The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

India has scrapped Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for fully vaccinated residents travelling to India, according to a circular issued by Air India Express.

The airline said that, “Guests who have completed the full vaccination schedule of both doses from the list of recognized countries (includes UAE) on reciprocity basis are exempted from RT PCR testing prior to departure for travel to India from UAE.

“The travellers are advised to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate on India Air Suvidha portal: https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration”

The airline said that travellers who fail to comply with the rules and regulations will be denied boarding.  

People queue at Delhi Airport.

The Air India Express also said, “Children under 5 years of age are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing.

“However, if found symptomatic for COVID-19 on arrival or during home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing and treated as per laid down protocol.”.

On the other hand, India reported 1,335 fresh COVID cases, a marginal rise from the previous day's count of 1,225 in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Friday.

A total of 52 deaths were also registered in the span of 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths to 5,21,181.

Following a continuous downward trend, India's active caseload has further declined to 13,672, constituting 0.03 per cent of the country's total positive cases.