Travellers in a fix over govt announcement of mandatory RT-PCR testing

The rule applies to passengers arriving from five nations and calls for quarantine of infected/symptomatic flyers; travellers fear list may soon include more countries

With over 900,000 visitors between January and December, India has been the second-largest source market for Thailand. More trips are planned for New Year and for business events and weddings in January.

But Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s announcement to introduce the mandatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for airline passengers from five countries, including Thailand, may force holidaymakers to reconsider their plans.

On Saturday, Mandaviya said his ministry would implement the RT-PCR tests for incoming passengers from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand after discussing it with the civil aviation ministry.

A formal order was not issued until Sunday evening, but travel agencies received frantic calls from air travellers seeking guidance or revisions in their travel plans.

“Some of our customers with confirmed bookings to Thailand and other destinations in Southeast Asia are looking to put their plans on hold. Cancellation and deferment shall be an additional cost as airlines and hotels are not offering waivers,” said Sanjay Dutta, managing director of Delhi-based Airborne Travels.

“We are advising travellers who are yet to book tickets to wait a day or two until there is further clarity from the government,” said Anil Kalsi, joint secretary, Travel Agents Federation of India.

With easy air connectivity and economically priced hotels, Thailand is a hugely popular destination among Indian tourists. The country did away with all Covid restrictions in October this year.

For tourists, the bigger concern is being placed under quarantine if they catch the virus. There is also a fear that the government may expand the list of countries to increase surveillance.

A top executive of an online travel agency said it is too early to assess the impact of government decisions.

“It is business as usual for now. We will have greater clarity next week,” he said.