The Indian government on Wednesday said RT-PCR based coronavirus testing requirements for international travellers will be dropped from Thursday.

"Taking note of prevalent COVID-19 situation and the significant achievements made in COVID-19 vaccination coverage across the globe, the Union Health Ministry has further eased guidelines for international travelers in context of COVID-19," the Indian government said in a statement.

"Vide these new guidelines, which shall come into effect from 0000 Hrs (IST) of 20th July 2023, the earlier requirements for RT-PCR based testing of a random 2% subset of international travelers to India, now stand dropped," read the statement.

However, the government said the earlier advice for precautionary measures to be followed in context of COVID-19 by airlines as well as international travelers shall continue to apply.

The updated guidelines have been made available on the official website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/).

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare said it continues to follow the COVID-19 scenario closely.