Meghalaya Re-Opens for Tourists from 21 Dec: SOP Issued by the State Government

It was in March when the lockdown was announced, and since then, it has been nine months of no tourism in Meghalaya. The State Govt. had restricted tourists to enter the State due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. However, after nine months, Meghalaya is all set to reopen for tourists from 21st December. 
 

Conrad Sangma, Meghalaya Chief Minister, announced the decision by tweeting, "We are reopening tourism in Meghalaya for tourists from outside the State from 21st December 2020. To ensure everyone's safety, registration through the @meghtourism app is made mandatory, and SOPs are put in place. The Home of Clouds looks forward to welcoming you."

Meghalaya's government also issued an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for the tourists to explain to them the entire scenario. 

Here are some of the essential points to note about the order released by the Meghalaya Government:
 

1. For all the tourists visiting Meghalaya, it is essential to carry a COVID negative RT-PCR/TruNat/ CBNAAT report at the point of entry. The COVID report will be valid for 72 hours from the time the individual arrives at the airport. Tourists should note that the RAT Negative test will not be valid.

2. Tourists who plan to visit Meghalaya will need to mandatorily register on the Meghalaya Tourism App, post which they have to generate an E-Invite for their proposed itinerary. Tourists can download the Meghalaya Tourism App on both iOS or Google Play. 

Android - click LINK

IOS - click LINK

1. Tourists can also generate the E-invite on the official website of Meghalaya Tourism: https://www.meghalayatourisrn.in/  Tourists are required to upload a photo ID on the app of all the members who would be travelling. If you are travelling in a group, then you can generate E-Invite for the entire group. 
2. The Meghalaya government has also very strictly stated that the tourists need to book a stay for at least two nights and three days.
3. All the registered tour operators' services are listed on the official website and the app of Meghalaya Tourism.
4. Suppose a tourist is staying as a guest and visiting a family that is already staying in Meghalaya. In that case, the tourist is expected to declare the full address and the family's contact details along with the complete itinerary as per the E-invite generated. The tourist will have to produce the E-invite and the QR code at the entry point along with their ID proofs. 
5. The entry process will be cashless, which means the tourist will display the E-invite with the QR Code on their mobile apps or will have to submit an E-invite along with the QR Code.