Even with the news of ‘travel bubbles’ and India’s execution of them with the USA, France and Germany taking centre stage, travellers still do not have definite answers. If you are wondering if you can or cannot get aboard a flight to and from India, this is what you need to know.

Firstly, the Vande Bharat flights are different from regular commercial flights and are meant only for those stranded in a foreign nation. These special flights have been operating for the past two months, bringing stranded Indians home. So, if you are considering booking one of these special flights, you can do so only in such cases.

Secondly, the news of ‘travel bubbles’ between India, France, Germany and the USA also comes with several conditions. To fly aboard one of these, a number of terms and conditions have to be borne in mind.

Only those with permission from the Home Ministry can take a flight to the USA; in addition, you need to have a valid US visa. You can also opt for these flights if you are a US citizen, legal permanent resident, or a foreign national with a valid US visa.

If you wish to fly to either France or Germany, there is a set of criterion in place. The flights would be open to stranded EU citizens/residents, foreign nationals who need to transit through France or Germany, and Indian citizens who are allowed such travel by the Home Ministry.

In addition, the Home Ministry has clearly stated that, “Before making reservations, the passengers must confirm that they would be allowed entry into the destination country.” Thus, you need to check the regulations and restrictions in place by the destination country.

There is no clarity on international commercial flights to and from India for now; Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has previously stated that such operations would resume only gradually and in accordance with safety regulations and requirements with the pandemic in view.If you wish to fly to either France or Germany, there is a set of criterion in place. The flights would be open to stranded EU citizens/residents, foreign nationals who need to transit through France or Germany, and Indian citizens who are allowed such travel by the Home Ministry.

In addition, the Home Ministry has clearly stated that, “Before making reservations, the passengers must confirm that they would be allowed entry into the destination country.” Thus, you need to check the regulations and restrictions in place by the destination country.

There is no clarity on international commercial flights to and from India for now; Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has previously stated that such operations would resume only gradually and in accordance with safety regulations and requirements with the pandemic in view.

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