Tamil Nadu issues guidelines for air travellers coming to the state

All domestic air travellers landing in Tamil Nadu would have to obtain a travel permit by registering themselves in TNePass portal and undergo 14 days of home quarantine on their arrival, according to the guidelines issued by the State government on the eve of resumption of flights.

Despite the State government trying put off the date of resumption of flights to destinations in Tamil Nadu to the end of May, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the operation of domestic flights throughout the country from May 25.

So over and above the Union Ministry’s general instructions/guidelines for passengers and major stakeholders, including airport operators, the State government has come out with its own guidelines for those coming to Tamil Nadu from various States.

Passengers going out of Tamil Nadu would undergo medical screening as stipulated by Airport Authority and persons with symptoms will be sent to a health facility for testing and treatment. Only asymptomatic persons would be allowed to board the flight.

Those entering Tamil Nadu should register their details online in TNePass portal after obtaining their flight tickets by following the link https://tnepass.tnega.org duly selecting the airport of arrival.

The passengers, while applying for TNe-pass, shall give the declarations that they are not residing in any containment zone, not suffering from any fever or cough or respiratory distress, not under quarantine and that they would contact the health authorities concerned if they develop any of the above mentioned symptoms.

They would also have to declare that they had not tested COVID-19 positive in the last two months, that they are eligible to travel as per the extant norms and that they would make their mobile number and contact details available to the TNe-pass.

Passengers would also give an undertaking that they would adhere to the health protocol and quarantine norms prescribed by the State government and that they were aware that they would be liable to penal action if they undertook the air journey on false information.

Travel permit will be issued with a QR Code in the registered mobile number or email and the Airline staff should insist on the details of the entry pass before issuing the boarding pass.

If more than one person travels in a group, the details of all persons shall be entered using the ‘add family member’ option in the TNePass Portal.

For commuting to their homes from the airport, travellers can use their own vehicle or rented vehicle but the registration number of the vehicle must be indicated in the Portal.

Travellers, on their arrival in a Tamil Nadu airport, shall show the details of registration in the TN e-Pass registration desk. Passengers without entry in TN ePass will not be permitted to move out without making the entry. District Collectors shall make available necessary facilities at the exit gates of airports to check and take follow-up action.

After undergoing medical screening for any symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic persons shall undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Travellers who register for institutional quarantine shall be sent for institutional quarantine - Government or -aid facility. Those who do not have facilities for home quarantine would be sent to institutional quarantine.

Pick up vehicles will be permitted to enter airport with one person (excluding the driver) at a designated place subject to social distancing norms. If the person picking up the passenger comes in to physical contact with the traveller, they shall also remain under home quarantine for 14 days.

Among the mandatory infrastructural requirements at entry airports are: Temperature checking with Infrared thermometer, a proper Queue system to reach the desks, disinfection of all luggage by airport authorities, use of PPEs, masks and protective gear by all officials directly dealing with passengers and public address system to for informing passengers of the details.