Interstate Travel: Do You Need A Pass?

is pass required for inter state travel

Travel restrictions have been a common measure taken by governments worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. In India, some states required e-passes for inter-state travel during lockdown, especially during the early stages of the pandemic. However, as lockdown restrictions eased, certain states like Himachal Pradesh removed the requirement for e-passes or registration for inter-state travel. Similarly, nationals of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya can move freely between these countries with just an ID card, without the need for passports or visas. On the other hand, some places like Pune still required travel passes for inter-state movement as of June 2020.

Characteristics Values
Is an inter-state pass required? It depends on the country/state. For example, in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, only an ID card is needed. However, in Pune, India, a pass is required for inter-state travel.
Where to apply for a pass In India, you can apply for a pass at serviceonline.gov.in/epass or mygov.in/covid-19.
Documents required Basic details like name, age, gender, date of birth, address, vehicle number, license number, date of travel, and previous COVID-19 symptoms or quarantine.

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Travel pass requirements for inter-state travel from Pune

As of June 2020, a travel pass was required for inter-state movement from Pune. This was during the phased opening of the city, where commuting within Pune no longer required a previously approved travel pass. However, for those travelling to Pune from other districts or states, a travel pass from their respective district or state police was mandatory.

To apply for an inter-district pass, an online form could be filled out, or queries could be sent via email or WhatsApp. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bachchan Singh, confirmed that passes were mandatory for inter-state travel to and from Pune.

By July 2020, the state government had further relaxed travel restrictions, and Punekars no longer needed an e-pass for city travel. However, an e-pass was still required for inter-state or inter-district travel for medical or emergency purposes.

As of June 2021, an e-pass was mandatory for a road journey outside one's current district in Maharashtra. This applied to those travelling outside their districts, with the exception of government servants on official business and those involved in emergency services. The e-pass could be applied for online, and required valid identity proof, a medical fitness certificate, wedding cards or related documents, a medical report, or a death certificate, depending on the purpose of travel.

Therefore, it is important to check the latest guidelines and restrictions before planning inter-state travel from Pune, as they are subject to change.

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Inter-state travel by road

E-pass requirements for inter-state travel

In India, an e-pass is required for inter-state travel by road. The requirement for an e-pass varies from state to state and depends on the purpose of travel. Some states have exempted certain categories of travellers from the e-pass requirement, such as government servants travelling for official purposes and those involved in emergency services.

How to obtain an e-pass for inter-state travel

The process for obtaining an e-pass for inter-state travel also varies from state to state. In some states, such as Maharashtra, residents can apply for an e-pass through the state government's official website or the official COVID website of the state police. In other states, such as Karnataka, stranded individuals wishing to enter the state must register with the state government's portal and select the "Travel to [state] from other states" service. After submitting the necessary information, applicants will typically receive their e-pass via SMS or email, which they need to present at state borders.

Inter-state bus travel

In some states, inter-state bus travel is permitted without an e-pass. For example, the Karnataka government allows inter-state road travel for stranded individuals, including migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, and students, to and from neighbouring states. However, those travelling to Karnataka from other states must register with the state government's portal and undergo medical screening for COVID-19 symptoms at the entry check-posts.

Inter-district travel

In addition to inter-state travel, some states have implemented e-pass requirements for intra-district and inter-district travel. For example, in Jharkhand, individuals undertaking intra-district and inter-district travel between specific dates were required to obtain e-passes from designated websites.

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Travel pass requirements for inter-state travel to Himachal Pradesh

As of September 2020, the state of Himachal Pradesh does not require e-passes or registration for inter-state travel. However, inter-state transport buses remain banned.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the state had implemented a mandatory e-pass system for inter-state travel. This was lifted in September 2020, but the state borders were not fully opened until July 2021.

Previously, e-passes could be obtained through the official portal: covid19epass.hp.gov.in.

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Inter-state travel between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya

Nationals of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya are free to move between these countries with only an ID card (i.e. National ID) instead of their passports. Foreign residents of Kenya can travel to Rwanda and Uganda using an Inter-State Pass (ISP) without paying any visa fees. The ISP is issued at the border control point of exit. It has space for one's full name, nationality, document number, and signature. Once it has been properly filled in, it is exit-stamped and the traveller is allowed to leave.

The ISP can be applied for online through the e-citizen portal. Kenyan citizens and residents (holders of still-valid permits and passes) travelling to Uganda and Rwanda are issued, on request, with an ISP on production of valid identity documents.

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya (only). The EATV costs $100 for internationals. It is free of charge to foreign residents/expats (with valid work permits) in the three countries. For these travellers, the EATV is issued in the form of an "interstate pass." Foreign residents and citizens of the three countries need to travel with a valid passport or National ID or Student ID and request an ISP at the border.

Expatriates with valid work permits can also travel with the 'Interstate Pass,' without needing to get a visa.

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Documents required for an inter-state travel pass

The requirements for inter-state travel vary depending on the country and mode of transport. Here is a general overview of the documents required for inter-state travel:

Identification:

Most countries require adults over the age of 18 to present valid identification when travelling, especially when passing through airport security checkpoints. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Driver's license
  • State-issued ID card
  • Passport
  • DHS trusted traveller cards (e.g. Global Entry, NEXUS)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID
  • Border crossing card
  • Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • Merchant Mariner Credential

Travel Authorisation:

Some countries may require you to obtain prior authorisation for inter-state travel, especially during periods of lockdown or other exceptional circumstances. In such cases, you may need to apply for an e-pass or registration through a designated government web portal. The specific documents required for the application process may vary but typically include proof of identity and phone number verification.

Travel Tickets:

When travelling by air, you will need to present a valid airline ticket or e-ticket along with your identification documents. It is also important to be aware of any specific passport requirements for your destination, as some countries mandate a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport.

Health Documentation:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some inter-state travel within India required a negative test report. Requirements such as these may be in place in certain regions, so it is important to check the latest guidelines for your departure and arrival locations.

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Frequently asked questions

Nationals of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya can travel between these countries with just an ID card and without a passport or visa.

Yes, you need a travel pass to travel interstate in India. However, some states, such as Himachal Pradesh, have lifted this restriction.

You can apply for an e-pass online at serviceonline.gov.in/epass or mygov.in/covid-19. Alternatively, you can contact the District Magistrate’s office.

Basic requirements include name, age, gender, date of birth, identity proof, address, vehicle number, license number, and date of travel.

No, you need a travel pass to travel interstate in India, even in a private vehicle.

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