The world is living through an international crisis unlike anything we’ve witnessed before. As COVID-19 spread across continents, borders closed, aircraft fleets were grounded, and international travel shrank to a shadow of its former self. For someone like me—an Indian citizen working in Iraq while my family remained in India—this sudden immobility struck at the heart of my bi-national life.

Travel, once routine, suddenly became layered with fear, uncertainty, and endless questions. But as months passed, countries cautiously began reopening their borders, redesigning their travel processes with health and safety at the core. Airports evolved, airlines innovated, and travellers slowly relearned what it meant to fly in a pandemic.

Then came the news that changed everything for me.

The India–Iraq Travel Bubble: A Long-Awaited Ray of Hope

A few days ago, I came across a headline that instantly lifted my spirits: India and Iraq had established a travel bubble.

For the uninitiated, travel bubbles—or air bubbles—are bilateral arrangements that allow passengers with valid visas to travel between two countries with limited restrictions. This is not to be confused with repatriation flights, which are one-way and require embassy registration.

India began creating these arrangements in July 2020, starting with the US, Germany, and France. Over time, the list expanded to include the UK, Canada, Maldives, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Japan—and now Iraq. Discussions with several more countries were ongoing.

For me, this wasn’t just an update in global aviation. It was a doorway—finally—a chance to go home.

A brief call with the Indian Ambassador in Baghdad confirmed the news. He mentioned that he and other diplomats were also planning short visits home. That reassurance strengthened my resolve: it was time to plan my journey back to my family.

Navigating Travel in the Time of COVID-19

Zero transmission may be unrealistic, but low-risk travel is possible with the right safeguards. Travel bubbles work on mutual trust—each country must demonstrate effective testing, tracing, and containment systems.

One of India’s mandatory requirements for inbound travellers was a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72–96 hours of departure.

With hope renewed, I applied for leave and booked my Emirates flight for 22 October 2020.

Taking the RT-PCR Test in Baghdad

On October 19, I visited an authorized lab in Baghdad for my test. The facility was clean, well-organized, and reassuringly professional. Strict hygiene and social distancing measures were followed meticulously.

I was told to return on October 21 for the result.

When I went back and saw the word “NEGATIVE” stamped and signed on my report, I silently thanked God. It was the first big step cleared.

Pre-Travel Formalities: Smooth and Efficient

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation requires all incoming passengers to fill an online self-declaration form within 72 hours of travel. Once I received my negative test result, I completed the form and immediately received the confirmation PDF.

Because I was landing in Delhi, I also needed to apply for exemption from the seven-day institutional quarantine. The portal asked for my self-declaration number, passport image, and test report. Within seconds, I got an acknowledgement email. And within ten minutes, I received the exemption approval.

The process was impressively efficient—something I deeply appreciated.

Departing from Baghdad: A New Travel Experience

On October 22, I reached Baghdad International Airport earlier than usual. The terminal was calmer than pre-pandemic times, though security checks involved more layers.

At multiple points, officials checked my COVID-19 report, ticket, and passport. Thermal screenings were frequent. Masks, of course, were mandatory.

After clearing these checks, I spent some time in the newly opened Diamond Lounge, used by Emirates and other airlines for Business Class passengers. It started off empty, but slowly a few passengers trickled in—each maintaining careful distance. The quietness was striking yet comforting.

Through Dubai and Into Delhi

Dubai Airport felt familiar, only quieter. During boarding, Emirates handed out face shields to all passengers—an additional layer of protection.

The flight to Delhi was smooth, and we landed on time.

Arrival in Delhi: Surprisingly Seamless

I had prepared myself mentally for long queues, multiple document checks, and extended waits. Instead, the entire process was remarkably smooth.

At the health checkpoint, I showed my exemption form and received a stamp on my forearm. That stamp allowed me to bypass on-arrival testing. Immigration was quick and hassle-free.

For passengers without prior RT-PCR results, on-site testing was available, with results promised within four hours. But I was clear to exit immediately.

Reflections: A Journey Defined by Hope and Efficiency

What struck me most was the seamlessness of the entire experience. Despite the added protocols—masks, distancing, health checks—the journey hardly felt more difficult than pre-COVID travel. In some ways, it felt even smoother due to reduced crowds and more efficient systems.

Travel during a pandemic is undoubtedly different. But it is far from impossible when countries cooperate, systems adapt, and travellers act responsibly.

As I finally stepped out into the fresh Delhi air, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the travel bubble, for the efficiency of both nations’ processes, and for the chance to return home after months of isolation and uncertainty.

I can only hope that the return journey will be just as smooth—and that the world continues moving toward safer skies and reunited families.