Indian state offers free COVID tests for international air passengers

Kerala has become the first Indian state to offer free PCR-testing for all travellers arriving at its airports.

Making the announcement, state health minister KK Shailaja said the government will conduct the test for free and send the results to the travellers without delay.

At least eight airports in India had made it mandatory for all international passengers, including children, to present pre-travel PCR test results from February 22.

These included Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Delhi.

Passengers currently have to pay around INR 2,000 (AED 100) for a COVID test.