Put your Worries in a Bubble:
Which 28 countries have the Air Bubble arrangement with India?
With the pandemic becoming the new normal, the how’s and where’s of international travel have become more complicated than ever. And we can’t wait to spread our wings — ‘cos Revenge Travel is giving us the goals this year!!
While the Indian government continues to suspend mainstream international flights, there are certain pockets of travel freedom that are still available to us under the Air Bubble Arrangement.
Sounds fancy? It sure is.
An Air Bubble is an agreement between two nations that perceive each other to be safe to travel to and allow exchange of passengers between themselves.
Although there are no restrictions for travel within an air bubble arrangement, certain guidelines must be followed under these agreements as well — for the safety and health of each country’s residents and tourists.
The guidelines are broadly similar with most encircling basic requirements of social distancing, COVID tests before and after travel, mandatory quarantines, and essential visas.
But worry not — we got you covered. We went around looking for a release to our travel bug and found 28 countries that have this arrangement with us as on date (July 2021).
Read on to take your pick:
Afghanistan:
Not on too many travel wishlists, due to an unsafe political situation, Afghanistan is a landlocked country at the intersection of Central and Southern Asia. With Pakistan and Iran on two sides, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and China cover the rest of the borders for this war-torn country.
The established air transport bubble with Afghanistan allows Indian carriers and the Afghan carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines to operate travel between the two countries.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian nationals/residents and foreign nationals holding valid Afghanistan visas, if required and vice versa
· Diplomats from Afghanistan holing a valid Indian visa and vice versa
· Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan;
· All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding Afghanistan passports
The visa requirements for a valid Afghan visa are:
· Duly filled and signed application form
· Passport size photo meeting the requirements of the Afghan embassy
· Original passport that has been valid for at least 6 months
· The visa application must be submitted in person to the Consular section of the embassy, which is in New Delhi
This page could give you more information for your travel: https://www.newdelhi.mfa.af/en/
The Kingdom of Bahrain:
A renowned Persian Gulf country made of 50 natural and 33 man-made islands, the Kingdom of Bahrain has worked hard to develop its image of being a commercial hub. Tourism is actively promoted by the Kingdom and with its sunny climate and vast deserts, it is a perfect destination for the cold-region dwellers.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian nationals/residents and foreign nationals holding valid Bahraini visas, if required and vice versa
· Diplomats from Bahrain holing a valid Indian visa and vice versa
· Indian nationals stranded in Bahrain;
· All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding Bahraini passports
As of now, entry of all passengers from India is suspended, except for citizens and holders of valid residence visas from entering the country as it is red-listed along with Nepal, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan due to the recent second wave of COVID-19 cases. Countries from this red list are also ineligible to receive work permits.
Bangladesh:
Of Bengal tigers and Sundarbans, Bangladesh is more just a country with the world’s largest river delta and burgeoning population. Bangladesh now offers tourists a glimpse into an economy which although still largely agricultural, is soon becoming home to manufacturing and export of quality garments for brands like H&M, Zara & GAP.
Flights to Bangladesh are operating from Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian nationals/residents and foreign nationals holding valid Bangladeshi visas, if required and vice versa
· Diplomats from Bangladesh holing a valid Indian visa and vice versa
· All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding Bangladeshi passports
· Foreign nationals from either country that belong to a nation that has a valid air bubble arrangement with the destined nation
The general visa requirements for a valid Bangladeshi visa are:
· Duly filled and signed application form
· Passport size photo meeting the requirements of the Bangladeshi High Commission
· Payment of visa fee for non-Indian nationals
· Original and valid passport
· For online visas, an email address and the address of the place where you will stay in Bangladesh is required.
Bhutan:
Derek Bok, the former president of Harvard University, once said of Bhutan:
“The first country to adopt happiness as an official goal of public policy is the tiny little country of Bhutan in Asia near China and India.”
