These Are The Countries India Has An Air Bubble Agreement With

In light of the novel coronavirus-induced pandemic, India has negotiated to have 'air bubble' arrangements with a few countries.

What is air bubble (travel corridors)?

It is a system established between two countries that consider each other to be safe and allow carriers of both the nations to fly passengers either way without any restrictions.

Today, India announced an air bubble agreement with the Maldives and will resume cargo ferry services.

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Here is a list of other countries that India has an air bubble agreement with:

1. United State of America

If someone travelling to the US has been outside the country for less than a year or presently has an unexpired re-entry permit can travel to the country. Re-entry permit applications should have been filed before the person departing the United States.

If the passenger has been out of the States for more than a year or if their re-entry permit has expired, they will have to apply for a returning resident visa when consular operations are active again.

Reuters

2. The United Kingdom

According to the British Airways, a limited number of flights will fly between the UK and India from August 17. A British High Commission spokesperson said, "From 6 July 2020, we began a phased reopening of some of the Visa Application Centres in India and applications for all visa categories are being processed. As the situation in India continues to develop, we will keep local situations under review, and take further measures if necessary to keep staff and customers safe. Customers are requested to visit the VFS Global website for further details."

People who will be eligible to travel to the UK will be: stranded UK nationals/ foreign nationals transiting through the UK, spouses, accompanying or otherwise. Aside from this, any Indian national holding any type of UK visa which is destined for the UK only will be able to travel to the country. Lastly, seamen holding Indian passports will be allowed if they clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.

Reuters

3. France

According to Air France, all EU and EEA Nationals and Residents, including the UK will be allowed to travel to the country. Indian nationals who are permitted to travel abroad as per the MHA guidelines will also be allowed to enter France.

Apart from this, third country foreign nationals or spouses of theirs who have a Permanent Residency in their name can also travel. Lastly, Indian seamen with subject to clearance from Ministry of Shipping can also enter the country.

AFP

4. Germany

People who can travel to Germany from India will need a valid residence permit for the European nation. Family members of Indian nationals travelling to Germany for family reunification or for urgent family reasons will be allowed to enter Germany.

Other than that, healthcare professionals, health researchers, elderly care professionals, foreign experts, transport personnel, seasonal agricultural workers, sailors, foreign students whose studies cannot be carried on outside the country are on the list of people who can fly to Germany.

People in need of international protection as well as diplomats, military personnel, humanitarian aid workers, late repatriates, passengers in transit will be allowed.

AFP

5. Canada

Passengers who are allowed to travel to Canada are stranded Canadian nationals and residents along with any Indian national holding any type of valid Canadian visa. Other than that, seamen holding Indian passports subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping can enter the country.

AFP

Travel safe!

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