The Government of India has launched Air Suvidha 2.0, a new digital portal designed to strengthen public health surveillance for international passengers arriving in the country. Developed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in coordination with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the platform has been introduced in response to the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The upgraded portal enables international travelers to submit a mandatory online Health Self-Declaration before arriving in India, helping authorities monitor potential health risks and ensure faster airport clearance.
Mandatory Health Declaration for International Travelers
Under the new guidelines, airlines operating international flights to India have been directed to ensure passengers complete the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form.
Key requirements include:
● Complete the Health Self-Declaration online before boarding, wherever possible.
● Submit the form up to 24 hours before arrival in India.
● Provide accurate details, including a 21-day travel history.
● Declare any exposure history and related symptoms.
● Carry or display the downloaded declaration at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration Counter.
● Follow airline advisories regarding the new requirements.
● Use the official Air Suvidha 2.0 portal for submission.
The information submitted will be shared in real time with Airport Health Officers, the Bureau of Immigration, and other relevant authorities.
Airlines Directed to Ensure Compliance
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been requested to issue directions to all airlines operating international services to India.
Airlines are expected to:
● Inform passengers before boarding.
● Make pre-boarding and in-flight announcements where feasible.
● Widely disseminate the Air Suvidha 2.0 portal information.
● Encourage timely submission of the Health Self-Declaration Form.
● Assist passengers in understanding the new process.
● Help ensure smoother arrival procedures.
● Support public health surveillance measures.
These steps aim to improve compliance and reduce delays upon arrival.
1. Enhanced Public Health Surveillance
The portal strengthens India’s ability to monitor potential infectious disease risks at international entry points.
Pre-submitted health declarations enable quicker verification and smoother immigration and health screening.
3. Improved Disease Monitoring
Real-time data sharing allows authorities to respond more effectively to emerging public health threats.
Mandatory airline advisories ensure travelers understand and comply with health declaration requirements before arriving in India.
The launch of Air Suvidha 2.0 marks an important step in enhancing India’s public health preparedness for international travel. By making online Health Self-Declarations mandatory for arriving passengers and requiring airlines to actively promote compliance, the government aims to strengthen disease surveillance while ensuring a safer and more efficient arrival process at Indian airports.
