About Air Transport Bubbles
Transport Bubbles” or “Air Travel Arrangements” are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits. The details of such arrangements as on 21.02.2022 are as follows:
Thailand
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Thailand. Indian and Thai carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Thailand and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Thailand
i. Nationals/residents of Thailand;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Thailand and holding a valid visa of Thailand. The airlines must ensure that all the passengers meet the requirement for entry before issuance of ticket/boarding pass to the passengers.
iii. Foreign nationals holding a valid visa for Thailand.
B. From Thailand to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Thailand;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of Thailand and foreign nations holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines. The airlines must ensure that all the passengers meet the requirement for entry before issuance of ticket/boarding pass to the passengers.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Thailand should be destined for Thailand only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Thailand should be allowed to travel on flights from Thailand to India.
1. Afghanistan
India has established an air transport bubble with Afghanistan. Indian and Afghan carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Afghanistan and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Afghanistan
i. Afghanistan nationals/residents and foreign nationals holding valid Afghanistan visas, if required; and
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid visa from Afghanistan and destined for Afghanistan only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Afghanistan with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Afghanistan to India
i. Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
2. Australia
India has established an air bubble with Australia. The Indian and Australian carriers may carry the following passengers on their flights being operated between India and Australia:
A. Inbound flights into India:
a. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Australia and New Zealand;
b. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country; and
c. All foreign nationals holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
B. Outbound flights from India:
a. Nationals/residents of Australia, and foreign nationals with valid visa who are eligible to enter Australia/New Zealand;
b. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Australia/ New Zealand and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
c. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.
3. Bahrain
India has created an air travel arrangement with Bahrain. Air India/Air India Express and Gulf Air are now permitted to operate services between India and Bahrain and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Bahrain
i. Bahraini nationals/residents;
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid visa from the Kingdom of Bahrain and destined for Bahrain only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Bahrain with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Bahrain to India
i. Indian nationals stranded in Bahrain;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Bahraini nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
4. Bangladesh
India has created an air travel arrangement with Bangladesh w.e.f 28thOctober 2020. Indian and Bangladeshi carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Bangladeshand carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Bangladesh
i. Nationals/residents of Bangladesh and foreign nationals holding valid visa from Bangladesh;
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid visa from Bangladesh. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Bangladesh before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Bangladesh to India
i. Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Bangladeshi nationals/residents (including diplomats) and foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
5. Bhutan
India has created an air travel arrangement with Bhutan. Indian and Bhutanese carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Bhutan and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Bhutan
i. Nationals/residents of Bhutan and foreign nationals holding valid visa from Bhutan, if required;
ii. Any Indian national. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Bhutan with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Bhutan to India
i. Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Bhutanese nationals/residents (including diplomats) and foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
6. Canada
India has created an air travel arrangement with Canada. Indian carriers and Air Canada are now permitted to operate services between India and Canada and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Canada
i. Stranded Canadian nationals/residents and foreigners with valid Canadian visa eligible to enter Canada;
ii. Indian nationals with valid visas eligible to enter Canada. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Canada before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities; Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.
B. From Canada to India
i. Stranded Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
7. Ethiopia
India has created an air travel arrangement with Ethiopia. Indian and Ethiopian carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Ethiopia and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Ethiopia
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Ethiopia, foreign nationals destined for Africa and transiting through Ethiopia or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in Africa and holding a valid visa for the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/ Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/ Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined to countries of Africa only.
B. From Ethiopia to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in Africa) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from countries of Africa.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Ethiopia should be destined for African countries only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from Ethiopia to India.
8. Finland
India has formalized an air bubble arrangement with Finland. Indian and Finnish carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Finland and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Finland
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Finland, foreign nationals destined for EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and transiting through Finland or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
B. From Finland to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Finland should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from Finland to India.
9. France
India has created an air bubble arrangement with France. Indian and French carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and France and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to France
i. Stranded nationals/residents of France, foreign nationals destined for EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and transiting through France or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
B. From France to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to France should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from France to India.
10. Germany
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Germany. Indian and German carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Germany and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Germany
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Germany, foreign nationals destined for EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and transiting through Germany or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
B. From Germany to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Germany should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from Germany to India.
11. Iraq
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Iraq. Indian and Iraqi carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Iraq and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Iraq
i. Nationals/residents of Iraq;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Iraq and holding a valid visa for Iraq. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese /Bhutanese nationals to enter Iraq with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Iraq to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in Iraq;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. All Iraqi nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Iraq should be destined for Iraq only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Iraq should be allowed to travel on flights from Iraq to India.
