Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many travel restrictions put in place that have affected travel between India and Canada. Those entering Canada from January 15 onward are asked to show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Additionally, Canadians are asked to avoid non-essential travel.
By Staff Reporter
9 January 2022
The increase in Omicron variant infections has led to Canada enhancing testing and monitoring requirements for international travel. The government of Canada originally implemented a ban on incoming travel from 10 African countries: South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, and Egypt. Although the ban was set to expire on January 31, it was lifted on December 18 at 11:59 pm. This happened before the current restrictions placed by the Ontario government, but no further details have been released since it was lifted. Starting January 15, any person entering Canada must have a negative pre-entry COVID-19 test result and be fully vaccinated. A shortage of COVID-19 tests and cancelled flights have also made it increasingly difficult to travel as the Omicron variant continues to spread.
For travelers coming to Canada from India, the measures put in place since November 2021, when direct flights resumed between the two countries, still remain in place. Passengers eligible to enter Canada and travelling by direct flights from India need to obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, located above the metro station in the Airport Connect Building (ACB) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport with the test being done within 18 hours before their scheduled departure. Those who travel from India to Canada via an indirect route still need to provide a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.
India has also revised its travel requirements from January 7th. All international passengers coming to India must mandatorily quarantine at home for seven days, followed by an RT-PCR test on the eighth day. While isolating was earlier mandatory for those arriving from “at risk” countries, the rules have been extended to all international passengers. On the eighth day, if they test negative, they will have to further self-monitor their health for next 7 days. However, if found positive, they “shall be managed at an isolation facility” as per protocol and their samples will be sent for genomic surveillance. The Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has also increased the list of “at risk” countries from 12 to 19 last week. Eight more countries — Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia and Zambia — were added to the list. Earlier, countries in Europe, including the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Ghana, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Israel were specified as “at risk”. All travellers from these countries have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests on arrival. The must wait for the results at the airport before leaving or taking a connecting flight.
Here are the official instructions and guidelines from the two countries
For Canada- Guidelines International Travel
For India- Revised guidelines for International Travelers