Planning A Trip To Goa? Here Is Everything You Need To Know

Goa is on the bucket list of every traveler, but due to the pandemic whole concept of travel has changed. Things are not the same anymore all over the world, and Goa is no different. The pandemic has affected the entire tourism industry for several months, but with the number of cases going down, the state is gearing up to welcome the guests back.    

There is good news for the travel enthusiasts planning a trip to Goa! The state is raring up and is excited to welcome its tourists back! But of course, things will be a little different this season because of the pandemic. So what can you expect from post-covid Goa?

The Rules:

1. As per the new developments, the domestic tourists are not required to produce a COVID negative certificate anymore while entering the state via road or air.
2. Testing on arrival is not mandatory, neither is staying in quarantine is necessary.
3. The tourists can pre-book with registered hotels recognized by the Goa Tourism Department.
4. Bookings in unapproved hotels are not permitted.
5. Visitors are required to give a self-declaration at the hotel.
6. All tourists are mandated to undergo thermal scanning at every entry point.
7. Flights and trains will only stop at certain places, road travel is permitted.

Hotels:

The state tourism department has approved 650 hotels for pre-booking. These hotels have a standard operating procedure and will follow rigorous sanitization before and after every stay. Booking with any unapproved hotels is not allowed. Having the Aarogya Setu app is mandatory for all hotels.

Activities:

1. Shacks:  

For those who love the shacks in Goa, you’re in for a treat. After a delay of almost a month, the shacks are set to open in November. So when you visit the beach, you will be seeing the colorful structures around.

2. Water Sports Activities: 

The Tourism Department has also started up some of the river water sports and cruises. Though not much, with some planning you will be able to enjoy these activities. The SOP of sanitization and masks are applied here as well. You will need to book ahead of time and will need to give your medical and travel history to the operators in a self declaration.

3. Casinos: 

Due to the pandemic, casinos are to remain closed. The Government has yet to come to a decision whether casinos need to be opened. However, there might be hope as recently Russian charters have requested to bring in charters to Goa. since casinos play a significant role in attracting foreign tourists, it might push the Government to open up the casinos as well.

4. Restaurants: 

Do not fret, you will be able to enjoy some Goan delicacies while you’re there, restaurants, bars, cinema halls are functioning at 50% capacity.

Other Things:

1. With the festive season right around the corner and the hotels and restaurants hoping to make a quick buck, you get better discount packages!
2. The crowds will be significantly lesser this time around, so you might be able to get your tan on without much interruption.
3. Well, since international flights aren’t operational, you won’t be seeing much of foreigners on the beaches.