India likely to ease travel rules for UK travellers

As the UK Government has recently amended travel rules for Indians and stated that those vaccinated with two doses of Covishield will not be required to undergo quarantine, the Union Ministry of Health will also issue fresh guidelines for travellers coming from the United Kingdom to India.

Although the UK Government took time to consider those Indians as fully vaccinated, its past travel rules that came into effect from October 4 onwards, stated that it will recognise Covishield, but not the vaccine certificate that is given in India. As such, those vaccinated with Covishield arriving in the UK after October 4, were required to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine.

India took similar measures, and made quarantine mandatory for travellers visiting India from the UK, while both countries remained engaged in talks over easing the travel restrictions.

Now, the British High Commissioner in India Alex Ellis has stated that the UK government has revised the travel rules and from October 11; it states that Indians vaccinated with two doses of Covishield, will no longer be required to undergo quarantine. Meanwhile, India is also expected to announce similar measures before October 11.

India imposing restrictions on UK travellers was seen as a retaliatory move. So far, India has not imposed any restriction on vaccinated people visiting India from other countries.