India makes Air Suvidha form mandatory for all international arrivals amid Ebola outbreak

The Bureau of Immigration has made the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The requirement applies to Indian passport holders, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and foreign nationals, irrespective of their nationality or travel history.

All international passengers arriving in India must now complete the mandatory Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form (SDF) before their journey, amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Passengers have been advised to complete the online form before starting their journey to India and provide all mandatory information accurately. The information will help immigration and health authorities identify passengers who may require additional medical assessment or assistance after arrival.

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Passengers travelling from the UAE and other international destinations must complete the form within 24 hours before they arrive in India. They are advised to submit it before boarding their flight, preferably during web check-in, to avoid last-minute difficulties.

Documents and details required

Passengers should keep their travel documents and personal information ready before accessing the portal. These include a valid passport, Indian visa if applicable, flight ticket or boarding pass, and the address where they will stay in India.

The declaration also requires details of travel history and foreign transit stops. Passengers who have a medical reference letter, where applicable, should keep it available. A working mobile number and email address are also necessary to complete one-time password (OTP) verification.

Travel history and health declaration

The first section of the form requires passengers to enter their personal and travel information, including passport details, nationality, flight number and their first airport of entry in India. They must also provide their travel history covering the previous 21 days.

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Passengers must disclose all foreign transit stops during their journey. Those who have travelled through multiple countries can use the 'Add Transit Row' option to provide additional transit information.

The next step involves entering their address in India, mobile number and email address, followed by OTP verification.

Passengers must then complete the health declaration, which includes questions about possible exposure to Ebola and relevant symptoms, including fever and bleeding. Depending on their travel history and exposure details, the form may display additional health-related questions.

After completing the declaration and consent section, passengers must review their information and submit the form. They should download the acknowledgement and keep it accessible during their journey.

Additional screening may be conducted at Indian airports

On arrival in India, passengers may be asked to show their Air Suvidha acknowledgement at the International Travel Health Desk.

Most passengers can proceed with the regular arrival process. However, an Airport Port Health Officer may conduct additional screening depending on the information provided in the declaration.

The digital system allows health and immigration authorities to share passenger information and identify travellers who may need further medical assessment.

The requirement applies even to passengers who have not visited an Ebola-affected country. All international arrivals must complete the declaration, regardless of their nationality or previous travel destinations.