New Delhi, 25 June (H.S.): The Air Suvidha portal has been activated for travellers arriving in India from Ebola-affected countries. Passengers will now be required to complete a mandatory online Self-Declaration Form before disembarking from their flights. Previously, the entire process was carried out through paper-based forms.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DIAL, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), have launched the Air Suvidha 2.0 portal. The initiative aims to ensure the timely identification of health risks, including Ebola, at all points of entry into India.

The upgraded system enables real-time coordination among health authorities, immigration officials, and surveillance agencies, facilitating the early identification of passengers who may pose potential health risks.

The Ministry stated that all international travellers arriving in India must complete the Self-Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha portal before commencing their journey. The form can be filled online up to 24 hours prior to arrival in India, and timely submission is mandatory for all passengers.

Travellers have been advised to complete the form during web check-in or before boarding their flights to avoid delays or inconvenience during health screening, security checks, and immigration procedures upon arrival in India. The measure is also expected to facilitate faster immigration clearance.

After submitting the form, passengers must keep a downloaded copy with them and present it, if required, at the International Travel Health Desk or the immigration counter.

Emphasising public health, safety, and smooth travel procedures, the Ministry has urged all international travellers to provide accurate, clear, and complete information in their self-declaration forms to ensure a seamless travel experience and effective health monitoring.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar