Passengers touching down on Indian soil from the UAE are having to foot the bill for a raft of new COVID-related safety measures.
Fresh protocols have been introduced at entry points into the country to help stop the spread of new, mutant strains of the virus.
This includes mandatory on-arrival molecular and PCR tests.
Indian ministers warned heightened measures could also mean lay-overs of up to eight hours for connecting domestic flights.
Here is a full breakdown of what flyers can expect to fork out on arrival in cities across India.
Arriving in Ahmedabad
Passengers will need to pay approximately Dhs45 dirhams for a molecular test on arrival. Travellers are asked to speed up the sampling process by visiting the Neuberg Supratech website ahead of their journey.
Arriving in Bangalore
A raft of measures are in place for arrivals in Bangalore. Travellers from the UAE will need to download three apps – namely, Aarogya Setu, Quarantine Watch and Apthamitra. They will also need to complete on arrival molecular tests. Express tests cost approximately Dhs155 with a 30-minute results turnaround, while the standard test, with results in four hours, cost approximately Dhs25.
Arriving in Chennai
Arrivals in Chennai will need to pay between approximately Dhs65 and Dhs130 for a molecular test. A Tamil Nadu epass will also need to be completed ahead of all journeys and ready to present to health authorities. Details need to be filled out at least 48 hours before departure from the UAE. Passengers making a connection to a different Indian state will need to apply for a new epass on arrival and follow localised protocols.
Arriving in Delhi
Delhi arrivals will need to allow approximately Dhs45 for an on-site molecular test. Those making connecting flights will be required to pay approximately Dhs135 for access to a lounge while they wait for test results to come through.
Arriving in Hyderabad
On landing passengers will be required to pay approximately Dhs55. Travellers making a connecting flight will need to pay approximately Dhs215 for lounge access while results to come back.
Arriving in Kerala (Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram)
Molecular tests will cost between Dhs80 and Dhs105 and must be completed on arrival. Passenger details will need to be logged with the COVID-19 Jagratha portal a minimum of 48 hours before departure.
Arriving in Kolkata
A mandatory molecular test is required after landing and will cost approximately Dhs50.
Arriving in Mumbai
Passengers will have to pay approximately Dhs45 on arrival to Mumbai. Flyers are advised that medical visas issued prior to October last year (even if in date) will not be accepted as entry permits.
For more details visit the Emirates Airlines website.