A tiny landlocked country on the eastern ridges of the Himalayas, Bhutan is exactly that and much more. Although tourism is currently shut down in Bhutan due to the COVID-19 situation, citizens can travel there for other purposes provided they produce a negative RT-PCR report issued less than 72 hours prior.
Only Bhutanese airlines are allowed to land in Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport in Bhutan.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian nationals/residents with valid passports and vice versa
· Diplomats from Bhutan holing a valid Indian visa and vice versa
· All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding Bhutan passports
Indian travellers do not require a Bhutanese visa and will be issued entry permits on arrival provided they produce a valid Indian passport and voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India.
Canada:
Did you know that Canada takes up two-fifths of the North American continent and is the second largest country in the world after Russia?
One of the few countries in the world that values and celebrates diversity, Canada is known for its policies of welcoming immigrants — unlike its wealthier neighbour, the United States.
The established air transport bubble with Canada allows Indian carriers and the Canadian carrier Air Canada to operate travel between the two countries.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian nationals/residents and foreign nationals holding valid Canadian visas, if required and vice versa
· Diplomats from Canada holing a valid Indian visa and vice versa
· Canadian nationals stranded in India;
· All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding Canadian passports
· Seamen with Indian passports are eligible for clearance by the Ministry of Shipping
Direct flights to Canada have been suspended till July 21, due to the prevailing COVID conditions. Those who wish to travel to Canada from India, however, may do so by flying to a third country from where travel to Canada is allowed after providing a negative molecular COVID-19 test from this country.
While the ban on regular passenger flights from India continues to remain, passengers still wishing to travel may do so via the indirect route.
France:
With medieval cities, Alpine villages and pristine Mediterranean beaches, France has been a tourist’s dream forever. Its touristy landmarks like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower and the not-so-widely explored small villages like Monpazier and Josselin make it the perfect destination for every kind of traveller.
The established air transport bubble with France allows Indian carriers and French carriers to operate between the two countries. Those eligible for travel are like that of the Canadian bubble.
Visa applications must be submitted between three to six months before departure to the Embassy of France in Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, or Puducherry.
Currently, France issues student visas as a priority, while visas for other purposes remain restricted.
Ethiopia:
The second most populous country in Africa after Nigeria, Ethiopia is also one of the poorest in the region. It is said that there are about 85 languages spoken in Ethiopia, but Amharic is the Government’s official language.
The source of the famous river Nile is also located in this country. With mountains that run 4500 metres high, Ethiopia is the biggest country in the Horn of Africa.
The established air transport bubble with Ethiopia allows Indian carriers and Ethiopian carriers to operate between the two countries. Those eligible for travel are like that of the Canadian bubble, with the inclusion of African seamen or African nationals who wish to travel to India via Ethiopia.
Ethiopia allows travellers to apply for e-visa at https://www.ethiopiaonlinevisa.com/, to remove the obstacle of going to the embassy. However, Ethiopia does not require a transit visa, provided the passenger does not leave the airport.
Germany:
Germany, like its natives, is said to be a friendly and welcoming country, even though sometimes its people might seem a bit low on humour. But when you get to know them, it is learnt that Germans are stoic for perfection and are beautiful socially conscious people who understand their responsibility towards their nation and the world.
Culture, history, and law-rich Germany is rich with diverse landscapes — forests, rivers, mountains, and beaches, what’s not to be in Germany to love and explore?!
The established air transport bubble with Germany allows Indian carriers and German carriers to operate between the two countries.
Those eligible for travel include:
· German and EU nationals/residents and their spouses bound for the EU Schengen area, Africa or South America with valid visas and vice versa
· Diplomats from Germany holing a valid Indian visa and vice versa
· Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals destined for the EU Schengen area
· Seamen holding valid Indian, EU or South American passports destined for one of these placed only
· All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding valid passports from any country
Germany issues long term and short-term visas. The short term or Schengen visas may be submitted to the German embassy or consulate for all Schengen countries except for Lichtenstein, for which the application must be submitted to the Embassy of Switzerland.
