Traveling During Lockdown: Get Permission In Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines for inter-state and intra-state travel during the lockdown. Fully vaccinated individuals are permitted to travel without restrictions, while unvaccinated individuals must adhere to specific rules. Domestic travellers must either be fully vaccinated or carry a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours of their departure time. Additionally, all international passengers arriving in Maharashtra, regardless of their vaccination status, are required to present a negative RT-PCR report within 72 hours of their arrival. These guidelines are subject to change as the government regularly reviews and updates COVID-19 restrictions.

Domestic travellers must be fully vaccinated or carry a valid RT-PCR test

As of November 2021, the Maharashtra government has issued the following guidelines for domestic travellers:

Domestic travellers must either be fully vaccinated or carry a negative RT-PCR test result valid for 72 hours. They will also need to declare that they are not arriving from a containment zone, have no COVID-19 symptoms, and have not tested positive for coronavirus in the last two months.

Upon arrival, all domestic travellers will be stamped on their left hand and must undergo home isolation for 14 days. Local officials can give exemptions to the isolation rule for important work. If a traveller is staying in Maharashtra for less than a week, they will be exempt from home isolation upon sharing details of their onward/return journey.

All travellers must download the Aarogya Setu app (exemptions for those under 14 years of age) and are required to wear face masks throughout their journey. Social distancing must be maintained at all times, and thermal screening will be conducted at entry and exit points.

International passengers must carry a negative RT-PCR report

As of March 2022, the Maharashtra government has stated that there are no restrictions on the movement of fully vaccinated individuals within and outside the state. However, certain rules apply to unvaccinated individuals for inter-state and intra-state travel.

For international passengers arriving in Maharashtra, the rules have varied over time and can change overnight. As of December 2021, the following rules were in place:

• International passengers arriving from 'at-risk' countries were required to pre-book an on-arrival RT-PCR test.
• All international arrivals in Mumbai, regardless of their country of origin, were mandated to pre-book an RT-PCR test.
• The Maharashtra government issued a clarification, stating that only passengers from 'at-risk' countries or those who had travelled to these countries in the last 14 days were required to pre-book their test.
• The state advisory stated that passengers from countries other than the 'at-risk' nations would have to undergo an RT-PCR test at the airport on arrival.

It is important to note that the rules for international arrivals in Maharashtra have been subject to change. Therefore, it is recommended to check the latest guidelines and travel advisories before planning your trip.

In addition to the RT-PCR testing requirements, international passengers travelling to Maharashtra should also be aware of the following:

• Quarantine requirements: In the past, the Maharashtra government has instituted quarantine protocols for international arrivals, including institutional and home quarantine. These rules can change, so it is important to review the latest guidelines.
• Vaccination status: Fully vaccinated individuals have different travel requirements than unvaccinated individuals. Keep yourself informed about the latest rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
• Transit flights: For transit connections within Maharashtra, passengers may need to provide an RT-PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.

To summarise, international passengers travelling to Maharashtra should carry a negative RT-PCR report, obtained within the specified timeframe, to avoid any delays or complications during their journey. Additionally, staying informed about the latest travel guidelines and advisories issued by the Maharashtra government is essential to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Vaccinated individuals can travel inter-state and intra-state without restrictions

As of March 2022, the Maharashtra government has stated that there are no travel restrictions for inter-state and intra-state movement for people who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This means that vaccinated individuals can travel freely within and outside the state of Maharashtra without any restrictions.

For unvaccinated individuals, there are specific rules in place for inter-state and intra-state travel. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers wishing to leave the state must present a negative RT-PCR test report within 72 hours of their departure time. These rules were set to come into force on March 4, 2022.

In addition to the inter-state and intra-state travel rules, the Maharashtra government has implemented certain restrictions for various activities and places. Vaccination has been made mandatory for public transport, including suburban railways, State Transport Corporation (ST) buses, and local transport services. Only vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter events, gatherings, meetings, shops, malls, and offices. A universal pass or vaccination certificate must be submitted for verification. Children below 18 years of age who are unvaccinated due to medical reasons must present a college or other identity card and a doctor's certificate for entry.

It is important to note that the rules and restrictions may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official government websites and guidelines.

Unvaccinated individuals must follow rules and present a negative RT-PCR test

If you are unvaccinated and looking to travel within or outside the state of Maharashtra, you must follow specific rules and present a negative RT-PCR test report. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Partial or Unvaccinated Individuals: If you are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated and planning to travel outside Maharashtra, you must obtain a negative RT-PCR test report within 72 hours of your departure time. This restriction is specific to those leaving the state and does not apply to intra-state travel.
• No Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated Individuals: Fully vaccinated individuals can travel freely within and outside the state of Maharashtra without any restrictions. Their vaccination status allows them to move without the need for additional testing.
• Domestic Travel Requirements: For domestic travel within India, unvaccinated individuals travelling to Maharashtra from other states must either be fully vaccinated or carry a valid RT-PCR test report taken within 72 hours of arrival. This rule ensures that unvaccinated individuals travelling domestically still adhere to safety protocols.
• International Travel: For individuals travelling to Maharashtra from international destinations, the guidelines set by the Government of India regarding COVID-19 protocols must be followed. These guidelines may include specific testing requirements, quarantine rules, or other health measures.
• Local Transport Restrictions: Unvaccinated individuals should be aware that restrictions on local train travel and other modes of public transport within Maharashtra may still be in force. While some orders regarding restrictions have been withdrawn, it is essential to stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by the Maharashtra government.
• Adherence to COVID-19 Protocols: Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers are expected to adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. This includes wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and following hygiene protocols. Failing to comply with these protocols may result in fines for both travellers and transport operators.

It is important to stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines provided by the Maharashtra government regarding travel restrictions and permissions. The rules may change over time as the pandemic situation evolves, so checking official sources for the most current information is essential.

All passengers must download the Aarogya Setu App

All passengers travelling to Maharashtra must download the Aarogya Setu app. This is a mandatory requirement for all travellers, and they will need to present the app upon arrival. The Aarogya Setu app is a contact-tracing and information app designed to keep you and those around you safe. It is a key tool in India's fight against COVID-19.

The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices. After installing it, you will need to register an account and provide some basic information, such as your phone number and health details. The app will then use this information to assess your risk level and provide you with appropriate guidance and updates.

It is important to keep the app updated and to carry your mobile device with you at all times. You may be asked to present the app at various checkpoints during your travel and upon arrival in Maharashtra.

In addition to downloading the Aarogya Setu app, travellers to Maharashtra must adhere to other guidelines and restrictions. These include providing a negative RT-PCR test report, taken within 48 to 72 hours before arrival, and complying with thermal screening upon landing.

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the latest updates from the Maharashtra government before your travel.

Frequently asked questions