All You Need to Know About Universal Travel Pass

Covid-19 has led to many restrictions and disruptions, but it has also given way to many opportunities, like ‘work from home’. But travel halted. When travelling was resumed, it came with many hassles like the RTPCR test, Covid-19 Vaccination certificates, etc. Many people started using fake certificates, tickets, and pass to travel, especially Maharashtra locals.

Unauthorised travels, Covid-19 surges, new variants, etc., led Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority and Indian Railways to bring in Universal Travel Pass. The aim of this pass was to make travelling easy while keeping in check the ones with fraudulent passes and tickets.

What is Universal Travel Pass?

Universal Travel Pass is an electronic pass that is issued only to those who are completely vaccinated. It allows them to travel on suburban trains without hassle. This pass is like travel insurance and was originally meant for the medical, utility, and education workforce. However, those working in registered companies are also eligible for it now. Any resident of India can apply for this Universal Travel Pass.

This pass allows people to freely travel across the country without repetitive checks of IDs, RTPCR reports, and vaccination certificates. It has a QR code that allows people to travel without hassle. It has 5 levels of travel categories. If a state imposes restrictions at level three, those with the pass only of level three and above will be allowed to travel freely.

Why the Universal Travel Pass?

There are a few reasons why the Universal Travel Pass was created

• It was created to make travel safer and contain the virus, since only vaccinated people will be able to travel.
• Contain the use of fake IDs and passes.
• Curb repetitive COVID-19 test to avoid the spread of the virus.
• Easier and safe travels.
• Eliminate the need for physical verification.

Who Are Eligible?

Any Indian resident with below criteria can apply for Universal Travel Pass registration:

• Employees of the medical, utility, and education sectors and employees of registered companies
• Should have completed 2 weeks of second COVID-19 vaccination dose
• Above 18 years
• Acquiescent with categories in the application 

You can apply for the Universal Travel Pass if you check all these criteria.

Documents You Will Need

You will need the following documents to apply for the Universal Travel Pass online:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• Registration Certificate
• Proof of working in a registered company or the above-mentioned sectors
• Registered Mobile Number

Without these documents, you will not be able to register for the Universal Travel Pass. If you don’t have any of these documents, we suggest you procure one before advancing with the registration. 

The Application Process

Here’s how to apply for your Universal Travel Pass online:

• Open the official online portal of your state government
• Go to “Register Your Establishment”
• Fill out the details
• Type the registration number, details of your workplace, and your proof of being its employee
• Accept the conditions and declare
• Click on the register option

Once you complete the Universal Travel Pass online registration, you will receive a message on your registered number. Within 48 hours, you will be able to download your Universal Travel Pass and save it on your device.

Things Included in Your Universal Travel Pass

Here is a list of things that will be included in your Universal Travel Pass:

• Your photograph
• Travel category (ranging from 1-5)
• Your gender and age
• Date of your vaccination doses
• Your beneficiary ID
• QR code for scanning

A Universal Travel pass will come in extremely handy for you if you travel a lot, within the country or across the world, especially during the pandemic. Also, it is better to have a health plan for safeguarding yourself in times of unplanned health emergencies. You can rely on Niva Bupa health insurance for that. You can visit their website to compare various health insurance plans it offers, like ReAssure, health recharge, Money Saver, etc and find the one that is best suited for your needs.

Wrapping it Up

Universal Travel Pass is your ticket to hassle-free travelling across the country. You will not have to keep taking RTPCR tests and providing certificates of your COVID-19 vaccinations. You only have to show the pass to board any transport. It will save not only your time but also your interactions. You will not have to stand in the crowd and wait for your COVID-19 reports to travel. You can just show your QR code on your Universal Travel Pass login and be done.

FAQs

What is a Universal Travel Pass?

A universal travel pass is a digital pass issued by the government to facilitate hassle-free travel during restrictions such as lockdowns or emergencies. Initially introduced in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, it allows eligible individuals to use public transport, including trains and buses, without restrictions. This pass is linked to an individual’s Aadhaar and is typically issued to essential workers and those in specific sectors.

How Can I Apply for a Universal Travel Pass Online?

To apply for a universal travel pass online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website – Go to the designated government portal for the universal travel pass application.
2. Register and Login – Provide your mobile number and complete the OTP verification.
3. Upload Necessary Documents – Submit ID proof, employment verification (if required), and other supporting documents.
4. Select Category – Choose the appropriate category, such as healthcare, education, or essential services.
5. Submit Application – Once all details are provided, submit the application and wait for approval.
6. Download the Pass – If approved, you can download and print the universal travel pass for easy use.
    

Who is Eligible for a Universal Travel Pass?

Eligibility for a universal travel pass is generally limited to:

• Employees in essential services, such as healthcare, education, and public utilities.
• Individuals working in government-recognised sectors require unrestricted movement.
• People who need access to public transport due to work-related travel.
  
   

For those wondering how to get a Universal Travel Pass, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and apply online through the official portal. If your application is approved, you will receive a QR-coded digital pass for travel convenience.