While most countries have banned any sort of travel from Covid-19 struck India, there are a handful of nations that have left their doors open for Indian tourists, but with some restrictions.

The Indian tourism sector which had just started crawling its way back to revival in early 2021 was once again struck down owing to the catastrophic second wave which led to a total disruption of domestic and international travel as many countries banned flights from India. However, with Covid-19 cases finally decreasing and the vaccination drive progressing, some outbound destinations have started lifting travel restrictions for Indian tourists, providing a relief to the travel sector as well as the enthusiasts.

Here is a list of beautiful and luxurious destinations that will welcome Indians on their summer travel itinerary.

Russia

Russia is one of the few countries which have dared to open doors to Indian travellers despite the second wave of Covid-19 in the country. Tourists with negative RT-PCR tests, dated no less than three days prior to arrival, are now free to visit the majestic parks of Moscow or explore things like the stunning beauty of the tundra and the Northern Lights.

Even though travellers will have to carry their negative RT-PCR test reports, the Russian government has also made it mandatory for all the passengers to be tested on arrival and be permitted entry only if found negative.

Presently, there are limited flights being operated by Air India, Aeroflot, Uzbekistan Airways, KLM Royal Dutch and Emirates from Mumbai and Delhi to Moscow. One can apply for a tourist visa that is valid for up to 30 days for single entry or double entry.

Turkey

 

Packed to the brim with ancient monuments and dazzling scenery, the Republic of Turkey has allowed travellers from India to once again experience its magnificent beauty, fun-filled nightlife, lush green parks, high mountain peaks and the calming beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.

While the Turkish government has lifted the travel restrictions it has made a 14-day institutional quarantine mandatory for all those arriving in the country. While the passengers above the age of six are also required to submit an RT-PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to departure, they will only be able to leave the facility if tested negative on 14th day. Carriers such as Air India, Emirates and KLM Royal Dutch are operating limited flights from Mumbai to Istanbul.

Egypt

Home to the ancient pharaohs, this destination offers tourists a chance to combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all in one trip owing to its vast dessert tracks, beautiful beaches along the Red Sea coast or historically and culturally rich destinations like Luxor.

Like Russia and Turkey all those arriving in Egypt will have to take a rapid PCR test  upon arrival. The tourists, if found positive will either be asked to return or will be isolated for a minimum of 14 days.

South Africa

Despite reservations of South African citizens, the government has not yet imposed any traveller restrictions for Indian travellers.

However, visitors are expected to produce an RT-PCR test no older than 72 hours. The passengers will also be screened for symptoms upon arrival and if they display any symptoms, they will have to undergo a test, the cost of which will be borne by the passenger. If found positive, the person will be quarantined for 10 days. The travellers will also need to provide their proof of accommodation on arrival as well.

Even though South Africa is currently under Level 1 curfew, which includes restrictions on gatherings and the opening of nightclubs, the tourists can enjoy the breath-taking coastline, buzzing cities, and wine country.

Tourists can also visit some of the landmark destinations like iSimangaliso Wetland Park, tree-lined Johannesburg which is one of the largest man-made forests in the world, and Soweto where tourists can witness horrors of Apartheid home in the world renowned museums.

 Seychelles

While this particular destination does not often show on outbound travel itineraries of Indian tourists, the stunning archipelago with 115 coral and granite islands is an ideal sanctuary for travellers this summer.

Home to beautiful boulder-strewn beaches, virgin jungles, thriving coral reefs, and UNESCO-listed nature reserves, Seychelles has allowed fully vaccinated tourists from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh two weeks after they get their second dose of vaccine along with a negative RT-PCR test report.