With the updated Covid-19 protocols, Canada has lifted the months-long ban on direct passenger flights from India, and flights will resume on September 27. Here are the rules to follow.
Canada has lifted a month-long restriction on direct passenger flights from India which was imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic’s threats. From September 27, all flights are set to restart.
The federal government led by Justin Trudeau extended the ban on all direct commercial and private passenger flights from India until September 26 last week. Passengers from India can now travel to Canada, although with a few precautions, including as a negative Covid-19 test report from an accredited laboratory at Delhi airport.
“As of September 27, 2021, direct flights from India to Canada will resume,” the Government of Canada said in a release.
Passengers travelling from India to Canada will be expected to adhere to the following steps, according to a news release published by Transport Canada earlier this week in light of the Covid-19 situation:
- Obtain a negative Covid-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, which is located above the metro station in the Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Airport Connect Building (ACB). The report should be taken no later than 18 hours prior to the departure time.
- Before boarding, show the air operators the test report with the QR code supplied by this laboratory.
Alternatively, travellers who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past can also produce a positive molecular test issued by an authorized laboratory in India. The date of collection has to be between 14 and 180 days prior to their anticipated departure to Canada.
For those traveling on indirect flights:
-Passengers travelling from India to Canada via an indirect route must still present a negative Covid-19 molecular test result from a third country prior to completing their journey to Canada.
It should be noted, however, that certain nations still refuse to allow passengers arriving from India or people who have already tested positive for Covid-19 admission or transit.
Testing for Covid-19 for transit travellers may not be available at all international airports or other countries.
If you test positive while in transit, you may be subjected to local quarantine restrictions or be sent back to your point of origin.
– India’s new age travel digital media