As part of the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indian nationals stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India has started facilitating return of stranded Indians in New Zealand in a phased manner. Accordingly, Air India has announced the first such flight originating from Delhi on 4 June:

It is expected that additional flights will be announced to cover other major destinations in India.

Following are the standard guidelines for passengers: 

• All stranded Indians are required to register with the High Commission at the link given on its Website.

• The list of passengers traveling on each flight will be finalized by High Commission, keeping in view the destination and compelling reasons.

• The shortlisted passengers will be contacted through email for booking of tickets and payment.

• The number of seats on the flights are limited. Passengers with the most compelling circumstances will be given priority. If the shortlisted passenger fails to purchase the ticket within 24 hrs. of intimation, his/her seat will be allotted to the next waitlisted passenger.

• The cost of travel will be borne by the passenger.

• All passengers will have to make own arrangement for reaching the departure Airport at least 4 hours before the departing time.

• All passengers will be required to undergo medical screening at the time of boarding the flight and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel.

• All passengers will be compulsorily required to handover a signed Undertaking cum Indemnity Bond (copy attached) before boarding the flight.

• All passengers on arrival in India will be medically screened and would have to download and register on Arogya Setu app.

• All passengers will need to undergo a 14 days mandatory quarantine on arrival in India in quarantine facilities as per the protocols framed by the Govt. In addition, if needed, COVID-19 test may be required to be done after 14 days and further action would be taken according to applicable health protocols.

• All passengers also need to fill Self Reporting Form (copy attached) to be presented at the Health & Immigration Counter in India.

• All passengers will need to follow the protocols and procedures including Health Protocols issued by the Government of the New Zealand on departure and by Government of India before during the journey and after arrival in India.

• It is also advised to check the official website of the domicile state/final destination in India for additional COVID-19 registration/compliance requirements.

• Outbound passengers traveling from India to New Zealand can book on the Air India website or Air India call centre on numbers1860-233-1407 / 0124-264-1407/ 020-2623-1407. New Zealand Citizens/Permanent residents/those permitted by NZ Immigration, who wish to travel from India to New Zealand may register themselves on SAFE TRAVEL link by Government of New Zealand. Only those allowed by NZ authorities will be permitted to board the flight.

• For any further query, you may send email to vandebharat.nz@gmail.com.

-information courtesy Indian High Commission, Wellington