per person.
Kerala (Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram)
On arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 per person.
All passengers travelling to Kerala must also update their details on Covid19 Jagratha portal at least two days before departure.
Kolkata
On arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs950 per person.
Mumbai
On arrival molecular test will cost approximately Rs 850 per person.
Medical visas issued prior to October 2020, even if still valid, will not be accepted for entry into Maharashtra.
