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If I have taken Covid Vaccine, Am I eligible to travel overseas without any RTPCR Test?

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The wrath of Covid – 19 is far from over but we are a ray of hope in the form of vaccine. Currently a vaccination drive is going on in the entire country and most citizens above the age group 45 years are getting vaccinated. Front line workers, citizens with comorbities have been given both the jabs and are carrying on with their work. While you see an everyday increase in the vaccinated people in the country travelling hasn’t picked up as much. Reason being people are still scared of the various testing processes, and rules and regulations which have to be kept in mind while travelling.

Now a day’s travelling isn’t simple there various rules such as compulsions of RT-PCR tests, vaccinations, varying quarantine protocols and whatnot.  Nearly all major states in India are asking travellers, particularly from the worst-hit regions, to take a test before entering. Even as the vaccine programme rolls out, most states still insist  on an RT-PCR or at least an antigen test for entry.  Only Odisha and Bihar will let fully vaccinated travellers in without these tests. Meanwhile, Goa remains one of the few places that has no mandatory testing or quarantine requirements.

Do you need to get an RT-PCR test done before travelling even after being vaccinated?

You absolutely need an RT-PCR test before travelling. Two shots of the vaccine does not mean that you cannot get the infection. It would be irresponsible to not do an RT-PCR test because even without symptoms, you can still have the infection and be an asymptomatic carrier, in which case you could potentially be a super spreader. Make no mistake: COVID-19 is out there and it is widespread and it is essential for everyone to do a RT-PCR test before travelling.  

Can you still be infected by the new variants in countries listed as red zones?

Yes, you absolutely can. The “vaccine escape”, means the virus can evade some of the neutralizing antibodies. This means that even after you have antibodies, whether through a previous COVID-19 infection or through the vaccines, you can yet get an infection again. 

Some state rules:

Delhi

Travellers coming from Maharashtra need to present valid RT-PCR test not older than 72 hrs from the time of departure. Incoming travellers have to undergo home quarantine for 7 days. Those testing positive, can quarantine at home or shift to a hospital. Also, to travel to and from the airport, railway stations and inter-state bus terminals in Delhi, valid tickets are mandatory.

Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has made the RT-PCR test mandatory for all passengers coming in from Delhi NCR, Kerala, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Those entering the state without the RT-PCR negative test certificate will have to compulsorily undergo a home quarantine. Rail passengers need to produce a negative RT-PCR test not older than 48 hours.

Karnataka

Karnataka has mandated RT-PCR negative reports from an ICMR approved lab not older than 72 hours before travelling for those arriving from Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala and Chandigarh. Also, it is mandatory for those coming to the state from Kumbh Mela to take RT-PCR tests before arrival.

Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow has mandated RT-PCR test from all states taken within 72 hours of departure. Travellers to Varanasi from Kerala and Maharashtra need a negative RT-PCR report. Those without the report will have to undergo Rapid Antigen Test at Varanasi airport.

West Bengal

West Bengal has mandated negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours before arrival for passengers from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Telangana. The authority has advised all incoming travellers to self-monitor themselves for 14 days after arrival.

We can see that despite the vaccination drive the states are still making it mandatory to have negative RT-PCR test for all travelers. It’s advisable to go through all the rules and regulations to avoid any last moment surprises. Also, visit all the airline websites for in-depth information. Taking vaccine can definitely help you stay safe but still the number of citizens who are vaccinated is very less. Hence, irrespective of you taking the vaccine you need negative RT-PCR report.

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