12. Japan
India has created an air bubble with Japan. Indian and Japanese carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Japan and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Japan
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Japan and foreign nationals holding valid Japanese visas subject to the border measures and travel restrictions imposed by the government of Japan at the time of travel; and
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid visa from Japan subject to the border measures and travel restrictions imposed by the government of Japan at the time of travel. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Japan with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Japan to India
i. Stranded Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
13. Kazakhstan
India has created an air bubble with Kazakhstan. Indian and Kazakh carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Kazakhstan, and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Kazakhstan
i. Nationals/residents of CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for and holding a valid visa for CIS countries (excluding Russia). It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese / Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/ Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Kazakhstan to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of CIS countries excluding Russia (but including diplomatic and service/ official passport holders) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Kazakhstan should be destined for CIS countries (excluding Russia) only. Similarly, only passengers originating from CIS countries (excluding Russia) should be allowed to travel on flights from Kazakhstan to India.
14. Kenya
India has created an air bubble with Kenya. Indian and Kenyan carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Kenya and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Kenya
i. Nationals/residents of any country in Africa; and
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in Africa and holding a valid visa for the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese /Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Kenya to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. All African nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Kenya should be destined for African countries only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in Africa should be allowed to travel on flights from Kenya to India.
15. Kyrgyzstan
India has created an air bubble with Kyrgyzstan. Indian and Kyrgyz carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Kyrgyzstan and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Kyrgyzstan
i. Nationals/residents of CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for and holding a valid visa for CIS countries (excluding Russia). It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese / Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/ Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Kyrgyzstan to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of CIS countries excluding Russia (but including diplomatic and service/ official passport holders) intending to visit India for any purpose (including their dependents on appropriate category of dependent visa) as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Kyrgyzstan should be destined for Kyrgyzstan or CIS countries (excluding Russia) only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Kyrgyzstan or CIS countries (excluding Russia) should be allowed to travel on flights from Kyrgyzstan to India.
16. Kuwait
India has created an air bubble with Kuwait. Indian and Kuwaiti carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and Kuwait and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Kuwait
i. Nationals of Kuwait; and
ii. Any Indian national eligible to travel to Kuwait and destined for Kuwait only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure the Indian nationals are eligible to enter Kuwait before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Kuwait to India
i. Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of Kuwait holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers carried from India to Kuwait will comprise of passengers destined for Kuwait only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Kuwait should be allowed to travel on the flights from Kuwait to India.
17. Maldives
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Maldives. Indian and Maldivian carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Maldives and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Maldives:
i. Maldivian nationals/residents and foreign nationals holding valid Maldivian visas, if required;
ii. Any Indian national. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Maldives before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Maldives to India:
i. Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
18. Mauritius
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Mauritius. Air India and Mauritian carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Mauritius and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Mauritius:
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Mauritius, foreign nationals destined for Africa and transiting through Mauritius or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in Africa and holding a valid visa for the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese /Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/ Nepalese/ Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined to countries of Africa only.
B. From Mauritius to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in Africa) intending to visit India for any purpose (including their dependents on appropriate category of dependent visa) covered under the extant Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from countries of Africa.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Mauritius should be destined for African countries only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from Mauritius to India.
19. Nepal
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Nepal. Air India and Nepal Airlines are now permitted to operate flights between Delhi and Kathmandu and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Nepal:
i. Indian nationals and nationals of Nepal. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Nepal before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger;
ii. Third country nationals (including diplomats) holding valid visa/entry permit for Nepal, if required.
B. From Nepal to India:
i. Indian nationals and nationals of Nepal;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. All third country nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Only such passengers who are destined for Nepal are allowed to travel on flights from India to Nepal. Similarly, only passengers originating in Nepal are allowed to travel on flights from Nepal to India.
20. Netherlands
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Netherlands w.e.f. 01.11.2020. Indian and Dutch carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Netherlands and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Netherlands:
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Netherlands, foreign nationals destined for EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and transiting through Netherlands or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
B. From Netherlands to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Netherlands should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from Netherlands to India.
21. Nigeria
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Nigeria. Indian and Nigerian carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Nigeria and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Nigeria:
i. Stranded Nigerian nationals/residents, foreign nationals destined for Africa and transiting through Nigeria or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid Nigerian visa and destined for any country in Africa. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities; Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.
B. From Nigeria to India:
i. Indian nationals stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
22. Oman
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Oman. Indian and Omani carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Oman and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Oman:
i. Nationals/residents of Oman;
ii. Any Indian national holding valid residency permit of Oman and destined for Oman only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure the Indian nationals are eligible to enter Oman before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
B. From Oman to India:
i. Indian nationals stranded in Oman;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. Nationals of Oman (including diplomats holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
23. Qatar
India has created an air bubble arrangement with the State of Qatar. Indian carriers and Qatar Airways are now permitted to operate flights between India and Qatar and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Qatar:
i. Qatari nationals;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Qatar or any country in South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Foreign nationals destined for South America or Africa only and transiting through Qatar.
