Highlights
- Indian-Australian travelled from Melbourne to New Delhi via a private airline
- ‘Carry your own food, blanket and entertainment’
- Travellers now can seek exemption from quarantine on arrival with a negative COVID test result
Mr Deep travelled from Melbourne to Delhi in September via Sri Lanka Airlines that he booked through a private travel agent in Australia.
“Travelling during COVID-19 pandemic with border closures and quarantine requirements and COVID-test results can be intimidating and confusing for many. Especially our older parents. So I want to share some tips with our community based on my experience,” Mr Deep told SBS Hindi.
He says his first tip is to get an exemption from the Australian Border Force to travel.
Australian citizens and permanent residents are banned from travelling overseas currently and need an exemption to travel/
“I supplied evidence and explained my circumstances. It was approved within 6 hours,” he says.
He then proceeded to book his tickets through a travel agent.
“And then three days before my flight, I got tested for COVID in Melbourne so as to be exempted from quarantining in India. India only allows tests done 96 hours before the flight,” he says.
If the test results are negative, the person doesn’t have to quarantine in India.
“I applied for exemption from quarantine with my negative test result and I got it [exemption],” he says.
He recommends carrying a copy of this test result on the flight along with the exemption.
“If you don't do the test or somehow don't have the result and you travel, there are two options. First is to get a test done at the airport which can be booked online before you arrive. Result within four hours they say. Or you will be quarantined for two weeks. Depends state-wise.
So, before you travel you should ideally have a copy of self-declaration questionnaire, test result and exemption from the Australian government, exception from quarantine from the Indian government,” he says.
Mr Deep travelled from Melbourne to Delhi in September via Sri Lanka Airlines Source: Supplied by Kay Deep
Melbourne to Delhi via Colombo
Mr Deep was advised to reach airport four hours before departure.
“My flight was at 8:45 pm. I reached the airport at 4:30 pm. Check-in was easy as there weren’t many people around. They will call the border force and confirm the travel exemption [to leave Australia]. Then they will issue the boarding pass,” he says.
He advises food options are limited at the airport.
“Only one cafe and McDonald's were open. Takeaway only,” he says.
After boarding the aircraft, Mr Deep found there was no inflight entertainment.
“First thing you notice when you find your seat is one water bottle, two masks, one face shield and a small bottle of sanitiser for each person.
“No blanket was given. It was advised to keep the face shield and mask on all the time. But not many followed it.
“Inflight entertainment didn’t work neither did phone charging via USB port. Everything was disabled to make sure people don’t use the touch screen.
“The food was basic. I recommend carrying some food from home.
“I had downloaded plenty of videos and movies and they came in handy during the nine hours flight,” he says.
Mr Deep then spent 90 mins at the Colombo airport inside the aircraft before heading off to New Delhi.
“As we approached New Delhi, we were given a self-declaration form. I already had done it online so wasn't sure if I need to fill it again. But just to be sure everyone filled it up.
“Once the flight landed, at the first stop, they checked my exemption notice (have a copy in print), and they will stamp the boarding pass.
“At the second stop, they will check the self-declaration form and put a stamp on your left wrist. In my case despite having exemption, he glanced at the self-declaration form and told me it's not accepted. Didn't stamp the wrist.
“Then you go further and give your passport/boarding pass and immigration form. Australian citizens need to fill the form and it took 40 mins or so.
“Then you collect your luggage. This was the most challenging part as they had taken out most of the bags from the belt and you have to keep going through bags to find yours. It took 40 mins or so to find the bag,” he says.
He then says those with stamps on their wrist were allowed to leave.
“In my case, I was without a stamp on the wrist and was asked to go to a booth based on different states where one doctor checked my documents and test result and issued me the permit to leave the airport. It took additional 20 mins.
“Every state has different requirements and rules. For my case I was advised two weeks home quarantine,” Mr Deep said who then travelled to his hometown in Himachal Pradesh.
Mr Deep says his top tips would be to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours in advance, bring your own food/blanket and carry all the important documents.
“I hope this helps someone,” he says.
Disclaimer: We’d like to point out that the information contained in this segment is general and is not specific advice.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: , , , , , ,
