Diwali 2021

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Observances of Diwali differ depending 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 02-06 November 2021.

The main festivities for Diwali are held in India, but Diwali is also celebrated in many other countries around the world. Many people will travel abroad 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, and that there may be entry restrictions, vaccination and quarantine requirements for UK travellers
• These guidelines are liable to change at short notice

Prior to travel, all travellers planning on travelling abroad to celebrate Diwali should be advised to:

• check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages and the rules for entering the UK on return
• ensure they are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination
• consider their risk of severe COVID-19: travellers at increased risk of severe COVID-19 should carefully consider their travel plans
• consider their ability to comply with COVID-19 prevention advice during travel and at their destination: all travellers should read the fitfortravel page COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel

Furthermore, travellers attending Diwali celebrations abroad should consider:

• being up to date with routine UK schedule vaccinations; and check if primary vaccination or boosters may be required before travel
• exercise 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

Depending on the destination of the traveller, the following TRAVAX advice pages may also be applicable, and can be sent to the traveller via the suitcase function:

• malaria
• insect bite avoidance
• food and water precautions
• visiting friends and relatives
• personal safety
• accident prevention
• sun safety
• travelling with medication

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.