B. From Qatar to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in Qatar or in any country in South America or Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Qatari nationals and foreign nationals (from any country in South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Qatar should be destined for Qatar or any country in South America or Africa only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Qatar or any country in South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on flights from Qatar to India
24. Russia
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Russia with effect from 12.02.2021. Indian and Russian carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Russia and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Russia:
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Russia;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for and holding a valid visa of Russia. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/ Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for Russia only.
B. From Russia to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in Russia;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. Russian nationals holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from Russia.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Russia should be destined for Russia only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Russia should be allowed to travel on the flights from Russia to India.
25. Rwanda
India has created an air bubble arrangement with the State of Rwanda with effect from 01.11.2020. Indian carriers and carriers of Rwanda are now permitted to operate flights between India and Rwanda and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Rwanda:
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Rwanda, foreign nationals destined for Africa and transiting through Rwanda or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in Africa and holding a valid visa for the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/ Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/ Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined to countries of Africa only.
B. From Rwanda to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in Africa) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from countries of Africa.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Rwanda should be destined for African countries only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in Africa should be allowed to travel on flights from Rwanda to India.
26. Saudi Arabia
India has created an air bubble arrangement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Indian carriers and carriers of Saudi Arabia are now permitted to operate flights between India and Saudi Arabia, and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Saudi Arabia:
i. Nationals/residents of Saudi Arabia;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan holding a valid visa of Saudi Arabia and destined for Saudi Arabia only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter Saudi Arabia before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese /Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Saudi Arabia to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Saudi Arabia;
ii. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Non-Indian nationals to enter India with a particular visa category before issuing of ticket/boarding pass to the passenger; and
iii. Saudi Arabian nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Traffic carried to/from India shall comprise of passengers originating from/destined to Saudi Arabia only, and similarly traffic carried to/from Saudi Arabia shall comprise of passengers originating from/destined to India only.
27. Seychelles
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Seychelles with effect from 22.02.2021. Indian carriers and carriers of Seychelles are now permitted to operate flights between India and Seychelles and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Seychelles:
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Seychelles, foreign nationals destined for Africa and transiting through Seychelles, or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for Africa only.
B. From Seychelles to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in Africa) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from countries in Africa.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Seychelles should be destined for African countries only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in Africa should be allowed to travel on the flights from Seychelles to India.
28. Singapore
India has finalized an air travel bubble between with Singapore w.e.f 29th November 2021.
2. Both sides have accepted the creation of a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between the two countries which would allow fully vaccinated travellers to travel between the countries without the need for quarantine. In addition to VTL flights there would be Non-VTL flights also. Passengers travelling by Non-VTL flights would be subject to quarantine measures as prescribed by the Government of Singapore. Both VTL and Non-VTL flights will be under the umbrella of the proposed air bubble.
3. There would be six VTL flights per day, 2 each from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, to be split equally between Indian and Singapore carriers. Non-VTL flights may be operated to/from any point of call available under the bilateral agreements between the two countries.
4. Indian carriers and carriers of Singapore are now permitted to operate flights between India and Singapore and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Singapore:
a. Stranded nationals / residents of Singapore;
b. Any Indian national holding any type of valid visa from Singapore. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Singapore before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian / Nepalese / Bhutanese passenger.
c. Foreign nationals holding valid Singapore visas.
B. From Singapore to India:
a. Indian nationals and nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in Singapore;
b. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
c. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding visa issued by an Indian Mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines as amended from time to time.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Singapore should be destined for Singapore only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Singapore should be allowed to travel on the flights from Singapore to India.
29. Sri Lanka
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka. Indian and Sri Lankan carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Sri Lanka and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Sri Lanka:
a. Following categories of Indian nationals. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Sri Lanka before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian passenger.
i. Indian businessmen on a Business visa.
ii. Indian healthcare professionals, health researchers, engineers and technicians for technical work at Sri Lanka health sector facilities, including laboratories and factories.
iii. Indian engineering, managerial, design or other specialists travelling to Sri Lanka on behalf of Indian business entities located in Sri Lanka.
iv. Indian technical specialists and engineers travelling for installation, repair and maintenance of Indian-origin machinery and equipment facilities in Sri Lanka, on the invitation of a registered Sri Lankan business entity.
v. Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka on leisure / pleasure purposes.
b. Nationals / residents of Sri Lanka.
