The Indian government has introduced AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a new contactless health self-declaration portal, in response to the Ebola outbreak in certain African regions. This initiative, spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Ministry in collaboration with Delhi International Airport Limited, aims to enhance public health surveillance for international arrivals.

Designed in partnership with the Directorate General of Health Services under the Union health ministry, the portal enables passengers arriving in India to complete a mandatory online health self-declaration prior to immigration clearance. The declaration form gathers information on the traveller’s 21-day travel history, any potential exposure, and any symptoms that may be relevant.

Officials from the health ministry noted that the portal facilitates real-time data sharing with relevant authorities, including the Airport Health Officer, the Bureau of Immigration, IDSP, and State Surveillance Officers. This connectivity aims to aid in the rapid identification and support of travellers who may be at risk, while ensuring a smooth and contactless arrival process, negating the need for physical forms after landing.

Process for Completing the Self-Declaration Form

The Airsuvidha Self Declaration Form can be filled out at any point up to 24 hours before a passenger’s arrival in India. The authorities have encouraged travellers to complete the form prior to boarding their flight and during the web check-in process. This approach is expected to expedite clearance upon arrival, requiring only the submission of the downloaded Self Declaration Form at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration counter.

The health ministry has emphasised that this streamlined procedure not only benefits passengers by reducing wait times but also enhances the health security measures being implemented at airports. By ensuring that travellers disclose relevant health information before their arrival, the authorities aim to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading within the country.

This latest portal, AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, has been developed in light of recent international health alerts regarding Ebola. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency for the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on May 17, 2026, under the International Health Regulations of 2005.

Concerns Over Regional Health Risks

The current outbreak identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, classified as Bundibugyo Virus Disease, has prompted serious concerns, particularly for nearby nations like South Sudan, which have been evaluated as high-risk for potential transmission. This situation underscores the importance of enhancing health measures to protect public safety.

The government’s proactive stance in launching the AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal is aimed at reinforcing screening and surveillance protocols for passengers arriving from countries experiencing outbreaks. Enhanced monitoring at points of entry will be crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases into India.

As the AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal receives its first users, health authorities remain vigilant in evaluating its effectiveness in real-time data sharing and passenger compliance. As international air travel continues to resume post-pandemic, initiatives like this are vital in safeguarding public health without undermining the travel experience of international visitors.

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