Rt-Pcr Test: A Necessary Travel Companion To Karnataka?

As of June 2021, a negative RT-PCR test was required to enter Karnataka if travelling from Maharashtra or Kerala. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure for air passengers, and within 96 hours for those travelling by train. This rule applied to all passengers, regardless of their vaccination status. However, it is unclear whether this rule is still in place as of August 2022, as sources from this time suggest that a negative RT-PCR test is only required for those travelling to Karnataka from Maharashtra.

RT-PCR test rules for air passengers travelling to Karnataka

As of February 2022, the Karnataka government has lifted the mandatory negative RT-PCR test report requirement for passengers entering the state by air, rail, road, or personal vehicle from Kerala and Goa. However, all passengers must carry and display their COVID-19 vaccination certificates upon arrival. The vaccination certificates must show that the passengers have received both doses or are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Previously, in July 2021, the Karnataka state government had made it mandatory for travellers visiting the state from Maharashtra and Kerala to carry a negative RT-PCR report no older than 72 hours, irrespective of their vaccination status. This rule applied to all passengers arriving in Karnataka by flight, bus, train, or personal transport. Airlines were instructed to issue boarding passes only to passengers carrying negative RT-PCR certificates, while railway and bus authorities were responsible for ensuring that all passengers travelling by train or bus had negative RT-PCR certificates.

In addition, students and the general public who visit Karnataka daily for business, education, and other purposes were required to take an RT-PCR test once every 15 days and have a negative test result. Constitutional functionaries, healthcare professionals, and children under two years of age were exempt from such rules. In case of emergencies, such as a death in the family or medical treatment, the swabs could be collected upon arrival in Karnataka.

RT-PCR test rules for train passengers travelling to Karnataka

As of August 2021, the Karnataka state government has made it mandatory for all passengers arriving by train from Maharashtra and Kerala to carry a negative RT-PCR test report. This rule applies to all passengers, including those who have received one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The test report should not be older than 72 hours from the time of arrival.

Railway authorities are responsible for ensuring that all passengers travelling by train possess these negative RT-PCR certificates. Those who fail to provide a negative test report may opt to undergo testing at the railway station upon arrival, at their own expense. If they test positive, they will be quarantined in a local quarantine centre, also at their own expense.

In addition to the RT-PCR test, passengers arriving from Maharashtra and Kerala are required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine. During this period, they should monitor themselves for any COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, sore throat, or breathing difficulties. If symptoms develop, they should immediately isolate themselves and seek medical assistance.

It is important to note that these rules are subject to change, especially as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Therefore, passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest guidelines and regulations before planning their travel to Karnataka.

RT-PCR test rules for bus passengers travelling to Karnataka

As of August 2021, the Karnataka state government has made it mandatory for all travellers visiting the state from Kerala and Maharashtra to carry a negative RT-PCR test report. This rule applies to all passengers arriving in Karnataka by bus, irrespective of their vaccination status. The report must not be older than 72 hours before the journey.

Guidelines for Bus Passengers

For bus passengers travelling to Karnataka, the RT-PCR negative certificate must be shown to the bus conductor, who will then issue the tickets. This rule applies to both online and offline ticket bookings.

Guidelines for Daily Travellers

Students, businessmen, and other daily travellers from Kerala to Karnataka are required to get an RT-PCR test done every 15 days and carry the report with them.

Exemptions

Constitutional functionaries, healthcare professionals, and children under the age of two are exempt from the RT-PCR test requirement.

RT-PCR test rules for those travelling to Karnataka by personal transport

As of February 2022, the Karnataka government has lifted the requirement for a negative RT-PCR test report for travellers entering the state from Kerala and Goa. This applies to all modes of transportation, including personal vehicles. However, all passengers must carry and display their Covid-19 vaccination certificates, showing that they have received both doses or are fully vaccinated.

Previously, in July 2021, the Karnataka government had mandated a negative RT-PCR report for individuals travelling from Maharashtra and Kerala. This rule applied to all passengers coming to Karnataka by flight, bus, train, and personal transport. The report had to be no older than 72 hours, irrespective of vaccination status.

Rules for Other States

In June 2021, an RT-PCR negative test report was required for travel across the Maharashtra-Karnataka border. However, it is unclear if this rule still applies.

Additionally, in August 2021, several other Indian states and union territories required travellers from other states/UTs to carry a negative RT-PCR test for entry. These included:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Assam
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Goa
• Gujarat
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Jharkhand
• Ladakh
• Maharashtra
• Manipur
• Rajasthan
• Tamil Nadu
• Uttarakhand
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal

RT-PCR test rules for short-term travellers to Karnataka

As of June 2021, Karnataka has released a detailed advisory for travellers, which includes specific rules for short-term travellers from Maharashtra. These rules were implemented in response to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra.

Rules for Short-Term Travellers from Maharashtra

Short-term travellers from Maharashtra must produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours if they want to enter Karnataka. This rule applies to all modes of transport, including flights, trains, buses, and personal transport. The report must be checked by airline and train staff before boarding, and by bus conductors when issuing tickets or at the time of boarding for those who booked online. Random checks will be conducted at toll gates or entry points for those travelling by personal transport.

Rules for Short-Term Travellers from Kerala

Short-term travellers from Kerala must also produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours. This applies to all modes of transport, including flights, trains, and buses. Airline staff are responsible for checking these reports before boarding flights. For train travel, the report will be checked by Ticket Travelling Examiners (TTEs). Bus conductors will check reports for those travelling by bus.

Additional Information

• The RT-PCR test rule for travellers from Maharashtra and Kerala is applicable irrespective of their vaccination status.
• The Karnataka government has also issued guidelines for students and the general public who frequently travel between Karnataka and neighbouring states for business, education, and other purposes. These individuals must take an RT-PCR test once every 15 days and carry a negative test report.
• Constitutional functionaries, healthcare professionals, and children under two years of age are exempt from the RT-PCR test requirements.

Frequently asked questions