Documents required include the filled application form, passport photo and passport, along with other specific documents based on the type of visa you are applying for.
Iraq:
A beautiful country, Iraq has unfortunately always been known for its war-torn nature and dictatorial leadership. But Iraq is so much more than that. Poets, architects, sculptors, painters producing some of the world’s best handicrafts and home décor and Iraqi food that includes some of the best fish and meat dishes are enough to keep the traveller engaged if she wishes to give in to the tug of her heart.
Although no direct flights are available, Indian travellers can fly to either UAE or Turkey first and then fly to Basra International or Baghdad International.
The eligibility of travellers is like that of Afghanistan. However, it is important to note that Iraq issues only business visas to civilians and not tourist or student visas.
Japan:
The land of cherry blossoms and sushi, Japan is a country that makes travel worthwhile for every kind of visitor. Too Business-like? Tokyo and Osaka beckon! Happy being a lost tourist? Kobe and Kyoto are just right for you! Or want to chill in a hill station? Try Nikko and Nagasaki!!!
The Narita International Airport is the primary hub for all flights landing in Japan — a pitstop at Narita is compulsory before you fly anywhere within the country.
The eligibility of travellers is like that of Afghanistan. While requirements for Japanese visas differ based on the type of visa, a valid passport and a filled application form 15 days before travel are the basic requirements.
Kenya:
Kenya is often identified with the Big Five and the Wildebeest Migration and we look forward to peak seasons of the beautiful Masai Mara. Kenya is not only wild, it is scenic too. Did you know that Kenya gets its name from Mount Kenya — which is also known as Kirinyaga by the locals (literally translating to the mountain of ostriches)?
The travel requirements are like that of Ethiopia, which means all African nationals are eligible to travel to India via Kenya.
Indians travelling to Kenya can apply for an e-visa or a transit visa on arrival if they are staying in the airport for less than 72 hours.
Kuwait:
The only Arabic country with a love for the tradition of theatre, Kuwait is a beautiful middle-eastern country known for its sand dunes and stunning landscape.
But it doesn’t come cheap. One Kuwaiti dinar is worth about INR 250 and is the most expensive currency in the world. Why, you ask? Oil! With one of the largest oil reserves in the world, Kuwait commands power in the energy export market and hence many leading businesses choose Kuwait as their home.
Kuwait is not just strict about those coming to their country but maintains similar guidelines for its own citizens travelling abroad — unvaccinated Kuwaitis cannot travel abroad!
Those eligible for travel to Kuwait must follow guidelines like that of Afghanistan with the inclusion of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders. However, those arriving from Kuwait are not eligible for an Indian tourist visa. Indian nationals may apply for a Kuwaiti visa online, with a valid Indian passport and a GCC residency permit.
Maldives:
An Archipelago consisting of about 1192 islets, the Republic of Maldives is a beautiful welcoming country located just above the equator. Yes, did you know that the Maldives runs across the Northern and Southern Hemisphere and consists of over 250 inhabited islands? Even if you don’t know that, you are sure to know that the Maldives is the go-to destination for all those with love in their eyes and dollars to spare.
The stay and commute between the airport and the island resorts can set you back by a few bucks for sure — but the experience in return is absolutely unparalleled.
Indians have been eligible to travel as tourists to the Maldives from July 15 onwards.
The travel requirements are similar to that of Kuwait. Visas are issued on arrival for Indian tourists. However, for non-tourist visas, Indians have to apply at the Maldives embassy with specific documents as mentioned on https://immigration.gov.mv/
Nepal:
The home to the Himalayas and the world’s tallest mountain — Mount Everest, Nepal has much much more to offer than just snow-capped peaks. Skydive from Mount Everest or paraglide in Pokhara, Nepal offers many options to the adventurous heart. And if you’re feeling spiritual, there are more than enough options like the Pashupatinath temple and the Boudhanath Stupa to your solace.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian and Nepalese nationals
· Other foreign nationals in either of these countries
Indians do not require a visa to visit Nepal.
