Latest News: Southern Railway extends cancellation of several train services from 31 May to 16 June amid COVID-19 lockdown (NIE, 25.05.2021). Lockdown extended in Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand until end of May (NIE, 24.05.2021). Delhi state government extends COVID-19 lockdown until 31 May (Xinhua, 23.05.2021). Government extends COVID-19 lockdown in Malappuram district, lifts restrictions in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Thrissur (India.com, 22.05.2021). Mizoram government extends total lockdown in Aizawl, other districts until 31 May (AssmanTribune, 22.05.2021). Government extends COVID-19 lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir until 31 May (Greater Kashmir News, 22.05.2021) Tamil Nadu government extends COVID-19 lockdown from 24 May by one week (DD News, 22.05.2021). Government extends COVID-19 lockdown in Sikkim until 31 May (East Mojo, 22.05.2021). Odisha government extends COVID-19 lockdown until 1 June (Telegraph India, 18.05.2021). Government announces partial COVID-19 lockdown in Gujarat (ANI News, 17.05.2021). Authorities in Chandigarh extends COVID-19 lockdown until 25 May (Hindustan Times, 17.05.2021). Several flights suspended at Dimapur Airport until 31 May (Morung Express, 17.05.2021). Maharashtra government plans to extend lockdown until end of May (HT, 10.05.2021). Authorities in Raipur announce total lockdown on 9 May (FPJ, 08.05.2021). Civil aviation authorities extend ban on scheduled international passenger flights until 31 May (Airport Technology, 03.05.2021).

International Restrictions:

*Restrictions in response to coronavirus: *Entry to India. All regularly scheduled international flights remain suspended. However, under a bilateral agreement between the UK and Indian governments, a limited number of flights between India and the UK continue to operate. To book and for more information you should check airline websites, which contain important guidance prior to travel. The British High Commission cannot assist with ticketing. The aviation sector remains unpredictable and is subject to change with limited notice.

More information and detailed guidelines for International Arrivals are available on the Ministry of Health website. All land borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal in East and North East India are closed for movement of people, except returning Indian nationals.

Screening on arrival: Thermal screening will be carried out by the health officials at arrival. You must comply with all instructions and screening requirements. More information and detailed guidance is available on the website of Ministry of Health. You should arrange to take a private test.

*Quarantine requirements: Detailed guidance on quarantine requirements are available on the Ministry of Health website.

*Data collection: Passengers may need to provide contact details and be asked to download Arogya Setu app.

*Testing on departure: You will not be able to travel if you’re showing coronavirus symptoms (you will need to self-isolate and travel later). You should comply with any additional healthcare screening measures put in place by the authorities prior to your departure.

Internal Restrictions:

*Travel in India: Coronavirus cases in many parts of India are currently on the rise. Further restrictions may be implemented at short notice and may vary between states. New restrictions may involve city or state-wide restrictions like night curfews, weekend curfew and/or the imposition of Section 144 restricting the assembly of groups of people in public spaces. Other measures may include the requirement to present COVID-19 negative tests to enter some states, random testing in public areas including at airports, stations, malls and restaurants. You should monitor local media and follow any procedures put in place by local authorities. Before undertaking inter-state travel in India you should check the latest entry requirements and other testing/quarantine restrictions. Strict restrictions remain in containment zones.

The wearing of facial/cloth masks is compulsory in all public places. There are strict restrictions on large gatherings. You may be penalised if you violate restrictions. Domestic flight operations resumed on 25 May 2020 but some states may have restrictions on flight operations. Check with airlines before booking flights. More information and detailed guidance is available on the websites of Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health. Some states have quarantine requirements in place and these may differ between states. Follow the advice of the local authorities. All regularly scheduled international flights remain suspended.

Limited train and metro rail services have resumed. All essential services (including groceries, pharmacies, ATMs) continue to function.

*Accommodation: A limited number of hotels have resumed operations. Restrictions may differ between states. *Public places and services: India has put measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. There is a phased re-opening of limited number of activities and services but large gathering are still prohibited. Restrictions vary between states. You should follow the instructions of local authorities.