Travel Plans During Lockdown: What's Allowed?

The COVID-19 pandemic saw many countries impose quarantines, entry bans, or other travel restrictions to control the outbreak. These restrictions have had a notable impact on the travel sector, with some countries closing their borders to all non-residents and others preventing their own citizens from travelling overseas. However, the rules vary depending on the nation and area in which you live. For example, in the UK, those in Tier 1 and 2 areas are permitted to travel within England and overseas, while residents of Tier 3 areas are advised against all travel, including overseas. In Karnataka, India, a lockdown was announced with specific guidelines on who is allowed to travel and what transport is available.

Am I allowed to travel during lockdown?

Travel for vaccination and testing is permitted with minimal proof

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed quarantines, entry bans, or other travel restrictions. Some countries imposed global restrictions that applied to all foreign countries, or prevented their citizens from travelling abroad. These travel restrictions were intended to reduce the spread of the virus, and while they may have only produced a modest reduction in the total number of people infected, they are considered most effective at the beginning and end of a pandemic.

Travel restrictions have had a significant economic impact on the global tourism industry, and when travel bans are lifted, many people are expected to resume travelling. However, some travel, especially business travel, may decrease in the long term as lower-cost alternatives such as teleconferencing and virtual events have become more popular.

While some countries have implemented global travel bans, others have allowed entry to travellers who are fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test. For example, Algeria lifted all restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers or those with a negative COVID-19 test as of 20 March 2022. Similarly, Thailand reopened to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries with no quarantine conditions as of 1 November 2021.

In some places, individuals who need medical assistance, including vaccinations, are allowed to travel interstate and intrastate, but this may require applying for a travel e-pass and providing a medical certificate.

Scheduled flights and trains will continue to operate

During a lockdown, travel is often heavily restricted, and in some cases, banned. However, in the case of the Karnataka lockdown, scheduled flights and trains will continue to operate. This was also the case in the UK, where airlines continued to operate their planned schedules until the lockdown came into force.

In Karnataka, a lockdown was implemented from 9 pm on April 27 to 6 am on May 12. During this period, scheduled flights and trains continued to run. Tickets for these modes of transport served as passes for movement. People could also hail taxis, cab aggregators, or auto rickshaws to board flights and trains. These taxis and auto rickshaws could also be used for emergencies, vaccination, and to transport people working in exempted industries to railway stations and airports.

Similarly, in the UK, airlines initially continued their operations until the lockdown came into force. For example, easyJet operated its planned schedule until the lockdown started on Thursday, after which it cancelled much of its UK-touching schedule. However, easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair continued to operate up to 30% of their planned November schedule to prevent travellers from being stranded.

In India, during the lockdown that began in March 2020, the Indian Railways stopped passenger train services. However, special trains run by the Indian Railways continued to cater to passengers. When the lockdown was extended, the railways restarted passenger train operations from May 12, with 15 trains operating initially.

Inter-state and intra-state movement is allowed in emergencies only

During a lockdown, the restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement vary depending on the guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. In some cases, inter-state and intra-state movement may be allowed only in emergencies. Here is some information regarding this:

In India, during the fourth phase of the lockdown in 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs eased the restrictions on inter-state movement, allowing passenger vehicles and buses to travel with the mutual consent of the states involved. However, metro rail services and domestic and international flights remained suspended. The MHA directed states and Union Territories to allow the inter-state and intra-state movement of medical professionals, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation personnel, and ambulances without any restrictions.

During the fifth phase of the lockdown, also known as "Unlock 1", some states in India continued to restrict inter-state movement despite the Centre's advisory to lift these restrictions. For example, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and some North-East states maintained curbs on inter-state travel. In Maharashtra, inter-state travel by road, air, and train remained restricted until June 30, 2020. Similarly, curbs on inter-state bus transport and metro and suburban train services continued in Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab followed the Centre's advisory and allowed inter-state movement without the need for an e-permit.

In August 2020, the Union Home Secretary of India, Ajay Bhalla, communicated to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories that there should be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods during the ongoing unlocking process. He cited the Unlock 3 guidelines, which state that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement, and that these restrictions were creating problems in the movement of goods and services, impacting supply chains and economic activity.

Officers/personnel can move if they work in an exempted industry

Officers and personnel who work in an exempted industry are allowed to travel during lockdown. Exempted industries are those that are deemed essential to the functioning of the state or territory and are typically related to the provision of essential goods and services.

In India, for example, the government has granted exemptions to construction activities in rural areas, water supply, sanitation works, and the functioning of non-banking financial institutions and cooperative credit societies. Additionally, industries involved in the production of essential goods, such as rice and oil mills, dairy and food products, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, are also exempted from lockdown restrictions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, each state and territory had the authority to determine which industries were exempted from lockdown restrictions. These exemptions aimed to balance the health crisis with the need to maintain economic activity.

It is important to note that while officers and personnel in exempted industries are permitted to travel, they are still expected to adhere to other lockdown measures, such as maintaining personal hygiene and social distancing. In some cases, industries were instructed to operate at reduced capacity, such as 30-40% of their usual capacity, to curb the spread of the virus.

Students can travel for exams

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. While some countries implemented global restrictions, others restricted travel from specific regions. These measures significantly impacted the tourism industry and the social lives of individuals.

In the context of students travelling for exams during lockdown, let's consider the example of Delhi, India. In April 2021, the Delhi government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, imposed a week-long lockdown in the national capital to combat the second wave of COVID-19. The government addressed the concerns of students due to appear for exams during this period and permitted their travel within the city. Students were allowed to use their exam admit cards as curfew passes to travel to their exam centres. The official order from DDMA-Delhi specifically mentioned students with upcoming exams and staff members involved in conducting exams, granting them permission to travel for exam-related duties.

Similarly, in May 2020, the Maharashtra government announced that teachers, moderators, and officials involved in the assessment of Class 10 and 12 exam papers would be permitted to travel for official work during the COVID-19 lockdown. This decision was made to facilitate the evaluation process and benefit approximately 15 lakh students awaiting their exam results.

These examples demonstrate that, even during lockdowns, special considerations are made for students and education personnel to travel for exams and related duties.

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