Canada has extended ban on direct commercial and private flights from India until at least September 21 due to concerns over the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus.
The travel prohibition was scheduled to expire on August 21, making the latest move the fifth extension of the ban since it was first imposed on April 22, due to fears in Canada over the devastating second wave of the pandemic in India.
Despite America currently recording over 100,000 new daily coronavirus cases, Transport Canada has relaxed the entry for fully vaccinated US citizen and permanent residents.
Transport Canada said the decision on travel from India was based “on the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada”.
It said the Canadian government “continues to closely monitor the epidemiological situation, and will be working closely with the government of India and aviation operators to ensure appropriate procedures are put in place to enable a safe return of direct flights as soon as conditions permit”.
Transport Canada also extended the requirement regarding the pre-departure Covid-19 molecular tests from third-country for travellers to Canada from India via an indirect route.
“This means passengers who depart India for Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain a valid Covid-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than India – before continuing their journey to Canada,” Transport Canada said.
On the other hand, Canada is introducing measures to relax travel restrictions to India. If the situation remains under control by September 7, Canada has decided, it will open its borders to travellers who are fully vaccinated with Ottawa-approved anti-Covid shots at least 14 days before entering Canada and those who meet all the entry requirements.
