Republic-Day foreign travel: Flyers in a bind over RT-PCR test

PUNE: Confusion has gripped travellers planning trips abroad during the Republic Day long weekend following the Union health ministry's latest rule for a negative RT-PCR test report for those transiting through some countries before landing at Indian airports, compelling many to opt for domestic holiday destinations.
According to the ministry's notification, a negative RT-PCR test report is mandatory for those transiting through China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand before landing in India. Nikhil Thakurdas, CEO, Odyssey Tours and Travels, told TOI that a lot of confusion prevails among flyers as the ministry has updated its notification thrice in the past few days.
"Travellers not even heading to any of these six countries would have to get a negative RT-PCR test report if their flight has a transit stop in these nations, including popular tourist destinations like Thailand and Singapore," Thakurdas said.
Several travellers have put off plans for international travel for the January 26 long weekend. Places like Dubai, Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka are popular short-haul destinations during long weekends. But international travel is a little subdued now,” he said. Thakurdas said people were now planning short trips within India instead. “Some will head to Kerala for the Kochi biennale or wildlife parks like Tadoba, Ranthambore and Pench. Some are going for the Jaipur Literature Festival and extending their stay to explore Rajasthan,” said Thakurdas.
Nilesh Bhansali, director, Devam Tours And Travels, said, “Maximum flights from India transit through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand for Fiji Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines and Indonesia. Travel to all these has been on hold temporarily because of the confusion. But we expect the situation to normalise soon.” Ajit Patil, owner, Landmaster Holidays, said, “We have stopped taking bookings for destinations like Singapore, Bali and Thailand despite receiving queries.
Also, RT-PCR is an additional cost, as it is very expensive in other countries. Some cancelled plans after the new rule.” BJain, a businessman, returned from Singapore on January 2 with a harrowing experience. “It was very difficult to get an RT-PCR test done as most centres were closed there. We managed to get the test done for nearly Singapore $150 per person, which is over Rs9,000. We planned to celebrate New Year abroad after a long gap, but the test was a spoiler.” Santosh Gupta, the owner of Shree Vinayak Holidays, said he cancelled bookings of three travellers to Phuket around January 23 after the rule was imposed.
“They were supposed to go for five nights but cancelled the plan as the test is an added cost. The test costs around Rs4,800 (2,000 Thai Baht) per person, which is expensive. Also, there is the risk of testing positive in a foreign country and being stuck there till the infection subsides,” he said. Gupta said the travellers had now planned a trip to Rishikesh and Dehradun for the long weekend.