Muscat: Passengers travelling from India to Oman will only be allowed on board Air India Express flights if they follow new rules that have been announced by the airline.
India’s national career has issued a number of guidelines for passengers, to prevent further spread of the coronavirus infection.
“All passengers, excluding those in the age group of 15 years and below, will have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test at the Indian departure at the Indian departure airport,” said the airline in an advisory.
Only valid, certified tests conducted 72 hours before the scheduled time of arrival in Oman, from labs approved by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) will be accepted. Children under 15 are exempt from this rule.
Non-Omanis flying to the Sultanate must have international health insurance covering the cost of treatment for COVID-19 for up to a month, unless they have free healthcare.
Furthermore, all passengers must carry proof of a confirmed hotel booking, made through www.covid19.emushrif.om, for a stay lasting at least seven nights – the duration of the mandatory quarantine period.
A number of exemptions to the above rules are permitted: Omani nationals can spend their quarantine period at home, as can family members of expatriates who are travelling with children aged under 18.
Diplomats – both those visiting the Sultanate, and those employed at missions accredited by the country – and their families are also exempt from the regulations. The rule does not also apply to passengers aged 18 and under, and above 60. Aircrew on board planes are also exempt from the quarantine procedures.
Sick passengers whose conditions require them to seek special attention, as well as those accompanying them (up to two companions for women, and one for men) are excluded from these regulations as well.
While it is mandatory for non-Omanis who fall outside the above criteria to quarantine in hotels, passengers who have reservations at other isolation centres pre-approved by the Ministry of Social Development’s Relief and Shelter Sector can quarantine there instead.
Merchant navy crews that dock at Oman’s ports must also book hotel reservations through their shipping agent, for the duration of their stay in the country. The same booking rules apply for aircrew.
