Due to the current travel restrictions, Indians are not allowed to enter the USA. But many have been using a convenient loophole - travelling via a transit halt instead of flying to the US directly.

The destination that has emerged as a transit point in recent days is Qatar&rsquos capital, Doha. Basically, Qatar provides a hassle-free visa on arrival to Indians. Plus, being close to India, it is suitable for Indians, specially for the elderly. You will require a negative RT PCR test report and if you are fully vaccinated, an antibody test will be taken upon arrival.

Another country that is on the list is beautiful island nation of Maldives. It has always been one of the top holiday destination for Indians. Now, it is also being used as a transit stop to the journey to USA. What helps matters is that the country also offers visa on arrival for Indians. For Maldives, you must have a valid RT PCR negative test report before 96 hoursof departure. And all the travelers coming from India need to submit a health declaration on their portal before 24 hours of their arrival.

In April, Australian media had carried reports about these transit halts, pointing out how Australian travel restrictions with India are not as watertight as some federal authorities had hoped, with Qatar Airways confirming it remains possible to travel from India to Australia through Doha. ABC Australia had reported how "two Australian cricketers are demonstrating just how straightforward travel to Australia can be, arriving on a flight from Doha on Thursday afternoon."