India is experiencing a boost in train travel right now. As states relax entry restrictions, the Indian Railways is bringing back hundreds of special trains to cater to growing demand.
If you’re planning a trip soon, this story will help you catch up with the most recent travel guidelines.
First, here are the states and UTs which do not require a COVID-19 test or e-pass from passengers before arrival:
Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, and Telangana
IRCTC trains are scheduled to run normally. Book now:
However, many of the states above have mandatory testing on arrival, quarantine rules or other additional guidelines which travellers may need to follow.
For details on each location, please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide.
Next, let’s take a look at the states which still need negative test reports and/or online registration from arrivals. These are quick summaries, so for the full picture, you can check the Guide linked above.
Here we go:
Chhattisgarh
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR negative test report, conducted not earlier than 96 hours before arrival. A valid vaccination certificate (2 doses) can also be shown.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
Disclaimer: Travel regulations are dynamic and subject to change. We advise you to re-check the facts with state/local authorities before your trip.
Goa
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR/TruNat/CBNAAT/RAT or any other ICMR-approved test, not older than 72 hours before entry. A valid vaccination certificate (2 doses) can also be shown. Passengers coming for medical emergencies will be exempted if they have relevant documents or if they arrive in an ambulance.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
Himachal Pradesh
COVID-19 Test: Not required.
E-pass / Registration: Required till July 1. Apply on covid19epass.hp.gov.in
Jharkhand
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR/TruNat negative report from an ICMR-approved lab, not older than 72 hours.
E-pass / Registration: Required. Register on jharkhandtravel.nic.in/public/index.php
Kerala
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR negative report not older than 72 hours.
E-pass / Registration: Required. Register here: covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in/home/addNewDomestic
Maharashtra
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR negative test conducted within 48 hours of travel.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
Odisha
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RAT or RT-PCR negative test report obtained within 48 hours of entry. A valid vaccination certificate (2 doses) can also be shown.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
Punjab
COVID-19 Test: Not required.
E-pass / Registration: Required. Register on the COVA app or visit cova.punjab.gov.in/registration for an e-pass
Rajasthan
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR negative test report, conducted within 72 hours of arrival. A valid vaccination certificate (2 doses) with the second dose taken 28 days prior to arrival in the state can also be shown.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
Tamil Nadu
COVID-19 Test: Not required.
E-pass / Registration: Required. All domestic passengers (except those coming from Puducherry) must register on tnepass.tnega.org for a movement pass.
Uttar Pradesh
COVID-19 Test: Required. Passengers coming from Kerala and Maharashtra must carry an RT-PCR negative test report conducted within 72 hours of arrival into the state.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
Uttarakhand
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR/TruNat/CNAAT/RAT negative test report, conducted 72 hours before the time of arrival.
E-pass / Registration: Required. Register on dsclservices.org.in/apply.php
West Bengal
COVID-19 Test: Required. An RT-PCR negative test report, conducted within 72 hours of train departure.
E-pass / Registration: Not required.
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