The centre has directed states to allow travellers who are fully vaccinated without negative RT-PCR reports. It has said that those who have received both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine do not need to show RT-PCR reports. National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) had said in May that fully vaccinated travellers shouldn’t be required to carry negative RT-PCR reports. Some states in India have, however, still mandated RT-PCR reports even for fully vaccinated passengers from places highly affected by the virus.
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NTAGI Says That For Travel, Full Vaccination Certificate Is Sufficient
According to a Live Mint report, the Chairperson of NTAGI has stated, “The Union health ministry has communicated to the states regarding this. Covid-19 vaccines provide strong immunity and protection against the disease. With the ongoing pandemic, RT-PCR testing should be done where it is required. For travel purposes, full vaccination certificate is sufficient.”
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Some States Have Mandated RT-PCR Reports For Fully Vaccinated Passengers As Well
Different states in India have different rules in regard to negative RT-PCR test reports. Recently, Kolkata Airport has notified that from August 8, 2021, passengers coming from Pune, Mumbai and Chennai need to mandatorily carry RT-PCR negative reports with them not older than 72 hours from the flight departure. Travellers coming from all other states need to either carry an RT-PCR test report or a certificate of full vaccination. Issuing new guidelines on interstate travel, the Tamil Nadu government has mandated an RT-PCR test report or a certificate of full vaccination for people arriving in the state from Kerala via all modes of transport. Goa has made COVID-19 tests mandatory for people arriving from Kerala. The Chhattisgarh government has made the report mandatory for air passengers coming to the state.