Pandemic or not, Goa has always topped the list of most popular destinations in India. But it appears to be even more of an attraction at the moment as the state does not require tourists to present a negative COVID-19 test report for entry. However, there is a new rule for all passengers travelling to Maharashtra from Goa by rail or air. It’s now compulsory for all travellers to carry a negative RT-PCR test report.
If you fail to carry a COVID negative certificate, you will have to undergo a test on arrival before you are allowed to proceed onward. But it looks like getting a test done in Goa is complete chaos right now. Here’s why you may want to think twice before travelling to Goa.
COVID-19 Testing At Goa
If you wish to avoid the hassle of undergoing an RT-PCR test after reaching Maharashtra, you will get it done in Goa. But as much as you would like to think that it will ease out things for you, it may not. The COVID-testing scene in Goa is quite chaotic right now, and I and my team experienced it first hand. Goa’s Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Is 75% Of Last Year; Returning To Normalcy.
Chaos At District Hospital
We had to take a test in the district hospital in South Goa 72 hours before their scheduled time of landing in Maharashtra. The RT-PCR test cost ₹2000 each, and we had to go to the collector’s office to make the payment. It was lunchtime when we reached the collector’s office at 1:30 pm. And so, we had to wait for 30 minutes to make the payment. And guess what? That was not the end of our agony.
The drive back from the collector’s office from the district hospital was 10 minutes. We reached the district office at 2:10 pm, which again clashed with their lunch break that continued till 2:30 pm. The test finally started at 3 pm. Clearly, we spent a lot of their time in Goa running around for the test. The test results take 48 hours to come so if you are going on a 4-day holiday, you are clearly spending a lot of time doing just that.
COVID-19 Testing At Mumbai Airport
If you wish to skip the test at Goa and get it done at Mumbai airport instead, be prepared to face more disarray. We witnessed a lot of mayhem at Mumbai Airport as many people did not want to extra ₹1400 for the test. If you are taking the test at the airport, the authorities will collect your contact information and address to facilitate contact in case you turn out to be COVID positive. If you are positive, you will be treated as per protocol. Mumbai Airport Now Provides Food & Wi-Fi For Travellers Waiting For COVID Test Results.
Travelling Back To Maharashtra By Train
If you are travelling by train to Maharashtra from Goa will need to get your samples collected 96 hours before your arrival in Maharashtra. If you fail to provide a negative RT-PCR test report, you will be screened for symptoms, including body temperature, at your point of arrival.
Travel By Road To Skip The RT-PCR Test
But if you wish to skip all the chaos related to the testing, the best thing to do is to travel by road. You will not need to do a test if you are travelling by road. The Maharashtra government has directed district authorities to check people for symptoms at the state border. You will have to undergo an antigen test if you exhibit symptoms. You will be allowed to enter the state once you test negative. Mumbai To Goa Road Trip: Here’s Where To Eat, Stay & Relax On The Way.
Travelling is a slippery slope right now, so take your best call.
First Published: December 07, 2020 2:50 PM