‘I felt like a foreigner’: Traveller questions health self-declaration form at Mumbai airport
Traveller Questions Health Form Requirement at Mumbai Airport
Indiadailyupdate.com – A long international journey ended with an unexpected extra step for one passenger arriving in Mumbai: completing an online health self-declaration before reaching immigration.
Abhimanyu Kulkarni, who shared his experience on X, said the requirement made him feel “like a foreigner” despite returning to India. His post sparked a wider discussion about airport procedures, passenger convenience and the health checks introduced for international arrivals.
“Nothing reminds you that you’re back in India faster than landing at an Indian airport.”
Nearly 18 hours of travel before immigration
Kulkarni said his trip began in Eindhoven at 7 am. He then departed Amsterdam at 11:45 am and arrived in Mumbai at 12:20 pm, after a journey that lasted close to 18 hours.
After such a lengthy trip, he expected the immigration stage to be relatively straightforward. Instead, he said Indian travellers were directed to complete a Self Declaration Form through an online link before they could proceed.
The form requested information including the traveller’s name, flight number, country of origin, Indian address and whether they had recently travelled through an African country.
Kulkarni’s concern was not simply about the time needed to enter the details. He questioned why passengers were being asked for information that immigration and airline systems may already hold, such as passport data and flight records.
Questions over convenience for passengers
In his post, Kulkarni also highlighted the practical difficulty of requiring people to open a link and fill in a form while waiting in an arrivals area. He pointed to senior citizens, parents travelling with children and passengers who may be exhausted after long-haul flights.
For many international travellers, arrival involves several immediate tasks: collecting documents, checking baggage information, locating family members and navigating unfamiliar airport instructions. A digital requirement can be simple for some passengers, but it may be less convenient for those without reliable phone access, mobile data, sufficient battery charge or confidence using online forms.
The discussion reflects a familiar tension in airport operations. Health and border authorities need current information quickly, particularly when disease-control measures are in place. At the same time, travellers generally expect the arrival process to be clear, quick and accessible after a long flight.
Part of an international health-screening process
The declaration is linked to India’s health-screening measures for international passengers. AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 was introduced in June 2026 following the Ebola outbreak and asks travellers to provide information about recent travel and health-related details.
Questions about travel through particular regions can help authorities identify passengers who may need additional screening or guidance. The process is separate from the usual immigration checks, even though both may take place during the same arrival journey.
One person responding to Kulkarni’s post stressed that distinction.
“It’s not for immigration, it’s for the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa,”
The commenter added that completing the declaration takes roughly two minutes. Others, however, felt that the added step was unnecessary or poorly timed for passengers arriving after extended travel.
Mixed reactions online
Responses to the post ranged from agreement to criticism. Some users felt the form was a reasonable health precaution, particularly if it could be completed quickly. Others argued that a short digital process should not be treated as a major inconvenience.
One commenter took a more humorous view of the situation.
“Filling a form reminds you you’re back? I thought it’s the people cutting lines, pushing & lacking basic civic sense that should have reminded you already.”
Another user said the rule had been in effect for several months and suggested that paper forms were also available at certain airports. That option could be important for travellers who cannot complete an online form easily, though procedures may differ by airport and arrival arrangements.
A separate traveller described a smoother experience, saying the form had been provided while boarding in London. They added that immigration in Mumbai was faster than their experiences at Amsterdam and London airports. Their account suggests that when passengers receive the declaration earlier in the journey, it may reduce pressure in the immigration queue.
Still, some social-media users shared Kulkarni’s frustration.
“Completely agree. Such a ridiculous rule.”
Why clear airport communication matters
Airport processes often work best when passengers know what is expected before they land. If a form is required for health screening, travellers may find it easier to complete when they receive the link ahead of arrival, such as during boarding or while still connected to in-flight internet where available.
Clear signage, staff support and accessible alternatives can also make a significant difference. For elderly passengers, families and people who are unfamiliar with smartphone-based forms, a straightforward paper option or assistance desk may help prevent delays and confusion.
Kulkarni’s post did not challenge the need for health safeguards themselves. Instead, it raised questions about whether the same objective could be achieved with a more seamless passenger experience. As international travel continues to involve evolving health protocols, the debate shows that even a brief form can shape how travellers view their arrival home.
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