Four states have revised their interstate travel rules, while Maharashtra has finally begun issuing its ‘Universal Travel Pass,’ which will allow vaccinated commuters to use Mumbai’s local trains once again.
Before making/adjusting any bookings, do remember that travel guidelines are dynamic and subject to change. We advise you to always re-check the latest entry requirements with state/official sources before finalising your trip.
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Now let’s see today’s updates:
4 states change entry rules
Odisha
The Government of Odisha has removed all domestic travel restrictions. Now, passengers from other states do not need to carry a final vaccination certificate/RAT-negative report/RT-PCR-negative report to enter Odisha.
Here’s the confirmation:
Orders regarding stipulations/restrictions for entry of people into Odisha from other states by producing Rapid Antigen Test/RT-PCR negative report)/final vaccination certificate has been withdrawn by Govt. Of Odisha vide order no 4377/R&DM(DM) dated 03.08.2021.
@aaireder pic.twitter.com/Pk3a63SWHm— BPI Airport, Bhubaneswar (@aaibpiairport) August 5, 2021
Himachal Pradesh
All travellers intending to visit the state must carry any ONE of these documents for entry:
- A final COVID-19 vaccination certificate (two doses)
- A negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours
- A negative RAT report not older than 24 hours
This rule came into effect yesterday, on August 13. See the official tweet:
** 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 **
All persons intending to visit Himachal Pradesh shall carry their COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate (both doses)
or
a negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours
or
RAT negative report not older than 24 hours w.e.f. 13 Aug 2021.#StaySafe pic.twitter.com/hrSuUe05qY— Himachal Tourism (@hp_tourism) August 11, 2021
Goa
Passengers arriving by rail/road/air from Kerala into Goa have to carry a negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours to be allowed entry. Passengers from other states can show any other kind of ICMR-approved COVID-negative report (TrueNat/CBNAAT/RAT).
Full order below:
For the kind information of all passengers traveling to Goa. The latest order on health protocols may please be followed. Pax coming from Kerala to have mandatory RTPCR negative report only for entering the state of Goa. @AAI_Official @MoCA_GoI @Pib_MoCA @aairedwr @Coll_SouthGoa pic.twitter.com/gaRqlSUiFC
— Goa Airport (@aaigoaairport) August 2, 2021
Tamil Nadu
Passengers entering Tamil Nadu from Kerala via rail/road/air will have to carry a negative RT-PCR test report or a final vaccination certificate (two doses). The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. The vaccine’s second shot should have been taken 14 days before the date of entry into Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma. Subramanian shared this update, according to news reports.
Mumbai local: Travel pass facility now open
Fully vaccinated travellers who have had 14 days go by since their second dose will be able to use Mumbai’s local trains from tomorrow, August 15. All eligible passengers will have to apply for a ‘Universal Travel Pass’ to be allowed boarding. This QR-coded pass can be generated either online or offline. Here’s how:
Applying online for an e-pass
- Go to epassmsdma.mahait.org
- Click on ‘Travel Pass for Vaccinated Citizens’.
- Enter the mobile number used to register for COVID-19 vaccination. You will get an OTP SMS on this number.
- Enter the OTP on the website. All your vaccination details will appear on the page.
- Click on ‘Generate Pass’. You will see your vaccination dates and other relevant details.
- Upload a photo of yourself using the ‘Self Image’ option.
- On completing this process, a message will appear saying that you will receive a link in 48 hours via SMS.
- Once you get the link, save the e-pass in your phone’s gallery
Travellers must show this e-pass at the ticket window at Mumbai’s suburban railway stations to get a monthly travel pass from the Indian Railways. No further offline verification of details will be required.
Applying offline for a travel pass
Mumbai’s municipal corporation has set up 358 help desks across various suburban stations to issue offline passes. Vaccinated passengers who meet the eligibility criteria will have to show a hard copy of their final vaccination certificate and a photo ID for verification before they are issued an offline travel pass. The help desks will be open from 7 am to 11 pm in two back-to-back sessions every day.
We hope this story was useful. Have a safe trip!
Feature image credit: Guleri Sahil/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0
