Meghalaya to reopen for tourists from December 21; SOPs issued

Meghalaya is all set to reopen for tourists after remaining closed for nine months due to COVID outbreak. As per the news reports, travellers will be required to follow COVID guidelines and health protocols to visit the region.Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, while announcing the state government’s decision stated, “We are reopening tourism in Meghalaya for tourists from outside the State from 21st December, 2020. To ensure the safety of everyone, registration through the @meghtourism app is made mandatory and SOPs are put in place. The Home Of Clouds looks forward to welcoming you.”The state government has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for travellers. These are the details:

• As per an order issued by the state's tourism department, tourists will be required to produce an original copy of the COVID-19 negative report at the entry points.
• The said tests will be valid if the tests were done within 72 hours of commencing their journey. The RAT Negative Test will not remain valid for travellers entering the state.
• Tourists planning to visit Meghalaya will need to mandatorily register on the Meghalaya Tourism App and, at the same time, generate an e-invite for the proposed itinerary. You can find the Meghalaya Tourism App both on Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
• The e-invite can be generated on the official website of Meghalaya Tourism. All you need is a valid photo ID card of yours as well as of other members who are travelling with you; the same needs to be uploaded on the Meghalaya Tourism App. Those travelling in a group can register and generate one e-invite,
• You will be required to book at least two-nights stay (either at homestay, hotel, or guest house) and provide a declaration of the complete itinerary for the e-invite to be generated.
• The services of registered tour operators listed on the Meghalaya Tourism website and on the Meghalaya Tourism App, can also be used to get an e-invite.
• Further, those staying as a guest of any family or friend in Meghalaya, need to declare the contact details and full address of the family or friend. They will also need to submit the complete itinerary to obtain an e-invite.