ISLAMABAD – The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued a revised policy for inbound air travelers in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan facing third wave of the pandemic.
Pakistan has decided to significantly reduce inbound International Air Travel. Revised air travel plan will be effective from midnight 4/5 May tillmid night 19 / 20 May.
The top monitoring body will review the policy on May 18, 2021.
Here are key points of the revised policy
- Inbound air traffic will operate at 20% of total current quantum.
- CAA will work out modalities / issue plan to NCOC and all concerned by 30th April 21.
- No change in existing Category C list countries.
- Pakistani passport holders (stranded / short term visa) are allowed to travel to Pakistan subject to exemption by the committee as per procedures in vogue.
Testing and Quarantine Protocols
Following standard health and COVID protocols across the board for all inbound travelers to Pakistan including Cat C list countries will be adhered to: –
- Negative RT PCR test before travel to Pakistan (maximum 72 hours old).
- Rapid Antigen Testing on arrival at Airports in Pakistan.
- Negative cases will undergo 10 days self-quarantine at home with stringent TTQ protocols.
- Positive cases will be shifted by Provincial/ District Administration to self-paid facility for 10 days quarantine with TTQ of contacts (if any).
- 2nd RT PCR test will be conducted on 8th day of quarantine period.
- In case of negative result, passenger will be allowed to proceed home.
- However, in case of positive result, passenger will either undergo additional quarantine period or will be shifted to hospital as per advice of health authorities.
Passtrack App Registration
- Mandatory registration on Passtrack App by all inbound travelers before traveling to Pakistan.
- Deportees are exempted for registration on Passtrack App (CAA to issue instructions to all concerned by 30th April 21).
Instructions for CHE
- Ensure all inbound passengers are tested through RAT at all designated airports in coordination with Provincial Health/ Airport Authorities.
- Ensure availability of health staff round the clock at all major airports in coordination with provincial health authorities.
- Maintain sufficient stock of RAT kits and allied equipment/ facilities at designated airports.
NCOC’s directives to Provincial Home / Health Departments
- Requisitioning of minimum 3-4 high / medium end hotels / Quarantine facilities within close proximity of major airports.
- Beef up CHE staff with provincial health staff at respective Airports in the province to cater for increased testing requirement of all inbound air travelers.
- Workout out modalities / plan for smooth management of inbound air travelers in the province.
- AJK and GB are requested to assist federating units especially Rawalpindi and ICT administration for smooth management of AJK / GB related inbound travelers landing at IIAP.
- Earmark separate facilities for quarantine of deportees.
Aviation Division/ Airport Management / ASF only.
- Facilitate CHE / provincial health staff for smooth testing of inbound travelers at Airports.
- Management of inbound travelers (all aspects) within airport premises.
- Close coordination / facilitation with Provincial / district Administration / LEAs for transportation of positive cases from Airports to designated quarantine facilities.
- Aviation Division will issue detailed instructions for smooth management of inbound travelers’ operation at designated airports.
