If you’re wondering whether one of the most desired tourist destinations – Goa, is open for business, this will put a smile on your face. Yes, Goa is open for tourism and welcomes travellers with open arms. 

The tourism industry in Goa gradually reopened through the various stages of ‘unlock’ following the Coronavirus pandemic. International travel was initially subject to stringent restrictions. However, as of today, in 2022, both domestic and foreign visitors can freely visit Goa.

You can look into my ultimate solo travel guide to Goa if it’s your first time in this tropical state. 

In this blog, I’ll go over everything you need to know before visiting the land of sun, sand, and sea. This includes all the post-pandemic rules and regulations, the open places, where to stay in Goa, what to pack, and some precautions to take when travelling to the diverse state of Goa.

1. First, let’s take a glance at Goa tourism rules:

Goa tourism department created these rules to operate tourism smoothly without further jeopardising people’s health and escalating the Covid-19 cases. And if you break certain rules, you might even end up paying a fine.

Rules for domestic travellers:

• You can travel inter-state without any hassle.
• You must be fully vaccinated, and do not forget to carry a copy of it while travelling.

Foreign visitors to Goa must follow the following rules:

• When you arrive, you should complete a self-declaration form stating that you are safe, healthy, and fit.
• If you are a symptomatic traveller, you must have a Rapid Antigen Test performed (RAT). You will be transferred to the covid care centre if your test results are positive.

Common rules for all travellers:

• All visitors must go through the mandatory thermal screening.
• Remember to install the Aarogya Setu App and mark yourself as “safe.”

2. What are places currently open in Goa?

Now that you know the guidelines let’s come to the fun part. Almost everything is open in Goa with minimum to no restrictions.

Beaches – the heart of Goa

Goa and beaches have become synonymous with time. As a result, it is difficult for me to imagine touring Goa without visiting the beaches. Fortunately, nowadays, all beaches are open to visitors without limitations. This also implies you have access to all the daring water sports. From my favourite Palolem beach in South Goa to the popular Baga beach in North Goa, read about the top 10 beaches in Goa you should visit on a solo venture. 

Nightclubs and restaurants

Initially, the nightclubs, pubs, bars, and casinos were only half full. However, in the majority of cases, the restrictions have been lifted. The top venues are open, such as Sinq Night Club, Hammerzz Nightclub, Deltin Royale, Casino Pride, and others. As a result, you can now fully appreciate Goa’s nightlife.

Many restaurants in Goa now operate in a limited capacity, while others have full capacity. After the pandemic, even some restaurants have been converted into only takeaways. 

All these are subject to change, so you should always look them up before going.

Beach shacks

Nothing can beat the beach shack vibe in Goa, and now they are running at full capacity. Shacks are, without a doubt, the liveliest place in Goa. You can spend time on the beach, participate in various activities, sample some of the most delectable Goan cuisines, and even stay for a night or more in certain shacks. The average cost of eating and hanging out in a shack starts from Rs. 1000. But overnight stays might cost you somewhere between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 depending upon the shack.

Cruises

You can choose cruises if you prefer to experience a place differently. Although cruises were closed during the pandemic, they have now reopened the maximum number of cruises operating in Goa.

Sightseeing places

All of Goa’s picturesque locations are open for sightseeing. You can easily roam around the state and explore if you follow the basic rules.

3. Places to stay in Goa

Tourists were only permitted to stay in government-approved hotels following the lockdown. You also had to book your accommodations ahead of time. But not anymore, as this requirement has recently been removed. However, thermal screenings, sanitizations, and contact tracing are still used in most hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs. Some of these locations might still restrict public access to community areas.

A little tip: For safety, I advise my fellow solo female travellers to book accommodations in advance, whether it is a rule or not. 

4. Pack the essentials

Packing light and smart, whether pre or post-pandemic, has long been my mantra. Here is my list of must-have items for your solo trip to Goa.

• Today, you probably can’t go anywhere without a bottle of sanitizer. So add it to your bag right now.
• Surface disinfectants are essential to have on hand, especially when travelling.
• Remember to bring plenty of reusable masks (please, throw them in a dustbin).
• Wear clothes that are appropriate for the time of your visit.

Don’t forget to carry your sunglasses, SPF bottles, hats, and slippers when going to the beach.

5. Safety precautions

It is always the responsibility of the traveller to travel responsibly. So, keep these precautions in mind, and you’ll be fine.

1. Do not be a part of an overcrowded environment.
2. Make sure your stay is clean and adheres to Goa’s rules.
3. When taking public transportation, wear a mask.
4. Sanitize your hands regularly.
5. Schedule a rapid antigen test immediately if you experience any symptoms during your trip.

So are you ready to travel to India’s tiny yet diverse state?

I’ve been looking forward to visiting Goa for as long as you have. And I hope this blog has relieved you and brought your wait to an end. 

During my recent solo trip to Goa, I realised that the pandemic not only paused our lives for some time but also changed our perspective on travel. The beauty of Goa, on the other hand, has not changed. So, without further ado, plan your Goa trip and have a safe journey ahead!