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You Won’t Need An RT-PCR Test To Travel To These Indian States

by Tania Tarafdar
You Won’t Need An RT-PCR Test To Travel To These Indian States

The mandatory RT-PCR test prevented many from undertaking any kind of domestic travel. However now, with the drop in COVID-19 cases, many states have relaxed the COVID-19 travel guidelines and few of them are not asking for the RT-PCR negative test report anymore. Several other states are letting in fully vaccinated passengers without any restrictions. As of now, you do not need any RT-PCR test to enter the following states. 

Indian States You Can Enter Without RT-PCR Test Report

  1. Delhi 
  2. Haryana
  3. Himachal Pradesh
  4. Andhra Pradesh
  5. Telangana
  6. Karnataka
  7. Passengers travelling to Vadodara and Rajkot in Gujarat don’t require a test
  8. Tamil Nadu

Please note that if you are travelling to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, an RT-PCR report not earlier than 72 hours before departure may be required. Delhi is also conducting a random test for passengers arriving from high-risk cities. 

Also read: 10 Travel Rules All Indians Need To Know Before They Fly Abroad

No PCR Test Required To Enter Punjab, Rajasthan, Nagaland If You Have Taken The First Vaccine Dose

You can enter Punjab and Chandigarh without any RT-PCR test report if you have taken the first dose of vaccination. However, you need to carry a COVID vaccination certificate even if you have taken the first dose. Airports & Airlines Ease Commute During Second Wave; Healthy People May Skip RT-PCR Test For Domestic Travel.

In Nagaland, at least 15 days must have passed from receiving the first dose to avoid the test. But passengers will need to quarantine for 7 days.

States That Are Allowing Fully Vaccinated Passengers Without RT-PCR Test Report

Odisha: Odisha will allow entry to fully vaccinated travellers without RT-PCR tests. The passengers have to present a COVID vaccination Final Certificate received after taking two doses of vaccination. Those who are not fully vaccinated will need to produce negative RT-PCR reports. Those who do not have any reports will have to undergo home or institutional quarantine for 7 days.

Bihar: Bihar will allow entry to fully vaccinated travellers without RT-PCR tests. Travellers from Madhya Pradesh, Delhi & NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Punjab will need to produce a vaccination certificate. Those who are not fully vaccinated will need to produce RT-PCR or RAT negative reports from an ICMR approved lab. Rapid Antigen testing facility will be available at arrivals, free of cost.

Chhattisgarh: Passengers travelling to Chhattisgarh should either provide proof of their vaccination certificate or carry an RT-PCR negative report not earlier than 96 hours. Do You Still Need An RT-PCR Test To Travel If You’re Vaccinated? Know The Latest Rules.

Rajasthan: Are you travelling to Rajasthan? If you are fully vaccinated 28-days before arrival, you will no longer require COVID-19 testing on arrival.

Nagaland: All passengers travelling to Nagaland need to have an RT-PCR negative report not earlier than 72 hours or a COVID vaccination certificate that is received after two doses of vaccination.

Other states that are allowing fully vaccinated travellers without RT-PCR report are:

  • Kerala
  • Manipur
  • West Bengal
  • Tripura
  • Uttarkhand
  • Meghalaya

Also read: These Countries Are Permitting Indian Travellers On Tourist Visa; Here Are Latest Quarantine Rules

Goa: Categories That Can Skip RT-PCR Test With Full Vaccination Certificates

As per the announcement of the Goa government, the state will not permit the entry of fully vaccinated tourists without a COVID-negative certificate. The high court of Bombay at Goa has however stated that no COVID-negative certificate would be needed for the fully-vaccinated people coming to Goa for work and business purposes and for Goan citizens returning home. Following persons can skip RT-PCR/TrueNAT/CBNAAT/Rapid Antigen Test requirements in Goa With Full Vaccination Certificates:

  • passengers entering on a medical emergency
  • passengers arriving in the state for business or employment
  • those coming as part of a workforce in industries
  • residents of Goa who are stranded outside the state
  • residents of Goa who have to travel outside the state for a few days for work or medical purposes.

The travel rules are changing constantly so be sure to check with your airline before you pack your bags. At the moment, here is how things stand. 

First Published: July 24, 2021 12:05 PM