B. From Sri Lanka to India:
i. Indian nationals and nationals of Nepal or Bhutan;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. Nationals / residents of Sri Lanka (including diplomats) and foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Sri Lanka should be destined for Sri Lanka only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Sri Lanka should be allowed to travel on the flights from Sri Lanka to India.
30. Switzerland
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Switzerland. Indian and Swiss carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Switzerland, and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Switzerland
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Switzerland, foreign nationals destined for EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and transiting through Switzerland or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined for countries in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
B. From Switzerland to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country;
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only.
31. Tanzania
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Tanzania. Indian and Tanzanian carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Tanzania and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Tanzania:
i. Stranded nationals/residents of Tanzania, foreign nationals destined for Africa and transiting through Tanzania or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for any country in Africa and holding a valid visa for the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese / Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian / Nepalese / Bhutanese passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping. Seamen should be destined to countries of Africa only.
B. From Tanzania to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in any country in Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country, and
iii. All foreign nationals (from any country in Africa) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines; and
iv. Seamen from countries of Africa.
Passengers travelling on flights from India to Tanzania should be destined for African countries only. Similarly, only passengers originating from countries in Africa should be allowed to travel on flights from Tanzania to India.
32. Thailand
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Thailand. Indian and Thai carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Thailand and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Thailand
i. Nationals/residents of Thailand;
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Thailand and holding a valid visa of Thailand. The airlines must ensure that all the passengers meet the requirement for entry before issuance of ticket/boarding pass to the passengers.
iii. Foreign nationals holding a valid visa for Thailand.
B. From Thailand to India
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Thailand;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of Thailand and foreign nations holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines. The airlines must ensure that all the passengers meet the requirement for entry before issuance of ticket/boarding pass to the passengers.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Thailand should be destined for Thailand only. Similarly, only passengers originating from Thailand should be allowed to travel on flights from Thailand to India.
33. Ukraine
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Ukraine. Indian and Ukrainian carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and Ukraine and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Ukraine:
i. Nationals/residents of CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for and holding a valid visa for CIS countries (excluding Russia). It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese /Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/ Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Ukraine to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of CIS countries excluding Russia (but including diplomatic and service/ official passport holders) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Ukraine should be destined for CIS countries (excluding Russia) only. Similarly, only passengers originating from CIS countries (excluding Russia) should be allowed to travel on flights from Ukraine to India.
34. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
India has created an air bubble arrangement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Indian and UAE carriers are now permitted to operate flights between India and UAE and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to UAE:
i. UAE nationals.
ii. ICA approved UAE residents.
iii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for UAE or any country in South America or Africa only and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger.
B. From UAE to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan stranded in UAE or in any country in South America or Africa;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. UAE nationals and foreign nationals (from any country in South America or Africa only) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to UAE should be destined for UAE or any country in South America or Africa only. Similarly, only passengers originating from UAE or any country in South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on flights from UAE to India.
35. United Kingdom (UK)
India has created an air travel arrangement with the United Kingdom. Indian and UK carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and UK and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to UK
i. Stranded UK nationals/residents, foreign nationals transiting through UK or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise;
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid UK visa and destined for UK only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter UK with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities; Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping
B. From UK to India
i. Stranded Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
36. United States of America (USA)
India has created an air travel arrangement with the United States of America. Indian and US carriers are now permitted to operate services between India and USA and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to USA
i. US citizens, legal permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding valid US visas;
ii. Any Indian national holding any type of valid US visa. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter USA with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger; and
iii. Seamen of foreign nationalities; Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping
B. From USA to India
i. Stranded Indian nationals;
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
37. Uzbekistan
India has created an air bubble arrangement with Uzbekistan with effect from 01.03.2021. Indian carriers and carriers of Uzbekistan are now permitted to operate flights between India and Uzbekistan and carry the following categories of persons on such flights:
A. From India to Uzbekistan
i. Nationals/residents of CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for and holding a valid visa for CIS countries (excluding Russia). It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian / Nepalese /Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country with the particular visa category before issue of ticket / boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/ Bhutanese passenger.
B. From Uzbekistan to India:
i. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in CIS countries (excluding Russia);
ii. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country; and
iii. Nationals of CIS countries excluding Russia (but including diplomatic and service/ official passport holders) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Passengers traveling on flights from India to Uzbekistan should be destined for CIS countries (excluding Russia) only. Similarly, only passengers originating from CIS countries (excluding Russia) should be allowed to travel on flights from Uzbekistan to India.
All the airlines are permitted to sell tickets between India and the respective countries in each direction through their websites, sales agents and Global Distribution Systems.
Before making any reservations in the flights being operated under the above arrangements, the passengers must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria for entry into the destination country.