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Arunachal Pradesh Reopens For Domestic Tourists; Negative COVID-19 Certificate Mandatory

by Suchismita Pal
Arunachal Pradesh Reopens For Domestic Tourists; Negative COVID-19 Certificate Mandatory

Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most beautiful states in India’s north-east reopened its doors to tourists on October 15. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu took to micro-blogging site Twitter to announce the same. At 2:59 PM on October 15, the CM tweeted, “Arunachal Pradesh opens today to welcome tourists. Get mesmerised by its beauty and rejuvenated by the purity of its nature. Those who dreamt- its time to explore…!” Pema Khandu had made headlines a month back after trekking mountains for 11 hours to meet a nomadic tribe. Negative COVID-19 certificates will be mandatory for entering the state now.

Arunachal Pradesh Reopens to tourists
Picture Credits: YouTube/ Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Reopens For Tourism; SOPs For Entering The State

The government of Arunachal Pradesh has released a notification on October 15, stating the rules and guidelines that will be applicable to all tourists now. The state will allow only pre-booked packages, “exclusively through local tour operators of the state.” The other protocols are as follows:

  • All tourists must have a valid COVID-19 negative certificate of RTPCR or True NAT test, not older than 72 hours from an ICMR designated facility.
  • Visitors need to submit a valid COVID-19 negative certificate, tour booking slip, tour itinerary with details of stay, vehicle details, driver details and tour guide information to apply for tourist Inner Line Permit.
  • The places of stay should be preferably outside the main town area or any populated area.
  • Hotels, tourist lodges, etc. that are currently in use as a COVID quarantine centre or the ones which had been used as quarantine centres in the last 30 days should not be used by tourists.
Arunachal Pradesh Reopens to tourists
Picture Credits: Pinterest
  • Use of Aarogya Setu app is compulsory for tourists, tour guides and drivers.
  • All tourists should follow social distancing and maintain a minimum of 6-feet distance from others.
  • All tourists need to wear face masks within the premises of any tourist destination.
  • The facility management at common places will provide tourists with hand sanitisers/soaps. The authorities have encouraged tourists to carry their own hand sanitisers too and wash their hands frequently.
  • Tourists should pay through digital modes, wherever possible.
  • Spitting in public is strictly prohibited.

Also Read: 30-Year-Old Woman Sets Up Arunachal Pradesh’s First Roadside Library After Noticing More Wine Shops In The Vicinity

No Entry For Elderly People, Children And Pregnant Women

The state is not permitting entry of elderly people above 65 years of age, children below 10 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities, who are tourists. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arunachal Pradesh is nearly 12,768, which is only a small fraction of the whopping 7 million cases countrywide. 9,694 people in the state have already recovered. Arunachal Pradesh has reported 29 deaths from COVID-19 till date.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why You Must Choose Ziro In Arunachal Pradesh Over The Scottish Pastures

Think cleanliness, beauty and culture, Arunachal Pradesh encompasses all. If you’re planning a trip to Arunachal Pradesh, do read the guidelines before travelling. Remember to prioritise your safety. For now, enjoy this virtual tour to Meghalaya: