EU countries that have still not lifted travel restrictions for Indian travellers

As countries across the world ramp up vaccination campaigns, some are effectively moving forward to reopen their borders, while others are treading the path more cautiously.

India still finds itself in the ‘red list’ of many countries.

Reports have it that the infection rate in the country has forced several EU countries to impose stern measures on those arriving from India, in a move to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Delta variant. Here’s a list of EU countries that are still not ready to relax travel restrictions for Indian travellers.

The Czech Republic has added India to its list of states that will pose an extreme risk to the spread of the Delta variant of Coronavirus, and is currently imposing a ban on those who are arriving from India. As of now, only Czech residents and nationals can travel from this country, following quarantine and testing requirements.

India still features on Estonia’s red list. Further, non-essential travel is still not allowed. Also, reports have it that those who arrive in the country, will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, and also undergo double-testing.

India still finds its place on Ireland’s designated state list, which means those travelling from India, will be required to a pre-travel PCR or antigen test, and will also be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Indian travellers willing to travel to Latvia will be required to present a pre-departure COVID-19 test report, which is not older than 72 hours, or undergo Rapid Antigen Test 48 hours prior to boarding the flight to Latvia. Further, upon reaching the country, they will have to undergo a 14-day self-isolation, which has been in place for those travelling from high-risk countries, such as India. However, if the travellers are fully vaccinated or test negative for the virus on the seventh day of the quarantine, they can do away with the rest of the quarantine period.

Sweden still has strict rules on travel for those travelling from India, as the country is still considered to be a Delta variant area. As per the latest press release that remains effective until September 1, the Swedish Government strongly recommends that one should avoid travelling to India. Further, those travelling from India, are required to undergo a test within 24 hours of going to the country, and upon reaching, they need to self-isolate for seven days.

There are other countries, such as The Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, and Finland that have imposed strict measures for India since the country is referred to as an ‘area of variant concern.’ As per the reports, only essential travelling is allowed now, whereas one needs to meet all the requirements of quarantine and testing upon reaching these countries.