Here’s where Indians can travel to in August 2021

It’s no overstatement that there’s an incredible amount of confusion when it comes to travel restrictions for Indians around the world. Limping out of the second wave, India is inching towards normalcy - slowly but steadily.

As we resume normalcy or adapt ourselves to this “new normal” way of living, many frequent travelers are aching to go back to their old ways of travel. While there are many countries that still don’t allow Indians tourists, a bunch of them have opened up their borders to us. So if you’re keen to travel out of the country to get a break from pandemic-related stresses, we present to you all the information you need to know about a few countries which have now opened up to Indians.

Switzerland

The Federal Council of Switzerland decided to relax rules for vaccinated Indian travellers on June 23. Those vaccinated with a double dose of Covishield can now travel to Switzerland without the need of quarantine.

As per the official statement by the Swiss embassy in India, “The embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi is currently accepting all visa categories for persons arriving from third countries like India, who can prove, that they have been fully vaccinated. Booking of a prior appointment is mandatory for all application type. VFS Global Services is operational and accepting visa application at the centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai,Cochin and Hyderabad.”

Vaccinated Indians have to travel via Lufthansa (Frankfurt)or Amsterdam (KLM) to reach Switzerland.

While the country does not require a negative RTPCR to enter,the airlines require the same. Also, children travelling along with their parents, if not fully vaccinated, will have to quarantine for 14 days.

If you’re a second time visitor to Switzerland and are looking for off-beat experiences on your trip to the country, read our blog on Unique Swiss Experiences.

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Maldives

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A favourite among the Indian jet-setters, Maldives is back on the radar for wanderlust seekers! After being shut for Indians during India’s second wave, Maldives officially reopened its borders for Indians on July 15.

An extremely simplified procedure, travellers only require a negative RTPCR result taken 72 hours before the time of departure. This includes those who have received both doses of any vaccine as well. Travellers also have to fill out and submit a health declaration on the Maldives immigration portal. Passengers must also carry a confirmed resort booking along with travel insurance at the Maldives border.

Direct flights are operational on Spicejet (Mumbai to Male), Indigo and Goair (Delhi and Mumbai to Male).

For some amazing deals on high-end and luxury hotels in the Maldives, click here.

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Iceland

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This gorgeous country - also known as the land of fire and ice - has opened its borders to Indians. Fully vaccinated travellers with approved vaccination certificates of a double dose of Covishield do not need to quarantine. Unvaccinated visitors from India will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Iceland, and children born in 2005 and later are exempt from quarantine requirements.

Further more -fully vaccinated individuals and individuals who have recovered from Covid-19, arerequired to present a negative PCR test aside from their certificate of vaccination and certificate of Covid-19 recovery. The test must be taken 72 hours prior to departure to Iceland.

Travellers can apply for a Schengen visa via the Iceland embassy in India, for their travel to Iceland. Flights are however one stop over flights via Frankfurt are playing between Mumbai, Delhi and Reykjavík.

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France 

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France was among the most recent countries to announce that it is allowing Indian travellers into its borders. India falls in the “red list” of countries, among other South Asian countries, which are allowed into France - provided they follow Covid-19 protocols.

Those vaccinated with a double dose of Covishield can now travel to France without the need of quarantine or pre-RTPCR testing. Unvaccinated travellers must present a compelling reason for travel along with a negative RTPCR test conducted 72 hours before the time of departure to France. They will also be required to quarantine at the France border for a period of 14 days.

Currently, Air France is operating direct flights between Mumbai, Delhi and Paris.

Visa services via VFS and the French embassy have also opened up again in Mumbai and Delhi

It is no doubt that France has a lot to offer, and if a trip to the country is on your mind, read more information on our website.

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Russia

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Another country Indians can travel to Russia, however there are several steps to be followed.One needs to have an invitation from a government-mandated tourist agency.

Travellers must also apply for tourist visas that are valid for at least 30 days for single or double entry. Passengers also need to present a negative RTPCR test report on arrival into Russia. This must be taken within 72 hours before to the time of departure.

Passengers will also be tested upon arrival once again. The same rules apply to vaccinated as well as unvaccinated travellers.

In terms off lights, there are no direct ones currently. However, we recommend flights via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines (from Mumbai and Delhi) as they are the shortest in duration.

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