Universal Travel Pass: All You Need to Know

Universal Travel Pass at a Glance

What is a Universal Pass?

A Universal Travel Pass is a QR code-based electronic pass that allows fully vaccinated people to travel in public transport and enter public places like airports, offices, railway stations, malls, etc. It also makes interstate travel in India easier.

It was first launched by the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority in association with the Indian Railways to allow people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to easily travel in local trains, metros and monorails in Mumbai. However, the pass was also adopted by the Central Government for all citizens in India.

The Universal Travel Pass is issued in Maharashtra in five degrees as per the state government’s COVID unlock levels. Moreover, the pass is made for medical, utility and education categories for people working in the essential services.

Similarly, people from outside Maharashtra are also assigned a travel category level on their Universal Travel Pass with level 5 allowing travel without restrictions. But before travelling to another city in India, make sure to carry domestic travel insurance to stay financially protected against any adversities faced during the trip. Similarly, get an international travel insurance policy to travel abroad without any financial distress in case of any unforeseen situation.

What is the Objective of a Universal Pass?

The Universal Travel Pass was introduced to fulfil the following objectives:

• It allows people to travel across India safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It will ensure that medical and educational facilities are functional and accessible for all.
• It ensures that travelling is made safer and more convenient through QR code-based e-passes.
• It will negate the need for any physical verification to identify fully vaccinated people.
• It will prevent people from using fake IDs to travel during COVID-19 restrictions.
• It will allow people to travel from trains to rickshaws.
• It will also make it easier for people to travel interstate without repetitive RT-PCR tests

While the Universal Pass for COVID-19 will make travelling easier throughout India, make sure to buy domestic travel insurance for your overall safety and financial stability.

What Does a Universal Travel Pass Consists?

A Universal Pass for COVID-19 consists of the following information:

• Name of the applicant
• Gender of the applicant
• Age of the applicant
• Travel category level
• Picture of the applicant
• QR Code
• Applicant’s beneficiary ID
• Date of obtaining first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Who Can Apply for the Universal Travel Pass?

Any citizen of India who has received both doses of COVID-19 vaccines can apply for the Universal Travel Pass. However, only adults aged 18 and above can obtain this pass as children are not eligible for it. 

Moreover, business establishments involved in the medical, utilities and educational sectors can apply for this pass for their fully vaccinated employees.

A person can apply for a Universal Travel Pass at least 14 days after receiving the second dose of their COVID-19 vaccine. In case a person applies for the pass before completing the 14 days of receiving the second vaccine, they will receive the pass once the 14-day period is over.

How to Apply for a Universal Travel Pass Online?

To apply for a Universal Pass for COVID-19 online, follow the steps given below:

• Go to the epassmsdma.mahait.com
• Click on ‘Universal Pass for Double Vaccinated Citizens’ under the ‘Citizen’ category
• Enter the mobile number used in the CoWIN registration
• Enter the OTP sent on your mobile phone
• The COVID-19 vaccination details of the applicant and their beneficiaries will be displayed
• Go to the ‘Generate Pass’ option
• The applicant’s details on the pass will be shown along with a space to upload their picture
• Upload a picture of less than 3 MB and select the declaration
• Click on the ‘Apply’ button to upload your picture
• The applicant will receive a link to download the Universal Pass on their mobile phones through an SMS within 48 hours
• Save the pass on the mobile phone once the link is received

In a Nutshell

Universal Travel Pass has been introduced to ease domestic travelling across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. People can easily travel in public transports or get entry into various public spaces with the help of this pass. However, this pass will not help you to travel outside India and you will need your COVID-19 vaccine certificate. Make sure to buy travel insurance in case you plan to travel abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.