Netherlands:
Mention a bachelor party and it is rare that Amsterdam wouldn’t rake a mention. Netherland’s capital, known for its love for cycling and its inclination for the arts, is also definitely a party animal’s delight. But the cheese markets, bulb fields, canals and windmills around the country make the Netherlands one of the most densely populated and widely visited countries in the world.
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The criteria for eligibility for travel are similar to Germany.
As the Netherlands falls within the Schengen area, Indian travellers are eligible for the Schengen visa. Visa requirements include the filled application form and passport, and applicants have to sit for an interview with visa officers at the Consulate or Embassy before being approved.
Nigeria:
The largest economy in Africa with its extensive oil and natural gas reserves, Nigeria is a country that cannot be ignored for too long. It feeds you Jollof rice and beef stew, it shows you Zuma Rock and the Freedom Park, it makes you party in Lagos and makes you calm your nerves at the Cross River state.
The travel requirements are similar to that of Ethiopia, which means all African nationals are eligible to travel to India via Nigeria.
No direct flights to Lagos are available. Visa applications are online and charge a fee of USD 253 at last count.
Oman:
The Sultanate of Oman is a country on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian peninsula.
Famous for its orchards, mosques, wadis and dhows, Oman is a culturally and legally forward country as compared to its other middle eastern cousins. If you don’t disrespect their culture and stay off drugs, a stay in this part of the world could be full of fresh air and dazzling shopping destinations.
Those eligible for travel are similar to that of Afghanistan. No direct flights are available, and most flights have a pitstop either in the UAE or Qatar.
Indians can apply for e-visa if they intend to stay less than 30 days, but long-term visas usually require a visit to the Embassy.
Qatar:
With its arid deserts and futuristic skyscrapers, Qatar can be an active traveller’s delight. Full of adventure sports options and safari retreats, Qatar combines old world charm and modern sophistication with easy elan. The souqs, corniches and museums of Doha, the beaches, and parks of Al-Wakrah and the artificial island of Pearl-Qatar. This country has plenty to offer to anyone who wishes to loosen their purse strings after a long and arduous lockdown.
Flights operate daily from various cities in India to Doha International airport with Indian air carriers and Qatar airways conducting travel operations.
Those eligible for travel are like that of Afghanistan, and tourists of Indian nationality are given a visa waiver of up to 30 days. The documents required for other types of visas vary based on the visa
Russia:
The largest country in the world is also the world’s best-kept secret. As Winston Churchill famously said:
Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Moscow and St. Petersburg make up the primary attractions, but Kazan, Vladivostok and Nizhny Novgorod are no less of the beauties to behold. And if you want to experience the oldest and deepest lake in the world, the Baikal is a far-out but worthy option to explore.
There are no direct flights to Russia, and non-direct flights usually have a stop in UAE or Qatar. Those eligible for travel are similar to that of Germany (although since Russia is neither part of the EU or the Schengen area, so those eligible for travel may do so only to Russia and from Russia).
If your stay is less than 30 days for business or tourism in St Petersburg and the Leningrad region, you can apply for an e-visa. However, for other visas, the conventional method of applying in person at the Embassy or Consulate is advised.
Tanzania:
An East African country, known for its vast forests and national parks, Tanzania also houses the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. A week’s vacation may not cost more than 600 dollars, but normal McDonald’s burgers may just be double the price.
Zanzibar, which is an archipelago located in Tanzania, is famous for its exotic beaches, spice plantations and diverse culture — so much so, that it has its own government and its own leadership. It is said that Zanzibar residents would rather call themselves Zanzibaris over being called Tanzanian citizens.
