Driving During Unlock 4.0, E-passes, Travel Rules And Guidelines

Currently, you can travel to most parts of India without a negative COVID test report or an e pass but a few states still insist on an RT-PCR test and a quarantine period, especially if you’re travelling by air. Some Indian states have also brought back restrictions on visitors and travellers, and insist on being quarantined. Unlike air travel, road travel across India is largely unrestricted but some of the major tourist destinations like Ooty, Wayanad, Bandipur, etc, require an e-pass for travel even for personal vehicles. Also, public transport services are back to functioning but are operating at a lower level than during the pre-lockdown period.

Largely road travel across India is unrestricted, some of the major tourist places require an e-pass for travel, even for personal vehicles. While there is no fixed timeline by when the COVID pandemic may end, travelling by personal vehicle is the safest choice during these unprecedented times. . Today we have this complete list of Indian states that requires one to be quarantined upon arrival in 2021. Do note that since the rules keep changing frequently, you should check with the local government and health authorities or your airline/travel agent a few days before you travel.

Who is allowed to travel in their vehicles?

Most Indian states don’t require a permit or e-pass for both interstate and inter-district travel. That states that had mandated a permit or e pass previously included Delhi, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu.

Travel rules for private vehicles

If you’re travelling by road in your personal vehicle, you do not need any prior travel information or an e-pass across most parts of India. Previously, only 3 occupants were allowed in hatchbacks and sedans, and 4 passengers for SUVs but now the passenger restrictions have been lifted. There are no time restrictions for travel as well and road travel for private vehicles is permitted across the country at all times.

It is advisable that all drivers and passengers should wear a face mask inside a vehicle, and also keep a sanitiser and surface cleaner spray in the vehicle.

Quarantine Rules For Different Indian States in 2021

Quarantine rules 2021 - Kerala

14-day home quarantine for all passengers, though travellers visiting the state for less than 7 days for official purposes are exempted from this rule. Visitors also require an entry pass to enter Kerala, available through the Jagratha portal. Travellers are also required to disclose their purpose of visit, local accommodation details and contact information.

Quarantine rules 2021 - Tamil Nadu

All visitors require an e-pass which can be applied from the Tamil Nadu state portal. A 14-day home quarantine is required and symptomatic passengers will have to stay at an institutional quarantine facility till their COVID test results are available. Travellers visiting the state for business purposes and for a duration of fewer than 72 hours are exempt from quarantine norms.

Quarantine rules 2021 - Madhya Pradesh

If visitors start developing COVID symptoms, they have to be home quarantined for 14 days. The health statuses of the visitors have to be updated via the Arogya Setu app for 14 days. Business travel for durations of less than 72 hours has no restrictions.

Quarantine rules 2021 - Rajasthan

Visitors travelling to tourist places like Udaipur, Jaipur, and Jodhpur may require a home quarantine for 14 days. Upon arrival, they have to fill out a self-declaration form, and in case of asymptomatic visitors, will be taken to the nearest quarantine facility.

Quarantine rules 2021 - Leh – Ladakh

A negative COVID-19 test report that is no older than 72 hours before arrival is mandatory for travellers visiting the Leh-Ladakh region. Travellers without a negative RT-PCR test have to stay in home quarantine for 7 days.

Quarantine rules 2021 - Uttar Pradesh

Visitors travelling to UP must undergo 14 days of home quarantine. They are however exempted from the required quarantine if the duration of stay is less than 7 days. Visitors also have to register on the UP state portal before arrival.