Uncertainty about what is happening and fears surrounding the fast-spreading coronavirus are putting travelers on edge and travel professionals in a tough spot.
We have been challenged to keep on top of the situation and deal with the concerns of our understandably anxious customers. For many of us in the travel industry, it has been a busy couple of weeks of handling cancellations and rescheduling flights and itineraries.
As a travel agent, we give credence to our customers’ concerns and do not influence their decisions on whether to cancel a trip. Every traveler has their own comfort level, and it is our responsibility to help provide them with the most reliable information for them to make that decision on their own.
The Indian government has rescinded visas for travelers from China, Iran, the Republic of Korea, Italy, and Japan. Besides Visa restrictions already in place, passengers traveling from /having visited Italy or the Republic of Korea and desirous of entering India will need a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of these countries. This will be enforced from 0000 Hrs of 10th March 2020 and is a temporary measure until cases of COVID-19 subside.
In making travel decisions, we recommended our customers follow directly with entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or Travel Advisory – Updated in http://www.mohfw.gov.in/, rather than relying on media or social media sources.
Do’s & Don’ts Issued by Health Ministry http://www.mohfw.gov.in/Poster_Corona_ad_Eng.pdf