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You might be wondering if your children need to undergo a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test if you're flying to India with your family. Are they exempt because of their age? Can they provide a vaccine certificate instead if they don't have one?
Here's a comprehensive overview on the COVID-19 travel requirements for youngsters going to India:
a. Before the booked travel, submit complete and accurate information in the self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal (https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration), including the previous 14 days' travel details.
b. Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report (the test should have been completed within 72 hours of the journey) or a certificate of completion of the COVID-19 primary immunisation schedule.
c. Submit a declaration regarding the report's legitimacy. If this is not the case, each passenger will face criminal charges.
Children under the age of five are exempt from both pre- and post-arrival testing, according to the standards. If they are discovered to be symptomatic for COVID-19 upon arrival or during the self-monitoring period, they will be tested and treated according to procedure.
If your child is over the age of five, he or she must fulfil one of the following two requirements:
1. Have all of your vaccinations. Vaccinations acquired in the UAE will be accepted in India, according to a list released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on February 28, 2022. The youngster would have to show that he or she has completed the entire basic COVID-19 vaccine schedule.
OR
2. Perform a PCR test 72 hours prior to the flight's departure.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination has been available to children over the age of five since February this year, according to the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and local health organisations in each emirate.
Following clinical testing and a thorough examination, MOHAP approved the emergency local use of Pfizer vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 in May 2021.
Since May 2021, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has given priority to the following groups:
- Children with chronic conditions
- Those who live with vulnerable family members
- Those living with individuals who are unable to obtain the vaccine due to medical reasons.
The Pfizer vaccine dose does not require an appointment in Abu Dhabi for your children. According to the UAE government's official website, u.ae, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi delivers the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to children aged 12 and up at all Mubadala and SEHA vaccination centres.
For children above the age of three, health authorities give PCR tests, and many centres may also have the option of taking a saliva sample instead of a nasal swab. For additional information on the PCR test for youngsters, call the Dubai Health Authority at 800 342 in Dubai. The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi can be reached at 02 4493333. In other emirates, dial 04 665 0000 to reach the Emirates Health Services helpline.