Timatic is updated again, this time with the correct info.

I wonder what practical effect the "should preferably be fully vaccinated" phrase in the TIMATIC text has. I doubt any airline is going to bother to ask or record such information if it is not absolutely required.

I flew BOS - DOH - BLR a couple of days ago and there was no mention of vaccinations or anything else covid-related at any point in transit (other than the generic signage at airports and elsewhere about masks, etc.

No effect at all. I had a conversation with Scindia regarding this on Sunday. He said that phrase had no meaning whatsoever but the Prime Minister's office wanted it included.

Wow, someone with a direct line to the Aviation Minister! Friends in high places indeed Any chance you can give us any insights into his thoughts/plans for other aspects of aviation in India? Such as increased bilaterals to the Gulf, reactivation of e-visas for Canada/UK, et al?

One more thing, if you can, can you ask him about any plans for a trusted traveler program for India, to allow expedited immigration into the country/emigration out of it, and speedier security checks? Would be beneficial for both passengers and airports. Haven't experienced DigiYatra so I'm unsure how that works or its eligibility.

Now the GoI is scared of new variants and brings back some restrictions:

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

Mandatory negative testing may also return for travelers from some countries.

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/...ad-2022-12-23/

Just waiting for the return of "air bubbles" next

Good thing the wife just got back home. It's was enough hassle dealing with gate agents who made her pay for checked bags a second time after she already paid online and showed them the proof. I hate shady af countries...

As India has restarted the random testing for international arrivals, wondering if anyone can share their experience with the same. Also saw that it seems the DEL airport testing starts at 10:00 AM, so what do they do for flight arriving prior to that, for example real early AM arrivals from EU ?

Random testing was hit & miss earlier & I expect it to be the same now that they have restarted it. They may concentrate more on the list of countries they have flagged but in general it is a futile exercise.

Last night the testing teams were all set up in the section before you go to immigration. There was an usher catching people but it turned out she was reminding everyone to fill out their immigration forms. No indication how they were sampling pax. In Delhi they make you wait for the results...

So I too am looking at visiting India (as of Dec 22, 2022, they re-instated the 2% random testing).

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
The following protocol post arrival shall also be followed: a) A sub-section (2% of the total passengers* in the flight) shall undergo random post arrival testing at the airport on arrival. b) Such travellers in each flight shall be identified by the concerned airlines (preferably from different countries). They will submit the samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport thereafter. c) If such travellers� samples are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network. d) They shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.

Since they are attempting to choose visitors from different countries, I'm guessing our testing chances are greater than 2% (as a large majority of the plane is likely to be Indian). They do say we can leave airport thereafter. So what happens if we are tested and leave and the test comes back positive while we are traveling around India? Are we to report to some mandated govt health facility for quarantine? Anyone have any experience here?

So what happens if someone tests positive? Do they go to hotel to quarantine or does India have a mandated govt facility? How long is quarantine in India?

The 14 pax from Myanmar were asymptomatic but were detained until they test negative according to the ToI article I read this morning.