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Which Indian states require an RT-PCR test report? Here’s a comprehensive list for Safe Travel

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As the nation continues to grapple with rising COVID cases, various state governments and union territories have made it mandatory for travellers to produce a negative RT-PCR test report. While the Indian Council of Medical Research had suggested doing away with the mandatory test for travellers to ease the pressure on local labs, local governments have taken the matter in their hands in order to curb the spread of the virus and deter unnecessary travelling.

What is an RT-PCR test?

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is currently the most accurate and reliable test for detecting SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19. It detects genetic material from the specific organism – in this case the virus, if you are infected, and also detects fragments of the virus even if you are no longer infected. It can tell you whether you are currently infected or you were infected in the recent past. The timeline of RT-PCR tests mentioned below starts from the time of swab collection.

It is unlike the Rapid Antigen Test, which may give faster results, but is less accurate.

Should you get tested?

If you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been within six feet of a COVID-positive person for at least 15 minutes, you should get tested. Furthermore, if you’re intending to travel to a different state, you may have to get tested.

Keep this guide handy, as you would want to be prepared while crossing borders, without encountering unnecessary hassles:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  Passengers arriving at the airport without a negative RT-PCR report will not be allowed to enter the islands. One must have a negative certificate from an ICMR-approved lab, which is not more 48 hours old from the travel date. All passengers should also undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at the airport, with a mandatory 7-day quarantine even if the result is negative.

• Assam

  Train and air passengers are required to undergo both RAT and RT-PCR tests on reaching the state. A mandatory 7-day home quarantine is also applicable despite a negative test result. Intra-Assam passengers and transit residents of the north-eastern states are exempt from testing provided they are asymptomatic and can furnish proof of residence.

• Bihar

  Passengers arriving by flight from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab must have a negative RT-PCR report issued less than 72 hours from the date of travel. Those unable to produce the certificate will undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at the airport. Passengers arriving from the above-mentioned states will also undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine if landing in Gaya.

• Chhattisgarh

  A negative RT-PCR test is required that is not earlier than 96 hours. Anybody showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested at the airport. Positive persons must undergo home isolation for 14 days.

• Delhi

  Passengers from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are required to produce a negative RT-PCR test certificate, not older than 72 hours from the date of travel.

• Goa

  Anybody entering the state via road, rail, or air must either produce a negative certificate obtained 72 hours prior to travelling or must be fully vaccinated. However, persons with medical emergencies are exempted from the rule, provided one can furnish proof of the same.

• Gujarat

  Those entering Gujarat by air must carry a negative RT-PCR test report obtained not earlier than 72 hours from an ICMR-approved lab. Those without certificate will be tested at the airport.

• Jammu and Kashmir

  Mandatory RT-PCR test at the airport, with a 14-day home quarantine if tested positive.

• Jharkhand

  Mandatory to carry a negative RT-PCR test report (not more than 72 hours old). Symptomatic passengers will be tested, with a mandatory 7-day quarantine for all passengers.

• Kerala

  Passengers flying to Kerala must show a negative RT-PCR test report (72 hours) and may also be required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

• Madhya Pradesh

  It is mandatory to carry a negative RT-PCR test certificate not older than 48 hours from an ICMR-approved lab.

• North-eastern states

  Travelling to any of the north-eastern states requires a negative RT-PCR test, with a mandatory quarantine period as well.

• Uttarakhand

  COVID test will be done (free of cost) for passengers arriving from Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan. A negative RT-PCR test report (not older than 72 hours) is required.

• Uttar Pradesh

  Passengers arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra will need to furnish a negative RT-PCR report (less than 72 hours). Those arriving without an RT-PCR certificate will have to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test at no charge. One can also undergo an RT-PCR test at the airport at their own cost.

• West Bengal

Passengers must carry a negative RT-PCR test report that is within 72 hours of the date of travel. Those arriving without it are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at own cost.

To deter people from travelling unnecessarily, state governments have come up with these regulations. But if you must travel, be aware of these details beforehand to avoid unexpected problems. Also, state guidelines might keep changing, so you need to be alert. For safety buy a travel insurance as well. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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