Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.The Indian government has made it mandatory for every international passenger arriving in the country to submit an online health declaration through the newly launched Air Suvidha 2.0 portal before boarding their flight. The upgraded system has been reintroduced as a precautionary public health measure following the recent Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The rule applies to all travellers, including Indian citizens and foreign nationals, irrespective of their country of departure or travel history. Authorities said the digital process is quick and can be completed during web check-in or before boarding, helping streamline health screening at Indian airports.
Global Health Alert Triggers Fresh Measures
The move follows the World Health Organization's declaration on May 17, 2026, that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in coordination with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), relaunched the Air Suvidha platform as Air Suvidha 2.0 on June 25.
Officials said the upgraded portal is aimed at strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring that potential health risks are identified before passengers arrive in India. The authorities clarified that the health declaration is an additional requirement and does not replace any existing e-arrival card or immigration formalities.
Key Details Every Passenger Must Know
International passengers are required to keep the following information ready before starting the process:
- Passport number and passport details.
- Flight number and date of travel.
- Valid mobile number for OTP verification.
- Details of travel undertaken during the previous 21 days.
- Health information related to possible Ebola exposure or symptoms.
Travellers must visit the official Air Suvidha portal or access it by scanning the QR code provided by airlines or airport check-in counters. After entering personal and flight details, passengers must verify their mobile number through a one-time password before completing the health declaration.
Health Declaration Process Explained
The declaration form asks passengers whether they have travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan during the previous 21 days, whether they have come into contact with Ebola patients, or whether they are experiencing symptoms associated with the virus. Those with no such history must simply select "None of the Above" before submitting the form.
Important steps after submission include:
- Save the confirmation number immediately.
- Download or take a screenshot of the acknowledgement.
- Keep the confirmation readily available for immigration clearance after landing in India.
Officials said carrying the digital acknowledgement would eliminate the need for additional paperwork at the airport, making the arrival process faster and more efficient.
Post-Arrival Advisory for Travellers
The government has also issued a health advisory for all international passengers after they enter India. Travellers have been asked to remain alert for any Ebola-related symptoms for 21 days after arrival. Anyone developing symptoms during this period should immediately seek medical attention and disclose their recent travel history to health authorities. Officials said early reporting would help prevent any possible spread of infection and enable timely medical intervention if required.
Ebola Threat Behind Precautionary Rollout
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral disease that has recently resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, prompting global concern. The WHO's emergency declaration has led several countries to strengthen border health surveillance, and India has now followed suit by reviving the Air Suvidha platform with enhanced features. Officials stressed that the measure is purely preventive and intended to safeguard public health without disrupting international travel.
For travellers, the government has issued the following reminders:
- Complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 form before boarding.
- Keep the confirmation receipt accessible throughout the journey.
- Report any symptoms within 21 days of arrival.
- Contact the national health helpline on 1075 or inform health authorities immediately if medical assistance is required.
