India Launches Air Suvidha 2.0 — Mandatory Health Declaration for All Arrivals

On 25 June 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched Air Suvidha 2.0, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal, to strengthen health surveillance at India’s points of entry. The move follows the World Health Organization’s declaration, on 17 May 2026, of the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (2005).

Developed with the Directorate General of Health Services, the portal lets arriving passengers submit a mandatory online declaration covering their 21-day travel history, exposure history and any symptoms before immigration clearance. The system shares data in real time with the Airport Health Officer, the Bureau of Immigration and surveillance agencies, so the process stays contactless with no physical forms to fill on landing.

The UAE–India corridor is one of the busiest in the world, and Indians are the largest expatriate community in the UAE, so this change touches a very large number of travellers. From now on, anyone flying from the UAE to India — whether visiting family, travelling for work, or on holiday — needs to complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 health self-declaration before they arrive, in addition to holding any visa they already require.

The requirement applies to all nationalities, not only Indian passport holders. It does not replace or change India’s visa rules: Indian nationals still travel on their passports, and other UAE residents who need an Indian visa or e-Visa must still obtain one as usual. The health declaration is an additional, separate step. Filing it early — ideally before boarding — keeps clearance on arrival quick and contactless.

This update is based on the Press Information Bureau (Government of India) announcement of Air Suvidha 2.0, published on 25 June 2026, and the official Air Suvidha portal. The mandatory online Health Self-Declaration applies to all international arrivals in India. This analysis is provided for informational purposes to help UAE residents understand the requirement. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. For the latest official information, always refer to the Air Suvidha portal (airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in) and the Government of India.