Keeping you safe

When not to travel

You should not travel if you:

• Are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms or have in the last 7 days
• Are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms
• Are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody who has experienced coronavirus symptoms in the past 10 days

COVID tests

The UK and India require that to enter the country you must have proof of a negative coronavirus test. The test must be completed no longer than 72 hours (3 days) before your flight departure. You must use a private test provider as the NHS Test and Trace testing service cannot provide you with the documents you will need for travel.

You will also need to ensure that you take a test before your return journey.

Declaration form

Before you travel you will be required to fill in a Declaration Form online for both the UK and for India.

You will also need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form.

Vaccine certificates

Travel to some countries already requires vaccine certificates for some diseases such as yellow fever, so this is not an unusual requirement. There is presently no legal requirement (nor internationally recognised format) to show a Vaccine Certificate to enter either the UK or India. The UK government intends to make a decision with other countries in June during the G7 meeting.

Masks

By law you must wear a mask or face covering at the airport and on board the aeroplane. The mask must cover your nose and mouth but no special mask is required.

You are not required to wear face masks if:

• You are a child under the age of 11 
• You have a physical or mental condition which excludes you. You will be required to prove this with documentation.

At the airport and on the flight

Wear your mask at all times.

Where possible, avoid touching surfaces in the airport. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after using self-service check-in, luggage trollies and other frequently touched surfaces.

At the security checkpoint

Follow advice given to you by airport staff to prepare for security checks.

In the departure lounge/ terminal airside area/ arrival areas

Avoid walking around the airport and mixing with people you do not normally meet. Follow the rules on social distancing.

In shops at the airport, wear a face covering, follow social distancing measures and, where possible, pay by contactless card.

On board the aircraft

For all flights out of and into the UK passengers must wear a face covering onboard aircraft. 

You can only remove your face covering when:

• Taking medication.
• Eating or drinking, if reasonably necessary.
• Communicating with someone who relies on lip reading.
• Avoiding harm or injury.

During the flight, you should:

• Remain seated as much as possible.
• Follow instructions and guidance from crew.
• Use contactless payment where possible.
• Be aware there is likely to be a reduced food and drink service.
• Make the cabin crew aware if you become ill.