Indirect flights are available from multiple Indian cities to Zanzibar city, and those eligible for travel are similar to other African countries. Visa applications can be made online.
UAE:
Better known as the Emirates, UAE is the symbol of lavishness and glowing riches. With rich countries like Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran sharing its borders, UAE is home to some of the world’s most vibrant cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Whether you fancy a climb up the Burj Khalifa or going up and down the sand in a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates can offer everything that money can and cannot buy.
Flights to UAE recently resumed and were suspended again, but when they start over — those eligible for travel will find guidelines similar to those of Qatar with the inclusion of nationals of Nepal and Bhutan.
United Kingdom:
Made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom is one of the most influential nations in the world– it is said that of all the countries on the planet, there are only 22 which the British have not invaded. With its rich culture, heritage and architecture, and an inclination towards literary arts, it is the hub of traditional and modern pedagogy. The United Kingdom has attracted tourists, students, and workers for decades if not centuries.
Those eligible for travel are:
· Indian citizens with valid UK visa and vice versa
· Non-UK foreigners with valid Indian visa
· Seamen holding Indian passports
Indians must apply for the relevant visa at the UK Embassy.
USA:
The dream of many but the reach of only a few — America is not just a nation but a nation of nations. With its 50 states covering most of the North American continent, the United States of America is a wanderer’s dream. There’s so much to do, so much to see that travellers often take multiple trips of several days spread across many years to see some of the many parts of the world’s fourth largest country.
Criteria for travel eligibility is like that of the UK, and visa application is in-person at either the Embassy or the Consulate.
Rwanda
Officially the Republic of Rwanda, this is a landlocked country in the East of Africa with the warmest of people and the cleanest of streets. In fact, it is known to be one of the cleanest nations on Earth and has undertaken massive reforestation and tree-planting efforts to restore the Earth’s green balance.
The eligibility to travel is similar to that of Germany.
Indians are eligible for visa on arrival for a stay of less than 30 days.
Seychelles
If not the Maldives, where else could you get pristine white sands and aqua-blue waters to take your sweetheart honeymooning? An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a coral-rich country in the East of Africa.
Known for its romantic boat trips and hiking trails, Seychelles has the world’s best hotel chains for the traveller who loves luxury combined with his adventure.
The eligibility to travel is similar to that of Germany.
Indians do not require a visa for Seychelles. However, they must procure a travel permit at a cost of 150 USD.
Ukraine:
The second-largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine is known for its diverse landscapes. The people are beautiful, the culture is well-preserved, and the monuments of the Soviet era make Ukraine a worthy try for a tourist looking to explore.
The hints of the world’s largest nuclear disaster — Chernobyl — still show up on travel advisories now and then but the vibrance of Kyiv and Lviv make up for all apprehensions one may have before making their travel plans to the Black Sea shoreline.
The eligibility to travel is similar to that of Germany but in Ukraine, Russian citizens who are not in the diplomatic corps are not allowed to enter the country. The Visa application process is online.
With ongoing vaccinations in India and many of the countries with air bubble arrangements, international travel is slowly resuming. But travelling like pre-pandemic times still remains a few years away, as the world continues to see an up-and-down trend with the number of COVID-19 cases and with many countries seeing their second or third waves with the highly infectious delta variant spreading across the world.
Our foreseeable future in travelling is probably going to consist of negative RT-PCR reports, quarantines, and vaccine passports to access not only a country but every restaurant, nightclub, and business offices within the country. Despite the increased complications that come with post-pandemic travel, it will never stop completely because the world has become more like a global village. Aside from the luxury and the adventure that the human psyche looks for every time we hop on international flights to the most fascinating cities, it is also a source of livelihood for a huge part of the human population.
So, for all the extra hurdles pandemic travel brings with it, one can only get on with the tediousness remembering the words of famed baseball player Babs Hoffman,
“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.”
We can be reached at assist@dais.world for thoughts, feedback, and suggestions.
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