On September 27, Transport Canada lifted the months-long ban on direct flights between the nation and India. Earlier this year, soaring COVID-19 case numbers in India triggered the ban.
In April, Transport Canada halted direct private and commercial flights between Pakistan, India and Canada. Air Canada’s website currently shows many direct flights available between New Delhi and Toronto and New Delhi and Vancouver.
Transport Canada tweeted that direct flights from India could land in Canada with specific public health measures required for travelers. All travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 18 hours of their departure from New Delhi.
Travelers must take a PCR test manufactured by Genestrings Laboratory. Passengers may schedule their tests online and take them at Delhi Airport’s international terminal.
Travelers who previously tested positive for COVID-19 between 14 and 180 days before their flight may show their positive PCR test from a certified lab. In order to enter Canada, travelers must be fully vaccinated with one of the Health Canada-approved vaccines.
Transport Canada recommends that all passengers verify any additional travel requirements with their airline and the ArriveCAN website. Travelers taking an indirect flight must have a negative PCR within 72 hours of the first leg of their journey.
These requirements apply to travelers aged five years and older. At this time, Air Canada is the only airline offering service to and from New Delhi.
Some travelers arriving in Canada must undergo a no-cost COVID-19 arrival test. A randomization process selects which travelers to test.
Passengers may continue to their destination before receiving their arrival test results.
Each Canadian province or territory maintains its own specific plan for reopening.
Under its Roadmap to Reopen, Ontario eased capacity limits on indoor gatherings on September 25. British Columbia increased indoor and outdoor event capacity to 50% this week.