Important update to Covid-19 regulations in India, impacting crew changes

Please refer to below instructions issued by Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ministry dated 7th Jan 2022.

As per the instructions and the attached Algorithm / Guidelines for International travelers, ministry has notified that they may start insisting on 7 days quarantine for even countries which do not fall under high risk category. This will have impact on the Sign On of all foreign nationals since the Transit Visa for Sign On Crew is issued only for 3 days and will become invalid for the purpose of crew change/Sign On.

As of now, DG Shipping or the Port Immigration / Health authorities have not issued any instructions or directives on whether they are going to implement above guidelines strictly. This however may change at very short notice due to large increase in Omicorn cases being observed all around India and lot of states / cities coming out with new regulations at very short notice or no notice at all.

All Inchcape port offices in India have been asked to be on look out for any information from local authorities which may change status quo.

ALGORITHM OR GUIDELINE FLOWCHART FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
MINISTRY OF HEALTH CIRCULAR DATED 7 JAN 2022
UPDATED LIST OF HIGH RISK COUNTRIES – 7 JAN 2022