As destinations around the world slowly wake from their quarantine hibernations and begin to promote tourism once again with an easing of quarantine requirements, borders reopening and the creation of travel bubbles, you may find yourself asking, “Can I fly to Goa now?”

The proliferating COVID-19 pandemic had put a pause to air travel for a long time, and we were not permitted to travel to Goa without COVID negative certificate. There is good news for those wanting to travel to Goa, as according to new rules from the state government of Goa, you can travel to Goa in the current situation of the epidemic. This happens to be a good piece of news for those who are stuck at home and finally be able to travel to Goa.

Goa is now a safe destination to travel thanks to its strict measures to control the worldwide healthcare crisis. There are also many precautions including tracking infections, early detection of possible outbreaks, and containing localized cases to ensure everyone’s safety.

COVID situation in Goa

Goa is currently going through its third wave of COVID-19 spread according to state health officials. The first wave in the week of March 25 had consisted of the state’s first seven COVID-19 cases. By April 20, Goa had been declared COVID-free. Goa had managed to push back Coronavirus by restricting interstate movement and health infrastructure. From June 11, cases in more locations in Goa were being reported. From urban townships to remote villages and border districts, COVID-19 was being diagnosed everywhere.

In Goa, COVID-19 cases have dropped from 95735 (as recorded on 10th September) to 90123 (as recorded on 16th September) the past one week. The total count includes 5694 active COVID-19 cases, 20,445 cases of recoveries from the viral infection, and 319 deaths due to Coronavirus.

Flying in Goa

You shall be required to go for either home quarantine for 14 days or paid institutional quarantine, according to updated guidelines issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for passengers flying to Goa.

According to new directives, you will be required to go through a self-declaration form or Aarogya Setu mobile application in order to certify for health, if necessary.

Airports Authority of India has directed COVID test for symptomatic passengers and thermal screening for all passengers and Until the COVID test results are available, symptomatic passengers are supposed to stay in institutional quarantine.

You can skip home quarantine in the following cases:

If you produce a COVID-19 negative certificate issued by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)-recognized lab not more than 48 hours prior to the arrival in Goa.
If you opt for giving take a swab test upon landing at a cost of INR 2000. And until the results come, passengers will have to be in paid quarantine.

If you are either able to produce a COVID negative report or opt for a COVID test, he/she will be exempted from mandatory 14 days home quarantine.

You will have to follow the following state-specific guidelines,

If you’re carrying a COVID-19 negative certificate, you can directly proceed to the booked accommodations. In case you do not present such a certificate, you will be asked to get tested for COVID-19 at the authorized testing centers/hospitals.
You will be required to go into self-isolation at your booked hotel/accommodation till the test results are out.
If you are found to be COVID-19 negative, you will be permitted to travel out of the isolation facility.
If you test positive, the accommodation unit will act as per the rules issued by the state health department. All bills related to the quarantine, tests, etc. shall be paid by you.

Apart from the above state-specific guidelines, masks and maintaining social distance is mandatory.

Booking hotels in Goa

When planning a trip to Goa, you must book in advance, online, for your hotel stay in Goa. The only hotels which have registered with the tourism department will be allowed to reopen. The authorities will verify two things,

You have made the booking with any registered hotel unit affiliated to the Department of Tourism and it has the license to operate,
The validity of hotel booking for the duration of the visit.

While booking hotels in Goa, you must keep an eye toward safety and risk mitigation. No one can deny the importance of hygiene and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And to combat this, take care of the following hotel precautions to meet the health and safety concerns.

While waiting in a line to check-in, you might interact with people taking your bags. You must wear a mask during the check-in process, going on the stairwell or even the elevator, because it is possible that you might run into someone. The mask would give you a layer of protection.
Make sure that your hotel has been properly cleaned and disinfected. Check the rooms, bathrooms, and heating vents to make sure they are clean and free of dust.
Be careful from the areas of potential concern such as door handles, TV remotes, phones, toilet handles, bathroom faucets, and flat services.
Avoid swimming. Aspirating a little water can cause a cough. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus more than a fecal-oral virus in terms of spread and it may contaminate the water.

Do's and Don'ts while traveling to Goa

As more public places and spaces in Goa close down and more measures are put in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, below are some pieces of advice on behavior to ensure safety.

Do carry your travel hygiene pack with you including enough masks for the entire duration of your travel along with hand sanitizers and antibacterial hand wipes.
Clean the commonly touched area like faucet and doorknob with it as soon as you enter your room.
Always wear a mask and clean your hand regularly after touching any contaminated surface or before eating.
Don’t forget to check any quarantine requirements for when you arrive at your destination, as well as for your return if you’re planning a round trip.
Dispose used makes, tissues, and gloves in the yellow-colored disposal bins provided at strategic locations at the airport.
Be attentive towards various communication material displayed at the airport about various health advisories relating to pre-boarding and during the flight precautions.
Minimize the use of toilets and avoid any non-essential movement in the aisles.
Don’t make a queue outside the Airplane washroom and ensure minimum movement on the aisle.
Do your payments digitally for safety purposes during your travel.

If you’re planning a trip to Goa soon then you must keep these things in mind before you do!

Gone are the days when travel inspiration on social media and great travel deals were the determining factors while planning a trip. The world has changed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 and its proliferation around the world, and the responsibilities of those choosing to travel must change as well.

Note: Many states are still warning against all non-essential travel and quarantining the passengers, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about traveling.