Mumbai Airport Quarantine: What's The Protocol?

Quarantine requirements at Mumbai Airport have changed over time and depend on whether travellers are arriving from international or domestic destinations. As of December 2021, international travellers arriving from high-risk countries were subject to institutional quarantine for seven days, followed by a further seven days of home quarantine. Those arriving from at-risk countries were required to undergo a seven-day home quarantine. However, these rules were later relaxed, and as of July 2024, international travellers were only required to undergo a seven-day institutional quarantine if they could not produce a valid negative RT-PCR test. As of February 2022, international travellers from the UK, Middle East, Europe, South Africa, and Brazil were required to quarantine for one week, either at home or in an institution, while travellers from other countries had to quarantine for two weeks. Domestic travellers were not required to quarantine but had to undergo thermal screening and carry a negative COVID report.

International arrivals from high-risk countries must undergo institutional quarantine

The rules and requirements for international arrivals at Mumbai Airport have changed over time, with the Government of India implementing new arrival guidelines to screen passengers from various countries and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

As of November 30, 2021, international arrivals from high-risk countries were required to undergo institutional quarantine. This included passengers who had been to these high-risk countries in the past 15 days. The institutional quarantine could be completed either at a hotel (self-paid) or at a government-mandated facility (free of cost) for seven days. After this, a second RT-PCR test would be administered, and if negative, the passenger would then have to undergo a further 7 days of home quarantine.

High-risk passengers were given priority for deplaning and were screened and verified at separate counters. They were also required to undergo an RT-PCR test immediately upon arrival. If this test or the second test, taken on day 7, was positive, the passenger was shifted to a hospital with COVID treatment facilities.

As of February 16, 2022, international passengers visiting Mumbai or transiting from the following countries: the UK, Middle East, Europe, South Africa, or Brazil, were required to undergo a one-week quarantine, either at home or in an institution.

Rules for International Arrivals

• Submit the "Air Suvidha Self Reporting Form for Covid 19" online before your flight.
• Take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before the flight.
• Fill out and submit a self-declaration form upon arrival and carry a soft or hard copy of the submitted form.
• Undergo mandatory thermal screening at the airport.
• If transiting, take a self-paid RT-PCR test at the airport.

Domestic travellers must home quarantine for 14 days

As of May 2020, the Maharashtra government had implemented a 14-day home quarantine for all passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport, regardless of whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic. However, it is unclear whether this rule was still in place as of October 2020. While the Mission Begin Again guidelines from October 2020 stated that hand-stamping of domestic passengers had been discontinued, it did not explicitly mention the removal of the 14-day home quarantine requirement.

For domestic travellers flying to Mumbai Airport, it is important to be aware of the applicable quarantine rules. As of 2020, domestic travellers were required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine for the complete duration of their stay. This rule applied to all domestic travellers arriving at the airport, and it was separate from the rules for international travellers.

It is crucial to note that the quarantine rules for domestic travellers were dependent on the length of their stay in Mumbai. If a domestic traveller was only in transit or leaving within 7 days, they were exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement. However, if they were staying for a longer period, the full quarantine period was mandatory.

In addition to the quarantine rules, there were other requirements that domestic travellers needed to fulfil. All passengers travelling from or to Mumbai Airport were mandated to have the Aarogya Setu app installed on their devices. They were also required to carry a self-declaration form and undergo thermal screening before exiting the airport. These measures were in place to ensure the safety of all travellers and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The rules and guidelines for quarantine at Mumbai Airport have evolved over time, with the Government of India and the state government implementing new protocols to address the dynamic nature of the pandemic. It is always advisable to check for the latest updates and official sources for the most current information regarding quarantine requirements when travelling to Mumbai or any other destination.

International passengers must carry a negative test report

As of July 2021, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed the requirement for fully vaccinated passengers to show a negative RT-PCR test result upon arrival at Mumbai Airport. However, those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must still adhere to the RT-PCR test rules for entering the state of Maharashtra.

Previously, in 2020, the BMC mandated that all passengers arriving by any mode of transport carry a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before commencing their journey.

For international travel to the UAE and Gulf countries from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIMA), a negative RT-PCR test report is mandatory and must be taken within 48 hours of travel. Additionally, a Rapid RT-PCR test, with results available within six hours of departure, is required at the departure airport.

As of December 2024, international passengers arriving in Maharashtra must undergo a seven-day institutional quarantine (at their own expense), followed by a seven-day home quarantine. However, this can be avoided by presenting a valid negative RT-PCR report obtained no earlier than 96 hours before the journey. Alternatively, passengers can opt to take an RT-PCR test at Mumbai Airport, with results available within eight hours.

International passengers in transit through Maharashtra are exempt from institutional quarantine if they carry a negative RT-PCR report and can proceed to their final destination to complete their home quarantine.

It is important to note that quarantine requirements and testing rules may change over time, and passengers should refer to the latest official guidelines before their travel to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

Quarantine rules for business travellers on short trips

Business travellers flying to Mumbai Airport will need to be aware of the different quarantine rules for international and domestic travellers. These rules are subject to change, so it is important to check the latest guidelines before travelling.

International travellers

As of November 30, 2021, international travellers arriving at Mumbai Airport from high-risk countries were required to undergo institutional quarantine for seven days, followed by seven days of home quarantine. High-risk countries included South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Travellers from other at-risk countries, including those in Europe, were required to undergo a seven-day home quarantine and re-test on day 8.

As of February 16, 2022, international travellers from the UK, Middle East, Europe, South Africa, and Brazil were required to undergo a one-week quarantine, either at home or at an institute. Travellers from other countries were required to quarantine for two weeks. All international travellers were required to submit the "Air Suvidha Self Reporting Form for Covid 19" online before their flight and undertake an RT-PCR test 72 hours prior to departure.

Domestic travellers

As of October 15, 2020, domestic travellers arriving at airports in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, were no longer required to quarantine at home. However, they were still subject to thermal screening upon arrival. As of May 25, 2020, domestic travellers arriving at Mumbai Airport were required to undergo a 14-day home isolation after screening.

It is important to note that quarantine rules can change frequently and may vary depending on the state you are travelling to. Additionally, business travellers on short trips should be aware of the requirement to have the Aarogya Setu app installed on their device and carry a self-declaration form when travelling domestically within India.

Exemptions from institutional quarantine

As of October 2020, international passengers arriving in Maharashtra were required to undergo a seven-day institutional quarantine, followed by a seven-day home quarantine. However, there are some exemptions from institutional quarantine.

Firstly, international passengers who are transiting through airports in Maharashtra can be exempt from institutional quarantine, provided they carry a negative RT-PCR report. They can then proceed to their final destination to complete their home quarantine. Alternatively, they can get an RT-PCR test at Mumbai Airport, with results available within 8 hours, to avoid institutional quarantine.

Secondly, in special cases such as for pregnant women or passengers who have experienced a death in the immediate family, institutional quarantine can be replaced with home isolation. However, prior approval is required for this exemption.

It is important to note that all passengers, regardless of their quarantine status, must undergo thermal screening at the airport and have the Aarogya Setu app installed on their device. Additionally, a self-declaration form must be submitted upon arrival.

Frequently asked questions