NEW DELHI, June 27: International passengers arriving in India will now be required to complete the upgraded Air Suvidha 2.0 Self Declaration Form (SDF) before arrival as authorities strengthen health surveillance at airports amid global concerns over the Ebola outbreak.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched the enhanced contactless passenger health declaration system to improve monitoring at India’s points of entry and ensure faster clearance for travellers.
Passengers must complete the online Self Declaration Form up to 24 hours before arriving in India, preferably during web check-in before boarding their flight. Travellers will be required to show the downloaded form at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration counter upon arrival.
The upgraded portal collects details, including passengers’ 21-day travel history, exposure information, and any related symptoms. The information is shared in real time with airport health officials, the Bureau of Immigration, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and state surveillance authorities to help identify and refer travellers who may require medical attention.
The move follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005.
Authorities said the new system eliminates physical paperwork, allowing a smoother and contactless arrival process while strengthening India’s public health preparedness.
