Mumbai Airport Rt-Pcr Requirements: What You Need To Know

As of July 2021, fully vaccinated passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport are not required to carry a negative RT-PCR report. Prior to this, all passengers arriving on domestic flights into Mumbai were mandated to present a negative RT-PCR test report at the time of boarding. The RT-PCR report should be issued within 48 hours of arriving in Mumbai. However, some countries, such as Canada, require an RT-PCR test from a specific laboratory or transit country, which may necessitate additional arrangements. Rapid RT-PCR tests are available at Mumbai Airport for travellers to countries that require testing within a few hours of departure.

Domestic passengers are not required to show a negative RT-PCR report when entering Mumbai airport

As of July 2021, fully vaccinated domestic passengers are not required to show a negative RT-PCR report when entering Mumbai airport. This exemption applies to passengers arriving from airports located within Maharashtra, as well as those travelling to airports within the state.

Previously, all passengers arriving on domestic flights into Mumbai were required to present a negative RT-PCR test report at the time of boarding. The report had to be issued within 48 hours of arriving in Mumbai, and passengers without a valid report were not allowed to board their flights.

The requirement for a negative RT-PCR test report was imposed by the Maharashtra government on May 12, 2021. This mandate applied to all passengers arriving in the state by any mode of transport, including domestic flights.

It is important to note that while fully vaccinated domestic passengers are currently exempt from this requirement when entering Mumbai airport, international travel restrictions may still apply. For example, some countries, such as the UAE, require passengers to carry a normal RT-PCR test done within 48 hours of departure, as well as a rapid RT-PCR test done at the departure airport within six hours of departure.

Additionally, the cost of RT-PCR tests at the airport has been a topic of discussion, with some travellers questioning the need for a test upon arrival when they have already obtained a negative test result prior to their departure.

International passengers must check the requirements of their destination country

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, formerly known as Sahar International Airport, is the second busiest airport in India in terms of both domestic and foreign passenger volume. It is located approximately 25 kilometres north of the city centre, and it usually takes around 45 minutes to travel to the city centre by road.

In addition to country-specific requirements, international passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport are required to download the Arogya Setu, Quarantine Watch, and Apthamitra apps on their phones. They must also fill out a self-declaration form 72 hours before travelling to Bengaluru. All passengers will undergo thermal screening, and symptomatic passengers may be required to take a COVID test at the discretion of airport officials. Asymptomatic passengers must quarantine at home for 14 days.

It is important to stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements for your specific destination country, as these may change over time.

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to show a negative RT-PCR report

As of July 2021, fully vaccinated passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport are not required to show a negative RT-PCR report. This exemption applies to both domestic and international passengers.

Previously, all passengers arriving on domestic flights into Mumbai were required to present a negative RT-PCR test report at the time of boarding the flight. The report should have been issued within 48 hours of arriving in Mumbai, and passengers without the report were not allowed to board. However, the BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal recommended that fully vaccinated people arriving in Mumbai could be exempted from this mandatory RT-PCR test, and the Maharashtra government accepted this recommendation.

For passengers travelling to countries that require a negative RT-PCR test, the CSMIA has facilitated testing at the airport by appointing ICMR and NABL-approved laboratories to conduct RT-PCR and Rapid PCR tests. For example, passengers travelling to the UAE are required to carry a normal RT-PCR test done within 48 hours of departure, as well as a Rapid RT-PCR test done at the departure airport within six hours of departure.

It is important to note that requirements for RT-PCR testing may change over time, and passengers should refer to the latest guidelines provided by the relevant authorities before their travel.

A negative RT-PCR report is required for passengers transiting through Mumbai

As of July 2021, fully vaccinated passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport are not required to carry a negative RT-PCR report. This exemption applies to both domestic and international passengers.

Prior to this update, all passengers arriving on domestic flights into Mumbai were required to present a negative RT-PCR test report at the time of boarding the flight. The RT-PCR sample collection should have been conducted within 48 hours of the scheduled arrival time in Mumbai.

For passengers travelling to specific countries, additional RT-PCR testing requirements may be mandated by the destination country. For example, passengers travelling to the UAE are required to carry a normal RT-PCR test done within 48 hours of departure, as well as a Rapid RT-PCR test conducted at the departure airport within six hours of departure.

It is important to note that some countries, like Canada, require the RT-PCR test to be performed at a recognized testing facility or a specific laboratory. Therefore, it is essential to review the requirements of your destination country or state before travelling through Mumbai Airport.

While the majority of states and international countries require a negative RT-PCR certificate, specific requirements may vary, and it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure compliance with the necessary regulations.

RT-PCR testing facilities are available at Mumbai airport

For arrival passengers, the RT-PCR testing facilities at the airport follow the guidelines of the Government of Maharashtra, which regulates the charges for the tests. As of November 2021, the regular RT-PCR test was offered by Lifenity Labs, Suburban Diagnostics, and Acu-Mdx Laboratories at CSMIA for ₹600. The rapid RT-PCR test, on the other hand, was offered by Lifenity Labs, Suburban Diagnostics, and NorthStar Labs, using approved platforms, for ₹4,500.

For departing passengers, the RT-PCR testing facilities cater to the requirements of the destination country. For instance, passengers travelling to the UAE are required to carry a normal RT-PCR test done within 48 hours of departure, as well as a rapid RT-PCR test done at the departure airport within six hours of departure. CSMIA has allocated a dedicated gate and area for rapid RT-PCR testing for Dubai and UAE-bound passengers. Additionally, 24/7 RT-PCR sample collection counters have been stationed outside Terminal 2 for passengers who need to provide a sample within 48 hours of their departure.

Previously, in May 2021, a negative RT-PCR test report was mandatory for all passengers arriving on domestic flights into Mumbai, and they had to present the report at the time of boarding. However, as of July 2021, fully vaccinated domestic passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport are exempted from carrying negative RT-PCR reports.

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