The Canadian government recently extended the flight ban to and from India for another month. To control the spread of the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus, the flight ban has been extended until September 21, 2021. Initially, the ban was introduced in April as a high proportion of Indian travelers were testing positive for the Covid-19 virus. However, as Canada prepares for the oncoming third wave, the government determined it is in the best interest for the ban to continue.
This includes suspension of all direct commercial and private passenger flights. Currently, only direct cargo flights, medical transfers, and military flights are allowed.
How Can Indian Travelers Come to Canada?
Since the ban is only on direct flights, Indian travelers can take an indirect route to come to Canada. Regardless of your purpose of visit, all travelers from India are required to take a pre-arrival Covid-19 test from a third country, taken no more than 72 hours of their arrival in Canada. The third country can be any other than India.
How Will the Ban Affect Travelers from India?
India is the top source country for international students to Canada. Almost 30% of the international student population in Canada comes from India. This ban comes at a time when schools and universities in Canada are planning to restart in-person classrooms in the fall. This will create a hurdle for international students coming from India. Even if their universities have a Covid-19 readiness plan, this ban will mean extra travel planning and budgeting for both parents and students.
