Those who have inoculated with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can now visit Sikkim from 5 July, as the state government has lifted the temporary ban on the entry of visitors from other parts of the country. The Sikkim government had earlier prohibited the entry of tourists since March this year following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

In a notification, the state Home Department said fully vaccinated tourists can enter the Himalayan state through Rangpo in East Sikkim and Melli in South Sikkim after exhibiting their vaccination certificates at the border check-gates. The state government has also allowed hotels, guest houses and homestays to operate at 50 per cent capacity from today with strict adherence to COVID protocols.

Shopping malls, showrooms and shops have also been allowed to open at full capacity with strict compliance with safety guidelines.