Checking our destination’s entry guidelines has become a very crucial part of our travel planning these days, and for good reason.
State travel guidelines change very frequently, and often on short notice, depending upon the particular state’s COVID-19 caseload, number of incoming travellers and other similar factors.
Today we are going to share with you the latest travel guidelines for 12 major Indian states, namely, Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
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Search TrainsWhile we are providing an overview of the most important guidelines for these states, you can check them in detail, along with the latest travel guidelines of all Indian states with the help of our COVID-19 travel guidelines tracker.
Let’s take a look:
Delhi
The national capital currently has no entry restrictions for train travellers, that is, train travellers coming to Delhi from other states do not need an e-pass, registration or quarantine.
Bihar
While e-pass and quarantine is not required, travellers arriving to Bihar from other states may be subject to random testing for COVID-19 on arrival.
Rajasthan
Travellers entering Rajasthan are required to carry a valid vaccination certificate (single or double doses). If they do not have a vaccination certificate, then they must carry a negative RT-PCR test report (issued within 72 hours of arrival).
Punjab
Punjab requires incoming train travellers to e-register on the COVA app prior to entering the state. Alternatively, travellers can also get an e-pass issued from the state website.
Himachal Pradesh
Tourists entering Himachal Pradesh are required to carry a vaccination certificate (double dose), in the absence of which they can either carry a negative RAT report (issued within 24 hours) or a negative RT-PCR test report (issued within 72 hours). This rule has come into effect since August 13.
Assam
In a new update posted today, the Assam government has announced that train travellers who have been fully vaccinated (two doses) and have a certificate for the same will be exempted from mandatory testing on arrival in the state. However, they must also carry a negative RT-PCR test report (sample taken within 72 hours of arrival).
Please note that all symptomatic passengers will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing on arrival in the state, at their own cost.
Chhattisgarh
All incoming travellers must carry a negative RT-PCR test report, conducted no earlier than 96 hours of arrival into the state. The rule has been enforced for all travellers arriving by air, even if such travellers have their vaccination certificates.
Although there are no guidelines stating that train travellers have to carry the negative report even if they have a valid vaccination certificate, we advise our readers to exercise necessary caution.
Maharashtra
All train passengers arriving into Maharashtra will require a negative RT-PCR test report, conducted within 72 hours of travel. Alternatively, fully vaccinated passengers (those who have received two doses) can also show their vaccination certificate. However, they must have received the second dose of the vaccine at least 15 days prior to arrival in Maharashtra.
Odisha
In a recent update, the Odisha state government has removed all entry restrictions for travellers, that is, arrivals in Odisha are not required to register online, generate an e-pass or undergo quarantine.
Karnataka
All train travellers arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra will require a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours. This rule is applicable irrespective of the vaccination status.
Some travellers, such as children below two years of age or those travelling for emergencies and constitutional/healthcare workers may be exempted from this rule.
Karnataka does not require asymptomatic domestic passengers to quarantine. Symptomatic domestic passengers on the other hand, may be required to self-isolate and seek medical consultation without fail, or call the Apthamitra helpline number 14410.
Kerala
All arriving passengers in Kerala must carry a negative RT-PCR test report issued no earlier than 72 hours. Those without the report may undergo a test at the testing facility at their own cost. Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 in the on-arrival test have to seek medical attention.
Fully vaccinated (two doses) passengers travelling to Kerala are exempted from carrying a negative RT-PCR test report. However, they must have certificates stating they have taken both doses.
Passengers visiting the state for a short period, for purposes such as business, official work, trade, medical reasons, court cases, property management etc., must carry a negative RT-PCR report issued no earlier than 72 hours.
Tamil Nadu
All domestic passengers must register on the state e-pass portal and generate a movement pass.
All train passengers entering Tamil Nadu from Kerala will be required to carry a negative RT-PCR test report (with the test taken within 72 hours of the journey). Alternatively, they can present a full vaccination certificate (two doses). However, please keep in mind that the second shot should have been administered a minimum of 14 days before the date of entry into Tamil Nadu.
We hope that you find the above guidelines useful. Don’t forget to reconfirm them with your final destination before travelling in order to avoid any last-minute hassles!
