Travel advice for Diwali, 2021

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, with observances differing dependent on region and tradition. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November). In 2021, the five days of Diwali are between 2 to 6 November 2021. The main festivities for Diwali are held in India, but is also celebrated in many other countries around the world, with many people travelling to visit friends and relatives at this time.

Advice for travellers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to disrupt international travel. For example, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advise that all regularly scheduled international flights between the UK and India remain suspended with only a limited number of flights operating.

Travellers should be aware of the risk of COVID-19 in a country they may wish to visit, and that there may be entry restrictions, vaccination and quarantine requirements for UK travellers.

Travellers attending Diwali celebrations abroad should consider: 

• being up-to-date with routine UK schedule vaccinations, including checking if primary vaccination or boosters are required before travel 
• exercising care with respiratory and hand hygiene 
• having a valid comprehensive travel insurance which covers COVID-19 related illness or unexpected delays 
• seeking medical advice abroad if they are experiencing any symptoms of infection or illness

These guidelines are liable to change at short notice.

On their return to the UK, travellers should be aware to seek urgent medical attention if they develop a fever or flu-like illness and to tell a healthcare professional of their recent travel history, particularly if they have travelled to a malaria-endemic country.

Source: TRAVAX, 28 October 2021