(TAN): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced the re-opening of the state to tourists. Visitors have to abide by a new health safety protocol that includes carrying a Covid-19 negative certificate not more than 72 hours old, having pre-booked tours done by local operators only and staying outside of town areas.
Persons above 60, those with comorbidities, pregnant women, and children below 10 years will not be allowed to enter the state, according to the fresh directive.
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Khandu made the announcement from his official Twitter handle @PemaKhanduBJP saying, “Arunachal Pradesh opens today to welcome tourists. Get mesmerised by its beauty and rejuvenated by the purity of its nature. Those who dreamt-its time to explore…!”
In a separate tweet Khandu urged the visitors to “follow the new normal SOP.”
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) allows only pre-booked package tours through local tours operators of the state only. All tourist transport and ground handling services, including pickup and drop, will be handled by authorised local travel agents.
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Tourists should possess a valid Covid-19 negative certificate (RTPCR or True NAT test) from ICMR designated laboratory or facility, issued not more than 72 hours prior to the date of arrival in the state, the SoP says. Accompanying driver and guide of the tour from outside the state should also adhere to the same protocol.
Since Inner Line Permit (ILP) is compulsory for entry into the state, every tourist, while applying for the permission, will have to provide four additional documents — the Covid-19 certificate, tour booking slip, tour itineraries and details of vehicle, driver and guide.
The tour operators have to ensure that accommodation for tourists is outside the main town or any populated area. Hotels and lodges that are currently being used as quarantine centres should not be used for tourist accommodation.
