COVID Travel E-Pass and Quarantine Guidelines
The travel scenario in India looks a little different now and we’re here to guide you through these dynamic changes. In the recent months, India has witnessed a nationwide lockdown in light of COVID-19 cases skyrocketing each day. Few of the most affected states have imposed strict restrictions on movement to and through the region, whereas the others are continuing to monitor the latest safety and security protocols.
The travel restrictions include the requirement of a valid, government-issued travel e-pass, which will facilitate inter and intra-state movement. As a traveler or someone who wishes to visit another state for leisure or essential purposes, you will first need to identify travel pass requirements and quarantine guidelines of the particular state you will be traveling to. Take a look at the state-wise classification that will help you ascertain where a travel pass is required.
States/Union Territories where a travel pass is NOT required.
Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Chandigarh and Delhi.
States/Union Territories where a travel pass is required
Bihar, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, and Ladakh.
You can apply for a travel pass here – https://serviceonline.gov.in/epass/
When you plan an interstate holiday/trip, make sure you check if both the states require a travel pass, in which case you will require an e-pass of both the departure state and your destination. On the other hand, if neither of the two states require a travel pass, then even if you are traveling via a third state in order to reach your destination, you will not require a travel pass to cross that state (even if an e-pass is required in that state).
A travel pass can take up to 24 hours to secure, so it is best if you start its application process a few days in advance. The pass is issued for one-time use only, either for a round trip or a one-way drop. All you need is a valid government-issued id (Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Passport Number, Driver’s License) in order to apply for a travel pass, and in some states, a vehicle number may also be a prerequisite.
After you complete filling out your application, a reference number will be generated. Keep that handy to track the status of your application on the same website. It is important to note that not all applications get approved by the government, which is why it is important to check the e-pass status to ensure that your request has been approved. So far, the travel e-pass has been applied and used in more than 15 Indian states.
Most states require visitors traveling via air, rail or bus to stay in home quarantine for 7 days, including those who are asymptomatic. Those of you traveling from states that fall under the red zone may be required to undergo institutional quarantine for 7 days followed by home quarantine for another 7 days. It is recommended to check the status and quarantine conditions of your destination city/state before planning a trip.
